Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Sorry for the silence

My thousand excuses for keeping quiet for so long.

I have been sewing but had some problem transferring photos from my camera to the computer. I need to sort that out.

I also have the problem of not being able to show photos of presents that are surprises. That will soon be sorted, after Christmas.

We left England for Paris in France last Friday, and got caught in the big problems with Eurotunnel, after the snowy storms in France.
We waited 4 hours in the car, queuing to get to the Eurotunnel terminal, only to be told that it was officially closed. 5 trains got stuck between the 2 countries, and I pity the people aboard them.
We then tried to get to the ferry, 3 hours stuck on the motorway, and when we finally escaped we tried a hotel. It was 2.30 am on Saturday. Hotel was full but the person on duty found another one the other side of Dover. We left, got lost and found the ferries. After more queuing, we were told at 4 am that there were no tickets for sale for the ferries.
At that point we were lucky to find a hotel.
Later on Saturday, after 4 h sleep, we booked a crossing for 10 pm, and arrived in Paris on Sunday morning at 4 am.

A journey that should have taken 7 h, ended after 35 h.
We were stuck in the car for 12 continuous hours with no toilets or additional drinks. Luckily I had taken some and the girls were good because it was night time.
We had not planned to pay for 6 persons in a hotel, and hope to have our money back, as we also had to pay full price to book another crossing.
For you, quilting friends far away, this problem that happened last week-end has been in the English and French papers a lot. It is a disgrace for the Tunnel Company. They had nothing for the thousand of people stuck in their trains. No food nor drink.

Now we are rested, and amply fed by my Mum, everything is fine.
Tomorrow we will listen to the Christmas Mass and have a massive family meal. then Father Christmas will come...

I wish you all, who come and read my little posts, a very Merry Christmas, with lots of sewing related presents, and your loved ones around you.

Pascale.

4 comments:

Kandy Newton said...

Oh my dear Pascale - we heard all about the troubles on the radio and TV and I wondered if you had been caught up in it all. Or if you were on one of the ferries, the weather was so bad, I thought that was probably horrible too. I'm so sorry you had such a horrible journey over to France, your poor girls, I'll bet you were all shattered. I'm sure the rest of your Christmas break will be lovely and you will have a super time and then come back to the Uk all rested. Merry Christmas, Kandy x

loulee said...

Sounds awful. So glad you all arrived safely with your mum. Enjoy a very merry christmas.

Anonymous said...

Hi Pascal, I have heard of the problem of Eurotunnel and the weather there was. I am sorry that you had an adventure so shocking. Even here in northern Italy, we had complete paralysis. Aircraft canceled, canceled trains, roads and highways with sheets of ice that have caused many accidents.
We have holed up at home !!!!!
Thanks for the wishes, I renew to you again.
Waiting to see your new work when you solve your problem with the camera!
Ciao
Cathy

sewkalico said...

What a journey. I remember reading of it, but didn't think I know anyone experiencing it!! Glad it's all over now!