“I don’t know if I’ll make it,” Astrid texts, “because my handle didn’t work.” You have to read between the lines, otherwise you won’t understand anything
When you fly, you have to operate with moderation
Some airlines are stricter about the rules than others. Astrid was able to fly from Rotterdam to Lisbon with Transavia at a reasonable time for a reasonable price – always nice to spend some time on that. In terms of train, it would just about work. An hour between landing and the train – it should be possible.
But then the handle didn’t work. No way to get it back in. I also have one of those trolleys. After so many times back and forth, they seem to be programmed to stop working, and that makes them pretty worthless.
She wasn’t allowed in the cabin with a sticking-out handle. He had to go in the luggage compartment. Too bad. Then you can’t get out of the plane and walk away, get in a taxi and go to the train. And the worst part was: it was the only train because it was Saturday. On Saturdays, the portuguese railways stop early.
Nothing but praise for the portuguese railways, mind you
It was a cliffhanger until the end, but unfortunately, the rotten suitcase was of course one of the last to come out. “Not fair because he was one of the last to go in, so according to the laws of probability he should have been the first to come out again” Astrid texts after the train’s departure time. “I’ll just go and find out on the airport wifi where I can stay tonight.”
“Of course, under a bridge is always an option, but a hotel will be more comfortable” I joke back, to keep the spirits up a bit. “I’m going to make a plan” is the answer, “I would have preferred to be in Porto now, I know that better, but it is what it is. See you later or tomorrow then!”
Thank goodness we have the internet, otherwise you would be completely dependent on a taxi driver – as it used to be. And we all know that most of them are happy to take advantage of an opportunity when it presents itself. And it did, of course, because Astrid is clearly a foreigner who speaks a few words of Portuguese by now, after all these years, but not enough to prevent the taxi from driving a mile or so to eventually land a few streets beyond the airport.
Flying with obstacles
It all worked out. Of course. It usually does. We are already busy making a new mosaic, because Astrid is just as crazy about mosaics as I am. She has been coming here for years to make beautiful things, and to rest from the Dutch hustle and bustle in between. “My home away from home,” she says, “don’t bother, I know the way.”
After we have stuck the first sign on, she grabs the broom to clean up the crumbs and leftover cement glue. “I would have been better off flying with this one” she laughs “then you don’t have to worry about handles or dimensions or anything!”
* Most companies use these criteria: 40x30x20. You’re welcome!
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We moved here in 2000 from Rotterdam, the Netherlands, to the Termas-da-Azenha, Portugal.
A big step, especially with two small children.
We are busy to rebuild one of portugals cultural heirlooms: Termas-da-Azenha, an old spa which has been turned into several holiday houses, rooms and a campsite.
You’ll find mosaics and paintings everywhere.
Since 2018 we call ourselves the first B&B&B in the world – Bed & Breakfast & Bathrobes. You can buy a home-made unique bathrobe/housecoat with us.
Each week a little blog about what is happening around us. An easy read. A few minutes in another world. A little about what it going on in Portugal. If you plan your holiday to Portugal, it might be a nice preparation
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