Somehow PC&I were able to make it through the ash before the airport closed in London. I never thought for a second that the ash would make it this far, but sure enough, the Vienna airport is closed now! As much as I love and enjoy having family here and I've always thought that their trip was shorter than I liked, I am so curious how this is going to work out.
Even after their first close call, their quick take off out before the air was too ashy, I never thought that our train rides to Venice and back would be effected. But, that wasn't all we were in for. I've ridden in OeBB trains many times and every time was very pleasant in 1st and 2nd class. This was my first night trip. To my dismay, our train car was not what I was expecting. We were originally put in a Liegenwagon - the cheap sleeping cars with 6 beds - that were not made out with sheets or pillows, but still more restful than sitting upright. I. went to sleep and all was going well. Then, after the OeBB part of the train divided off at Salzburg, the new conductor woke up C. and I. with a start (P. and I were exploring the train, unsuccessfully looking for food), turned on all the lights, and told her we were not allowed to sleep like that, and reset the room for two benches facing each other, with no dividers or anything to lean on in the middle. Needless to say, we were not fans of this man. We were all so tired, none of us thought to pay to switch seats. But before long, the whole train was filled with people sitting the hall way next to our room. I'm sure being in a room helped with noise but the heat was terrible.
Long story short, we arrived at the train stations a little worse for the wear. The sunny day that was forecast gave way to scattered rain. But, J. and A. met with us and the showed us around this glorious city! Venice was such a perfect combination of Old Word decaying decadence city and a clean, friendly tourist town. It really is the perfect place of a Honeymoon or some other "do nothing" vacation. The little mask stores were a little redundant, but the cafes were great. We found one right on the Grand Canal to get a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, and sweet things but were all feeling so comfortable (and tired and not wanting to walk in the rain) we stayed for dinner. It was a great place for people watching, but mostly I enjoyed getting to talk with my friends and play with little I.
We went back to the train station early to try to upgrade our seats. C. got in the ticket purchasing line while J. and I searched for information. After some time in the information lines, I finally got into the office and explained my situation to the clerk. He laughed in my face! He then apologized to told me that there no seats available leaving Venice for the next 5 days. That's right. All these people standing in the 3 hours in all these lines were just trying to somewhere, standing. He explained that the conductor would be happy to upgrade us to whatever he had available if there was a cancellation or something, but he could not help us - but we should realize our luck!
So, sadly, we were on exactly the same train going back. But, we understood where we stood in the world. I talked to the conductor and he, in a stained voice explained that someone had even double booked one of the sleeping rooms and he had no idea what he was going to do. He had asked for another car for the train, but he was denied. I wanted to give him a hug. He seemed genuinely concerned for the people as though he was our host, caught without enough rooms. It was such a different attitude than the last guy we dealt with! Plus, how he had the cars set, the headrests were low enough and rapped around so we could lean on them to sleep. I. and I slept pretty well I think. P&C were so forgone from jet lag and then dealing with a sleepy child, I have no idea how it was for them. After I slept until 4 I got up and gave Paul my comfy window seat and explored. I watched the sun rise in Austria with a guy who gave me his extra yogurt drink and some cookies (his group was very prepared!) And, by then most of the crowds had gone, so I found an empty bed with some American students and fell asleep until we were almost of Vienna.
Needless to say, I'm much better rested than P&C so today we're all taking an "easy day" at home. Vienna waits for us outside and I'm okay with that.
