Let me say that there is nothing written in my diary for the next three days. I'll explain.
Our first stop of course is the American Express office to pick up mail from home. Our last mail pick-up was June 12. Shar has a telegram from home that will change everything.
Shar's Dad passed away while we were in Italy. We had a friend whose brother worked at the State Department in D.C. He checked our itinerary and had tried to figure out where we were. From information on our passports he discovered when we entered Greece, but could not locate us there. Then he found out that we were aboard the ship heading for Dubrovnik. The authorities at the port were told to look for two women traveling together. Do you remember when I said that the four of us left the ship to walk to the hotel? Well, the port authorities weren't looking for two women with two men. They missed us. So, a telegram was sent to Vienna which was our next scheduled mail drop.
Once we got the news Shar decided to fly home immediately. I agreed to go to London and speak with George and then fly home.
So, I have nothing to say about Vienna other than that I saw some nice pastry shops there. I did not even write down what hotel we were at. It would be 2005 before I visited the city again. I definitely went back and ate the pastries.
Next stop is London. Today's expenses are lumped in with tomorrow's.
I have been enjoying your blog but very sad to hear the sad news. It must have been awful for your friend. In 1967 I had planned a trip to Europe with a friend but my parents decided I was too young to go and the only way was for my friend's mother to come with us. As you can imagine that wasn't what my friend and I wanted so we put our plans on hold but we never got there until after I was married and then my husband and children went in 1995. I always thought it would have been great to go as a single girl, what fun we might have had. When my daughter was 20 she and a friend went to the UK and of course I couldn't say "no" even though I was a little worried about her so far away, but she had a great 2 yrs travelling and I think it made her grow up and be more independent. Such a great experience. I am waiting for your next episode!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. Glad you are enjoying the adventure. I agree that going off on one's own is a great way to gain confidence and independence.
DeleteWhat a sad interlude. I'm pleased you got to go back and eat pastries. I'm in London tomorrow - I'll look out for you!
ReplyDeleteWho knows, maybe we passed on the street.
DeleteOh, Denise. Of course you know the parallels to my own story (I was in Greece with my friend Kathy and didn’t learn about my dad’s sudden death until I returned to Fribourg four days later).
ReplyDeleteI’m so sorry to read this.
Things were so different then. Now we know instantaneously when something happens.
DeleteExactly. This was a memorable trip for both of you.
DeleteSuch a sad ending to the trip! Poor Shar! I'm glad you were able to go back to Vienna and eat those pastries at a later date. Looking forward to your instalment about London.
ReplyDeleteOh gosh... Your friend must have been devastated. Was he dad's death unexpected? (Btw, this might make you smile. My son Bran gave the sermon at church yesterday. He was talking about the duh-ciples (who never seemed to learn what Jesus was advocating). But he mentioned that Phillip was now the Patron Saint of Pastry Chefs in the Catholic church. I think that's the most laughter I've ever heard during a church sermon! LOL
ReplyDeleteShar had postponed the trip in the prior year because of her father's health. He insisted that she go in 1969.
DeleteOh wow! How sad for Shar! That was kind of you to fly to England and talk with George.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you got a chance to eventually taste those pastries!
betty