the day of problems

Fail #1

• Flight canceled b/c the french air traffic control went on strike
• Solution: Kristin found an overnight train and booked tickets

Fail #2

• Missed our check out time at the hotel. To be fair, we were never told a time
• Solution: We did a rush pack, and the hotel gave us extra time, no charge. It wasn't a big deal in the end

Fail #3

• We were completely unable to contact our Paris guesthouse about our changed itinerary
• First, it was the wrong phone number. We eventually figured out the real number
• Failed public pay phones - out of order
• Failed phone card - uncertain why
• Failed internet and international phone cafe - dude running it was a jerk
• Failed mobile phone - bad Italian network?
• Solution: We never found a phone solution, so we resorted to an email even though guesthouse said they needed a phone call

Fail #4

• Delayed train. 1 1/2 hours late. Another 1/2 hour delay after boarding
• Solution: Wine

Fail #5

• Our seats were in the same car, but different compartments
• Solution: We did get 2 hours together before we picked up Kristin's riding companions in Florence. However, no one wanted to switch, so we traveled separately

Fail #6

• Border and immigration problems. Train delayed another 1 1/2 hours
• Solution: Coffee, cribbage, and books in the restaurant car

Fail #7

• Frantic texts and missed calls with guesthouse once in Paris
• Solution: Donna checked in on our behalf

All in all, the day wasn't that bad. We made the best of it and tried to use our time to do some fun stuff together. I would say our European backpacking trip was very successful since this was the only difficult portion during our month of traveling.