skinsk
06-27-2007, 10:44 PM
once again i prove you don't have to go climbing to have an epic!
so on the 21st i head out to austria for my sister's wedding. . . and for the 2nd time in a year i get stopped at immigration because despite the M on my visa, it's not in their computer as multiple entry. never mind that i quadruply asked at jeonju immigration because they've screwed up my visa 3 times. . . anyway, probably thanks to the wheelchair (still have the broken foot), they didn't fine me, and even sent their guy to my bank to get the W30,000 extra won. . .
alles gut until vienna, where the airport was shut down due to storms and we were diverted to budapest. sitting for 4 hours on the runway (granted, the storm did shake the plane a bit). . . and a little after 16 hours since we left beijing, we landed in vienna. all connecting flights missed, all hotel rooms taken, i camped in the airport with 150 other people. . . of course, the last restaurant/cafe had closed. . . but no worries as i happened to be up at 5 whe it opened. . . i was able to skype my sis who was waiting for the last flight to graz as i'd been told i'd make it before we were asked to turn off cell phones (a romanian guy texted her for me from the plane)
fortunately i arrived in graz at daniela's wedding -1, after yet another delay in the flight from vienna. that's more than i can say for my luggage. fortunately i carried the dress for the wedding, was able to buy underwear that morning, and borrowed some shoes from the groom's mom, contact lenses from my sis. . .
sadly, the backpack (with shoes, harness, chalkbag and belay device as well as books, gifts, clothes etc for the next two months) is still awol and austrian air has been mixed in their helpfulness. they don't seem too concerned for the most part, and have sent me around in circles and let me fill out lots of forms. in 45 days i can make a claim for minimal reimbursement. . . but the worst is the more sentimental items-- all my "favorites" that i wanted with me for 2 months of chillin' in europe. and i've had to buy new clothes, personal items etc. . .
do send powerful thoughts, prayers or euro. . . don't fly austrian!! do be careful, pack contacts and glasses in your carryon (better yet, carry it all on!) and have a good summer. . . i'll try to check in from time to time. . . peace
so on the 21st i head out to austria for my sister's wedding. . . and for the 2nd time in a year i get stopped at immigration because despite the M on my visa, it's not in their computer as multiple entry. never mind that i quadruply asked at jeonju immigration because they've screwed up my visa 3 times. . . anyway, probably thanks to the wheelchair (still have the broken foot), they didn't fine me, and even sent their guy to my bank to get the W30,000 extra won. . .
alles gut until vienna, where the airport was shut down due to storms and we were diverted to budapest. sitting for 4 hours on the runway (granted, the storm did shake the plane a bit). . . and a little after 16 hours since we left beijing, we landed in vienna. all connecting flights missed, all hotel rooms taken, i camped in the airport with 150 other people. . . of course, the last restaurant/cafe had closed. . . but no worries as i happened to be up at 5 whe it opened. . . i was able to skype my sis who was waiting for the last flight to graz as i'd been told i'd make it before we were asked to turn off cell phones (a romanian guy texted her for me from the plane)
fortunately i arrived in graz at daniela's wedding -1, after yet another delay in the flight from vienna. that's more than i can say for my luggage. fortunately i carried the dress for the wedding, was able to buy underwear that morning, and borrowed some shoes from the groom's mom, contact lenses from my sis. . .
sadly, the backpack (with shoes, harness, chalkbag and belay device as well as books, gifts, clothes etc for the next two months) is still awol and austrian air has been mixed in their helpfulness. they don't seem too concerned for the most part, and have sent me around in circles and let me fill out lots of forms. in 45 days i can make a claim for minimal reimbursement. . . but the worst is the more sentimental items-- all my "favorites" that i wanted with me for 2 months of chillin' in europe. and i've had to buy new clothes, personal items etc. . .
do send powerful thoughts, prayers or euro. . . don't fly austrian!! do be careful, pack contacts and glasses in your carryon (better yet, carry it all on!) and have a good summer. . . i'll try to check in from time to time. . . peace