Kathy was coming by train (replacement bus Southampton to salisbury) then airport bus (A1). She was ill. The usual nausea/weakness, but she was very afraid she wouldn’t even get into Italy, never mine back out again. We dumped her stuff and headed to the bar. Although it was 10pm she hadn’t eaten. Luckily nachos cure all.
By now it was 10.30. Chris was in bed, Kathy was Ill (but nachoed), and the little ones hadn’t even arrived for the first night of the holiday. Just as Ian was getting more brandy (no ice) the call came that they were in the Uber. “A beer and a G and T please dad!”. About 11.30 we called it a night. We had an early start in the morning. But when don’t we.
So, the world doesn’t seem such a good place at 4am. Nevertheless we all managed to drag ourselves up and check out. We filled our breakfast bags with goodies, mainly pastries, although Chris made the mistake of adding pastrami to his and spent most of the morning worrying it would contaminate his sweet things. Across the road we strolled to the TUI check in. Surprisingly, we didn’t have to wait too long and were soon airside with narry a strip search between us. But I have to tell you that Brizzle airport is not sanitary. A guy in front in the queue knew loads of people and proceeded to break government protocols again and again by shaking hands loads. People all around were coughing, and not into their elbows. I went to the loo and a woman only sang happy birthday once whilst washing her hands. Let’s hope things are better in Italy.
We found a table and got ourselves (well, Alex got us) coffee, and waited for our gate to be posted. And waited. And waited. All around were being called while we sat drinking coffee
“I think we’ll be at gate 3, right over there, so they know we don’t have to walk far like the rest of the poor souls”. Vicky postulated. Almost immediately the board changed. Verona, go to gate 3. Hmm. We boarded easily, mainly due to the fact the plane was half empty. Wonder why that was.
Entering Enter Air
Early mornings don’t suit some people
Soon we were on our way in our Enter Air very safe (as the captain worryingly put it) 737. And soon after we were landing in Verona. Comfortingly we had our temp taken on entry, all passed. Just the temp guys were wearing masks, surprisingly. Not long to wait at the carousel as there weren’t many bags on the plane, although there was a bit of excitement when a doctor was hailed and went rushing into a first aid room. Wonder why that was! Ask no questions seems the best policy. The Crystal reps were on hand to direct us to our bus. A list on the front window showed eleven passengers expected, two were crossed out, and another didn’t show up. Just the eight of us then. Wonder why that was. The journey up to Madonna took just over two hours (no toilet stop) and the driver left us outside the Alpen Hotel Vidi. In reception we were met by a pleasant man. ‘Walters you say? Crystal phoned and told us you had cancelled.’ Well, no, cos here we are! Luckily for us he rallied and rustled us up some rooms. Vicky and Alex were pursuaded to go for their skis at this point, then we had a leisurely lunch in a nice cafe.
Fed and watered the day took a distinct turn for the worse when Vicky insisted we watch the Rotherham v Rochdale game on iPlayer. Nuff said. Some of us napped. We showered (hot and powerful) then assembled for dinner. We have our own table, good job because only half the tables are taken, wonder why that is. Our choices were read to us by a man who makes the most boring priest in Ireland seem interesting. By the end we were all pleasantly stuffed.
Our table with Alex disobeying the order to LEAN IN!!
Apres dinner Brandy
Apres dinner cocktails courtesy of Maurissimo of Sicily
A few drinks followed in the bar, where it was just us. Wonder why that is. By then, 9.30, we were all ready for bed. As Vicky drifted off her BBC news app pinged. “The whole of Northern Italy to be put into lockdown!!”. She rolled over and went to sleep.
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