Friday, April 18, 2008

conversion


Unfortunately (and I use the word advisedly), it looks like I'm probably going to be stuck (and I also use that word advisedly) in France and, most likely, Italy for the next couple of weeks. Due to a series of mix-ups, which were at least 80% my fault, I just missed my plane home yesterday. Now, I know that close only counts in horse shoes and hand grenades, but I was so frustrated that I sat down on my suitcase in the middle of the floor, disregarding the passing crowds of travelers and bit my lip so I wouldn't cry. When I finally found an airline representative who could help me, she informed me that, unless I wanted to fork over something on the order of 600 euros,* the next available flight would be on May 3.

Clearly, this is far from the worst thing in the world and I'm sure I'll have a wonderful time, but there is that small matter of explaining this all to my boss. Who is not going to be pleased. Not even a little.



*To get some sense of how much that is, check out the currency converter below. It's fun and educational.





edited to add: The photo is of an empty seat at the Charles de Gaulle airport. It symbolizes -- well, you know what it symbolizes.

35 comments:

S said...

if your boss is really that irked, he'll pay the outrageous fee to get you home sooner, no?

otherwise, enjoy yourself. i would.

Unknown said...

that number is really almost laughable, except that they are serious. Enjoy the pastry!

Maggie said...

Oh no! I would have totally freaked out...I don't do very well with things not going according to plan.

But I hope that you manage to enjoy yourself while you're there...and I'm selfishly excited to see what other great things you find to take pictures of...

Amanda said...

I don't feel very sorry for you. In fact, I may fork over 600 euros to come be get stuck with you. I hope your boss not only understands, but that he's as envious as I am.

And I'm with slouching mom -- if he's not understanding, he should pay to fly you home and write it off as a business expense.

Amanda said...

"be get stuck..." Nice. Where's a proofreader when you need one?

Amelie said...

Ugh. I don't want to think about trying to explain that to my boss. Maybe Slouching Mom is right and you could get the extra charges paid? (I'm not sure I would feel better in that case, but well, at least you would get back when you're supposed to...)
Otherwise, this is a lovely region of the world, so I'm sure you wouldn't get bored.

Anonymous said...

Like maggie, I would have freaked out. I can be a bit of a wreck when it comes to traveling anyway.

So I guess it's more macarons and wine for you! Enjoy!

Which Box said...

Eh, quit and slouch around Europe for the next 9ish months (should the transfer, you know...). It'll be the equivalent of bedrest for the surrogate, except unlike being pregnant you'll get to drink all the wine you want. But also unlike being pregnant, you won't be able to eat as much as you want. Though the cheese.....

EmmaL said...

Oh, I say enjoy yourself! What I wouldn't give for a little accidental vacation...I mean, it seems like that might be the only way I can get one these days. I would love to get myself stuck somewhere. The exchange is crazy - I work with colleagues in the EU all the time and we are always going back and forth about fees for projects!

Tash said...

And by biting your lip trying not to cry you really meant jumping up and down and clapping? I mean if this airline (derregulation bullshit) is going to impact people, I would hope it would be to strand them in glorious places with delicious food and beverages for a few more days. Maybe if your boss coughs up the money for the trip home you can fake caving . . .

cinnamon gurl said...

Seriously?!? Well, there are worse places in the world to be stuck in. Can't you work from Italy? Though I guess that would be VERY dangerous precedent for your workplace to set... Enjoy!

Aunt Becky said...

Can I confess that maybe I am just a little bit jealous?

Magpie said...

Such a conundrum. Isn't the extra two weeks likely to cost that selfsame $1000? Of course, if you WANT to stay in France, and Italy...

I can't say I'm not just a little envious!

Emma's mom said...

I once missed a flight while sitting at the correct gate with my headphones on and my nose in a book. (Gah. I'm really embarrassed to write that sentence.) Unfortunately, there was a seat on another flight an hour later.

Enjoy your time in France and Italy!

painted maypole said...

hope that you turn these extra few weeks into an adventure and a gift!

niobe said...

Magpie: We've already rented the apartment in Paris through June and, because school vacation is next week, the arrangements (except for a train ticket for me if I go) for Italy had already been made and paid for.

So, no, it won't cost nearly as much. Unless, of course, I decide to go on some kind of spending spree.

Antropóloga said...

I missed a flight once. I went to the bathroom and CRIED and WAILED. People asked me if I was okay. But it all turned out okay. Sorry for the frustration. Hopefully you will get some time to relax before the upcoming excitement. Hahaha.

Caro said...

ooops!

Clementine said...

I feel a little better for you after reading that you have already secured housing for the next 2 weeks. It sucks bigtime for your work, but hell--too bad for them! I hope that you will enjoy this impromptu vacation and take good care of yourself. Maybe you can think of this time as an unexpected gift. Best wishes!

Dr. Grumbles said...

Well, I suppose there are worse places to be stuck.

(Still frustrating, though)

Julia said...

Yeah, missing the plane feels extremely crappy. I've done it once, and never ever want to do that again.
So sorry.

Would the boss be mollified if you managed to bring back some expensive French wine (and maybe some macarons) for him/her?

Anonymous said...

:( You know where I am if you need me!

HUGS

Anonymous said...

Enjoy yourself! Sometimes, *accidents* happen for a reason! I hope something good comes of it for you!

Rachel said...

Wow. Well, enjoy your time there!

Emily said...

There are worse things...still feeling *stuck* is not overall an enjoyable sensation.

susan said...

Well, that's definitely a win-some, lose-some situation: at least you have housing. ANd I bet you'll get more good stories and photos out of the whole deal.

Anonymous said...

Enjoy your extended vacation and if your boss has a problem, tell him that will cost a grand.

Have fun in Italy!!

Monica H said...

Have yourself some more macarons and take it easy. Need company?

Sara said...

Oh I'm having a hard time feeling bad for you, but yeah I can it being difficult to explain to a boss.

Enjoy, and if you go to Italy have a cappuccino for me. Yumm

CLC said...

That's a slick move- getting stuck in Europe! I am just kidding, of course, but it does seem kind of cool that you get to spend extra time there. Hope the boss understands!

Kami said...

Chump change compared to fertility treatments!

It sounds like a good excuse to extend your stay. I think you have earned it.

Beautiful pictures - I love the one of the ladies smoking. I wish I could capture images like you.

Exciting news about the transfer too. Woohoo!

Christine said...

you'll just have to drink some more tiny cups of coffee and macarons!

hope you boss isn't too, too mad.

Unknown said...

Oh hon, I don't know whether to laugh or cry with you. Selfishly, I am looking forward to more stunning photos during your extended stay.

Antigone said...

Awesome.

I was in an almost similar position a few years back. Only, I'd missed my 1 a.m. train to the airport. I literally missed it by 30 seconds. Stupid F'in Germans. I ran up the stairs to the platform dragging my heavy suitcase and made it just in time to bang on the door and scream for the train to wait. It didn't. I ended up paying a taxi driver the equivalent of a couple hundred USD to drive me to the airport. I barely made it but I did make it.

Have fun!!!

Beck said...

I hate the feeling of being unable to leave even places I LOVE when I want too, but I hope you're having fun. For some reason, 16 of your posts just appeared all at once in my bloglines this morning - mysterious!