On the Road to Lisboa - March 25

My road from Bern to Lisbon was a long hard one.

Getting to the train in Bern was a hurdle. I spent too much time enjoying the markets and stores and had to rush to get the train. My rolling luggage got a rock stuck in one of the wheel wells causing one wheel to lock up. After about 200 feet, I realized that the rock wasn't going to dislodge, on its own. I didn't have any spare time to stop and try to dislodge it. Trains are punctual and its your fault if you miss them.

While I dragged the luggage into the station, past the shoppes, onto the platform and into the train, I realized that these were not titanium wheels. I shaved the wheel flat. What did that matter, it wasn't spinning anyway. And thats when I saw the rock simply fall out of the luggage wheel well. No matter how I had to try to shock it out by rolling backwards or banging it in various ways, it did not come out. But, once I stopped trying, it came out on its own. Ugh

I rant about this because for the rest of my trip - the next eight days. The damn thing "clippity-clopped" every 7 inches. That near perfect straight edge on that wheel clapped every time it came around - about every 7 inches.

I was on the train to the Geneva airport. It was a sunny day and the alps held my attention.











I made my way from the train to the airport terminal and was happy to see that it looked like a slow day. The ticket windows were deserted, except at the far end of the terminal. I kept looking for Easyjet as I got closer and closer to the packed end of the terminal. I saw orange all over that end - the color of easy jet. Oh well. I'll be in a line for a bit.

People moving this way and that. No plush ropes, no organization that I could see at all. After staying in the mob for 15 minutes, I learned that I had to get my own boarding pass and luggage tags from a kiosk. Since I really wasn't in a line, I didn't lose my place.

I got my tags and my seat pass and then wondered what the ticket windows were doing besides accepting our luggage. I found out from idle chit chat that that is ALL they do. The crowd wasn't organized at all. Everyone was pushing ahead of each other - in a civilized manner - with smiles and giggles. I realized that I had been there 40 minutes and my plane was leaving in another 45 minutes and I had no idea how long this could take.

Away from the crowd, I saw some injured skiers using a customer service window to leave their luggage and be carted away to their gates. I 'limped' over to the seats next to this 'opportunity.' I acted like I was in a bit of pain and adjusted and readjusted my leg brace, while putting it out for all to see. One of the lovely 'customer service' woman saw my act and asked if I needed any assistance.

I said that I needed to drop my luggage and make my way to the gate. "It takes me a little longer than most." She looked right and left and held her hand out for my documents. As I excused myself through the crowd - I had the biggest smile on my face. "Squeaky joint gets the oil." As my old man used to say.

Easy flight to Lisbon. I caught a little nap, I hope I didn't snuggle to much with the femme petite next to me. Lisbon airport is airy, clean and efficient. The tourist office helped me make reservations at a lovely four star hotel. Huge room, nice bathroom overlooking a quiet street. I fell asleep quickly. Traveling takes a lot out of you.





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