We’re Going to Italy

But first we have to get there! Glen’s sister was immensely kind in offering us a place to lay our heads overnight and putting up with the car until we got back. A huge peace of mind.

Thursday was one of those gloriously sunny, but cool, early spring days and with ample time before the ferry departed, a stroll along the waterfront was perfect for melting away the stress of all that planning. Shame the 2 hour drive through treacly-slow traffic the other side rather put a damper on it! But it was lovely to catch up with family we hadn’t seen in ages.

Next morning — what a weather change. Clouds and rain as we bundled into Sharon’s car for the trip to the airport. Of all the airports, Vancouver is definitely a favourite … massive windows streaming in natural light …. calming oases of vegetation and running water or rock pools, starfish and the cries of shorebirds to sit beside while waiting for your flight — what could be nicer?

All Kudos to Air France … the plane took off right on time, and the inflight food was exceptionally tasty and plentiful — although I think I made the better choice for dinner entree. The chicken in creamy sauce with rice and quinoa side slightly beat out Glen’s pasta. There was an excellent potato salad, roll and butter and a delightful confection for dessert made from mousse and sponge cake. And unlike most airline coffee, this stuff was most acceptable. Expecting breakfast to be the usual dried pastry or muffin, this was definitely not the case. Everyone received a box filled with a cornucopia of goodies … Yoghurt, fruit salad, warm savoury pastry, bread roll with butter, cream cheese and jam …. and the small but perfect coffee once more. I guess they’re getting us ready for Europe sizing.

We were a little worried about timing at Charles de Gaulle airport — only 1 hr and 35 mins to transfer across the Terminal and go through customs, so were pleased to arrive a few minutes earlier than expected. The brisk walk was appreciated after 9 hours of sitting, but as we rounded the corner a huge disorganized mass of humanity hove into view. EU passengers were processed fairly efficiently through automated customs machines, but the rest of us were shunted into the interminable zig-zag lines where nothing and no-one moved. Pleas from passengers whose boarding times were imminent were ignored or shrugged off with the masterful aplomb that only the French can achieve. With only two customs booths open and hundreds of anxious and increasingly frustrated passengers awaiting processing, it was surprising that things didn’t turn ugly or that more didn’t miss their flights. I’m afraid Charles de Gaulle airport would have trouble organizing a bun fight in the elephant enclosure!

Bags … we have Bags! Almost the first off the carousel. No resorting to emergency packs for us! Hopped aboard the just-arrived shuttle bus into town … a veritable bargain at 16 euros for the two of us as opposed to a taxi at 50. We were downtown in no time, acquired new sim cards for the phones and had phoned Alessandro (owner of the apartment) to let him know of our arrival. Once again our trusty suitcases were subjected to uneven cobble stones and sudden potholes as we jostled our way through the Saturday crowds and noisy street sellers.

Alessandro, distinguished and charming and with impeccable English, soon had us ensconced in our home for 4 days. It’s ideally situated for all the sights, yet away from the busy touristy areas – this is a neighbourhood where locals live, eat and shop. A Carrefour Express grocery is just a couple of streets away . . . perfect for immediate needs … milk, bread, deli meat, cheese, fresh pasta, beer and wine. A crate of bright orange clementines, their leaves still attached, just begged to be bought, as did some locally-grown cherry tomatoes. You could just tell they’d taste like home grown. Dinner was pasta and sauce liberally dusted with Parmesano Reggiano and clementines for dessert. Ohh the flavour — tangy, sweet … delicious.