Two summers ago, on my first trip to Europe, I got sick before I left, and was sick the entire time until I came home (I was better by then). I also neglected to bring the right plug adapter to Italy, and naturally, this mistake was bad. I could not buy one there. It then took me 2 days to get home because of flight delays, being stranded at the Rome and Montreal airports (in Montreal, a hotel an hour away from the airport with a voucher of not enough value to get me there which resulted in a lovely shouting match with a cab driver), and almost being moved off the last flight home because of overcrowding.
I also realize I might have caused some concern with the last blog about my survival skills, but the reality is that I am quite badass. That is why, despite some horrified reactions from people, I decided to take the plunge and try to see some of the freaking world.
On this trip, the little tortures that come with traveling have been frequent and strong. A few (of many) things include spending an hour of a two hour period in Munich looking for the ladies room, having to abandon needed items for the sake of time after trying in vain to unlock a broken door, somehow getting possession of counterfeit money, setting off the fire alarm in the train station (my elbow slipped, sorry), spilling my makeup all over the floor when trying to participate in an estrogen bonding experience with other girls on the group, having my headphones break before the 9 hour bus ride, and finally, coming down with the flu right as I got to Paris. Although I knew my body was shutting down, I was determined to get up the Eiffel tower with everyone. With my whole body shaking, my chest hurting every time I breathed in, and my stomach cramping, I clung to the metal handles of the elevator with one hand and to a bottle of pepto with the other. I made it up (barely), took a picture, and went back down.
“Phone numbah?”
“I don’t have a phone.”
“Email?”
“Don’t have a computer. Excuse me. I gotta go over here now.”
The next day, while the rest of the group went to Paris, I spent 14 hours in a 9 x 9 log cabin. This was probably good because I sweat so much that I probably lost a pound or two, broke the fever, and my stomach calmed down. Once I was feeling somewhat normal again, though still weak, I went to try and meet up with the group for the fancy dinner and cabaret show. A bus driver for another group offered to give me a lift, which I happily accepted. Two hours later, we had not gotten a mile from the hostel because of traffic.
I ended up having dinner with a different group and still making the cabaret show which was fun. However, during the show, I wanted a glass of water, but all they had was champagne. At the end, I was so desperate for a sip of water that I went into a bar next door and bought the only thing they had – a one-liter bottle for 6 Euro.
The contiki trip was a very efficient way to see a lot of Europe in a short amount of time (not necessarily experience it all but at least see it), and with 50 other people and a lot of claustrophobia...let’s just get to the point: I won’t be doing it again. I am thankful to be getting better now and that I didn’t lose anything of massive importance along the way. I even got to see a couple sites in Paris yesterday...without fear of throwing up. And now, finally, I’m going to Prague.
Here are a few pics:
4 comments:
not worrying notworryingnotworryingnotworryingnotworryingnotworryingnotworringnotworryingnotworryingnotworryingnotworryingnotworryingnotworrying not worrying
Dear Liz, Who said white girls can't jump! I hope that was a picture of you jumping up in Paris and not the end of a jump from the tower. Are you sure you didn't get sick on them snails? I'm sure it's an acquired taste. Sorry you had to get sick in the most romantic city on the trip. Inspite of the tummy troubles you seem to be having some great experiences, and we all can agree on the healing properties of Swiss Chocolate. I look forward to hearing about Prague knowing that you will undoubtable be in the best of health. Keep the pictures coming.
Love
Bob
Where do all the escargots?
Hi there Biz,
Although I'd already heard some of these travails, they sounded worse this time. Sorry to hear. Travel seems to have a fair amount of problems/solving/problems/solving (and so on and so on). It's perhaps not an entirely bad thing to appreciate that you've got and are developing these capacities, albeit at some cost, but I think you'll have a few stories for the grandkiddies anyway. I sure do hope the rest of the trip will be filled with glorious pleasures and deep delights.
Your aunt & I are sending lots of good wishes for a happier and easier next leg to your fabulous travels.
Love, U Nick
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