Rough Start but Good Trip to France

Hi All,

We are off to visit Campbell, Autari and family followed by a trip around France for a total of three weeks.

We flew out of Austin on Virgin Atlantic to London Heathrow with a one and a half hour layover, so John convinced me to check my “bike” from Austin to Paris and get a wheelchair assistance in London. We arrived in London 20 minutes late but the flight attendant told me that the ground knew about our close connection and would have a wheelchair on the ready — what a lie! We got off quickly and waited awhile, then took off as quickly as I could manage with a cane. About 2/3 of the way I was able to flag down a wheelchair which did help — especially since we had to go through security another time. On our way we heard the last call announcement and arrived just as the last five people were boarding!!!! Whew!

All was well until we got to baggage claim in Paris. NONE of our four items had arrived (2 of clothes, 1 bike, 1 medical equipment). After about an hour hassling with Lost Luggage, we headed to Avis to pick up our rental car, then reached the guys’ house without problem.

Here’s the good news: since I knew we were only spending one night in Paris I thought it would be a good idea to pack a nightshirt and toiletries in our carry-on; I didn’t know how good an idea this was. Campbell is some kind of supreme platinum on Air France and used his super secret special phone number to keep on checking on our luggage. After multiple phone calls and into the next day he was able to locate two bags and the bike. We didn’t yet know which two pieces of luggage.

Our plan had always been to go to Rugles that day. This is where they have had a country home for several years.

Campbell, Autari and the boys headed to Charles de Galle to get our bags while we headed to Rugles to check into our hotel there. The guys are wonderful, their house in Rugles is wonderful and our hosts at the B & B are wonderful.

After a good night’s sleep and breakfast at our B & B, we were off to meet the rest at their country home. Campbell cooked us a wonderful tomato and cheese tart fresh asparagus he had just pulled out of the garden, while Autari went to Rugles and came back with some delicious pastries. Campbell also plucked some lilac and peonies from the property — just lovely!

We watched the coronation on Campbell’s computer.

They just recently purchased another property with a large house and four outbuildings — all in need of significant restoration, which is in progress. That morning we received a message from their nanny that the remaining suitcase had been delivered to Paris-John’s clothes which pleased both of us. Campbell again used his secret number and arranged to have John’s suitcase delivered to his house in Paris the following morning.

Calder, almost four, goes at 90 MPH and loves my new fold-up cane that I had ordered online just before we left in anticipation of no bike. Aalto just smiles and smiles at all of us!

I had blown out my knee during my rush between flights so my left knee was now screaming at me. I have been told ever since my right knee replacement years and years ago that my left knee was also bone-on-bone, but it has never hurt, so…..

We had a great dinner at a local pizzeria before heading back to our B & B after saying goodbye to Campbell and family until our return to Paris for the last 2 days of our trip.

The next morning I had the very best scrambled eggs that I have ever eaten at our B & B — I know that there was a lot of cheese and butter and milk or cream — perfectly delicious! We totally changed our trip plans since we had to go back to Paris to pick up John’s suitcase.

Instead of going so far west to Nantes, we cancelled that portion of our trip and chose to spend two night in Orleans instead. As it turned out in Orleans it was the end of a week of festivities in Orleans honoring their patron, Joan of Arc, who saved the city from the English in the 1500’s. In the afternoon there was a parade and speeches but we went first to see the Cathedral.

I have no idea why there was an American flag in the parade. Go with it!

Every place to eat was closed because of the holiday, so we went to McDonald’s –especially disappointing since we had eaten at Burger King for lunch the day before on the road to Orleans. The BK was truly awful so the McD’s was much better :). The next day was John’s birthday. He opened his one card at breakfast and answered calls and messages all day from family and friends.

Then we left Orleans and headed to the Loire Valley…..but that’s the next story!

Love at all,

Beth

May 11, 2023