Today early start,but going nowhere

[Former member 42123]

Up before 0545 today.Should have been up at 0300.Looking out over the rooftops opposite on this quiet little street I live in.Looking East as the slowly approaching dawn tries to push the darkness westwards.It is silent out there as even the birds dawn chorus seems to be absent.They must be on strike in support of me.0602.…there it is ....that rumble in the distance from the nearby little airport that is gradually increasing to a roar in minuets.
Then it's there climbing over the rooftops as it seems to be vertically rushing to the cloud cover so I only have seconds to see it.It can't hide as in my minds eye I am on board,sitting in my window seat looking at the coastline of the Irish sea on my left as the plane races south towards France and eventually SPAIN.
Yes,I had a seat booked on that plane heading for my 7th Camino.I hate covid,and I am so envious of those out there now,but at 73,and with the UK GOV rules??¿????????
Hurry up 2021.

 

[Madeleine Jacobs]

Hi Philip, I understand your feeling so well of wanting to come back to Spain and walk. I even did walk my final stages of the CF, early July and then finishing early August in SDC. But still, I am longing to go back, also as the summer here in NL seems to have ended abruptly. Perhaps, perhaps October, November, but first the extent of new Covid cases in ES should decrease materially. Stay safe and fit, I hope you can go back soon, by the time that the vaccin is there.

 

[Former member 49149]

Up before 0545 today.Should have been up at 0300.Looking out over the rooftops opposite on this quiet little street I live in.Looking East as the slowly approaching dawn tries to push the darkness westwards.It is silent out there as even the birds dawn chorus seems to be absent.They must be on strike in support of me.0602.…there it is ....that rumble in the distance from the nearby little airport that is gradually increasing to a roar in minuets.
Then it's there climbing over the rooftops as it seems to be vertically rushing to the cloud cover so I only have seconds to see it.It can't hide as in my minds eye I am on board,sitting in my window seat looking at the coastline of the Irish sea on my left as the plane races south towards France and eventually SPAIN.
Yes,I had a seat booked on that plane heading for my 7th Camino.I hate covid,and I am so envious of those out there now,but at 73,and with the UK GOV rules??¿????????
Hurry up 2021.

Let’s get this straight: if you are a Scouse, how can the Irish Sea be on your left? I do feel the pain you feel and are valiantly trying to overcome. You are a lot older than me. I am still only 72. !!!
My plane came and went in August. I could bore you, but I won‘t.
Ok, I will. Aerlingus is refunding (when?) and Iberia has a single flight to decide on.. that has been a hoot of a journey in itself, trying to reach a real person. I mean - sorry, I did say I would not bore you and I am about to do just that! As the hours to the boarding in Pamplona ticked away becoming minutes, I capitulated and accepted a voucher. Then I wrote a letter, having joined their plus club. I told them I was utterly disappointed. And more. All very polite and restrained, honestly. Patience is the name of the game. I did not expect a response. Hah! They are escalating my request. I made no request. I just told them I was so deeply disappointed in their company, and even had gone to their Embassy, to be cut off at the intercom by the nice lady who answered when I asked if there was a phone number for Iberia where I might actually find a person who could listen to my story, essentially saying that it would be impossible for me to board the plane in Pamplona as my flight to Spain had been cancelled.
So now, let’s see what transpires next.
And much more important, right now: I am truly sorry for your disappointment. Just wait. Wear your mask, keep away from bad people, and when the time is right, either you will get on that plane, or you won’t need a plane!!! You will have free travel to anywhere and everywhere!
Editp please don't mind my zany sense of humour. Of course you will get on that plane!!!

 

[alexwalker]

Up before 0545 today.Should have been up at 0300.Looking out over the rooftops opposite on this quiet little street I live in.Looking East as the slowly approaching dawn tries to push the darkness westwards.It is silent out there as even the birds dawn chorus seems to be absent.They must be on strike in support of me.0602.…there it is ....that rumble in the distance from the nearby little airport that is gradually increasing to a roar in minuets.
Then it's there climbing over the rooftops as it seems to be vertically rushing to the cloud cover so I only have seconds to see it.It can't hide as in my minds eye I am on board,sitting in my window seat looking at the coastline of the Irish sea on my left as the plane races south towards France and eventually SPAIN.
Yes,I had a seat booked on that plane heading for my 7th Camino.I hate covid,and I am so envious of those out there now,but at 73,and with the UK GOV rules??¿????????
Hurry up 2021.

I feel your pain. You are not alone.

 

[Former member 42123]

Let’s get this straight: if you are a Scouse, how can the Irish Sea be on your left? I do feel the pain you feel and are valiantly trying to overcome. You are a lot older than me. I am still only 72. !!!
My plane came and went in August. I could bore you, but I won‘t.
Ok, I will. Aerlingus is refunding (when?) and Iberia has a single flight to decide on.. that has been a hoot of a journey in itself, trying to reach a real person. I mean - sorry, I did say I would not bore you and I am about to do just that! As the hours to the boarding in Pamplona ticked away becoming minutes, I capitulated and accepted a voucher. Then I wrote a letter, having joined their plus club. I told them I was utterly disappointed. And more. All very polite and restrained, honestly. Patience is the name of the game. I did not expect a response. Hah! They are escalating my request. I made no request. I just told them I was so deeply disappointed in their company, and even had gone to their Embassy, to be cut off at the intercom by the nice lady who answered when I asked if there was a phone number for Iberia where I might actually find a person who could listen to my story, essentially saying that it would be impossible for me to board the plane in Pamplona as my flight to Spain had been cancelled.
So now, let’s see what transpires next.
And much more important, right now: I am truly sorry for your disappointment. Just wait. Wear your mask, keep away from bad people, and when the time is right, either you will get on that plane, or you won’t need a plane!!! You will have free travel to anywhere and everywhere!
Editp please don't mind my zany sense of humour. Of course you will get on that plane!!!

As previously stated I am an Irishman living in Liverpool,hence IRISH SCOUSE,so called by a friend from Manchester who said being that was not as bad as just Scouse.(football rivalry is rife here).
As planes leave Liverpool they head west to the Irish Sea then sharp Left past Wales and on to France.Sorry,it was the English side of the Irish Sea I referred to ,and yes I will be back on Camino next year,flight already booked.Hope you too miss the "" free unlimited travel "" you mentioned.

 

[Harington]

Up before 0545 today.Should have been up at 0300.Looking out over the rooftops opposite on this quiet little street I live in.Looking East as the slowly approaching dawn tries to push the darkness westwards.It is silent out there as even the birds dawn chorus seems to be absent.They must be on strike in support of me.0602.…there it is ....that rumble in the distance from the nearby little airport that is gradually increasing to a roar in minuets.
Then it's there climbing over the rooftops as it seems to be vertically rushing to the cloud cover so I only have seconds to see it.It can't hide as in my minds eye I am on board,sitting in my window seat looking at the coastline of the Irish sea on my left as the plane races south towards France and eventually SPAIN.
Yes,I had a seat booked on that plane heading for my 7th Camino.I hate covid,and I am so envious of those out there now,but at 73,and with the UK GOV rules??¿????????
Hurry up 2021.

Dawn chorus in September? You must be a city dweller!

 

[mette]

Up before 0545 today.Should have been up at 0300.Looking out over the rooftops opposite on this quiet little street I live in.Looking East as the slowly approaching dawn tries to push the darkness westwards.It is silent out there as even the birds dawn chorus seems to be absent.They must be on strike in support of me.0602.…there it is ....that rumble in the distance from the nearby little airport that is gradually increasing to a roar in minuets.
Then it's there climbing over the rooftops as it seems to be vertically rushing to the cloud cover so I only have seconds to see it.It can't hide as in my minds eye I am on board,sitting in my window seat looking at the coastline of the Irish sea on my left as the plane races south towards France and eventually SPAIN.
Yes,I had a seat booked on that plane heading for my 7th Camino.I hate covid,and I am so envious of those out there now,but at 73,and with the UK GOV rules??¿????????
Hurry up 2021.

I feel your pain hopping for a buen Camino next spring

 

[Former member 42123]

Dawn chorus in September? You must be a city dweller!

GUILTY

 

[AndreaCT]

Philip, I wasn't booked for your flight or any flight this year, but somehow I'm feel a gut twinge of great disappointment as I read your post. I can't imagine looking up and seeing the plane that I was supposed to be on, flying away without me. Two years ago I met a woman who was 93 and walking the Frances so you've got lots of time to get back!

 

[El Cascayal]

Up before 0545 today.Should have been up at 0300.Looking out over the rooftops opposite on this quiet little street I live in.Looking East as the slowly approaching dawn tries to push the darkness westwards.It is silent out there as even the birds dawn chorus seems to be absent.They must be on strike in support of me.0602.…there it is ....that rumble in the distance from the nearby little airport that is gradually increasing to a roar in minuets.
Then it's there climbing over the rooftops as it seems to be vertically rushing to the cloud cover so I only have seconds to see it.It can't hide as in my minds eye I am on board,sitting in my window seat looking at the coastline of the Irish sea on my left as the plane races south towards France and eventually SPAIN.
Yes,I had a seat booked on that plane heading for my 7th Camino.I hate covid,and I am so envious of those out there now,but at 73,and with the UK GOV rules??¿????????
Hurry up 2021.

“gradually increasing to a roar in minuets.” Phillip, was this poetry or just a typo? Love it. For what it’s worth, all of our hearts ache collectively all over the world.

 

[John Crawford Howell]

I choose to call it poetry. Don't answer, Phillip.

 

[Former member 42123]

GUILTY

“gradually increasing to a roar in minuets.” Phillip, was this poetry or just a typo? Love it. For what it’s worth, all of our hearts ache collectively all over the world.

Though I have had the odd verse published(even on here) this was just a typo.

 

[John Crawford Howell]

You are too modest, Phillip. Your keyboard knows you and your muse, and speaks to you through the cyber world in prose and poetry. Or so I proclaim. . .

 

[Harington]

GUILTY

It's all right - someone has to be!

 

[timr]

Dawn chorus in September? You must be a city dweller!

@Harington @philip a tobin @kirkie
Another city-dwelling Irish scouse (or possibly scouse Irish) here, (not living in Liverpool nor Ireland at present) who has gone on record as saying that the sounds of traffic and early morning bin lorries are at least as pleasing to me as the squawking of birds. Where I live, green parakeets disturb my peace quite a bit though mainly in the evening (they have reached Liverpool too) and the noise of urban foxes is quite distracting. But a lorry or bus passing in the night is a source of comfort.

Sorry to hear of your disappointment this year Philip, which I share totally. Let us all hope for better times next year.

And to dear @kirkie let me say I knew what he meant about the Irish Sea! I always pay for seat 33A on a well-known airline and always see the Irish sea out of the window to my left as I head for Spain. If I am heading for Dublin, we fly directly along the North Wales coast, exactly like going to Holyhead for the car ferry.

And the best of luck in your fight for justice from the refund department. ❤✈

 

[PilgrimJames]

Up before 0545 today.Should have been up at 0300.Looking out over the rooftops opposite on this quiet little street I live in.Looking East as the slowly approaching dawn tries to push the darkness westwards.It is silent out there as even the birds dawn chorus seems to be absent.They must be on strike in support of me.0602.…there it is ....that rumble in the distance from the nearby little airport that is gradually increasing to a roar in minuets.
Then it's there climbing over the rooftops as it seems to be vertically rushing to the cloud cover so I only have seconds to see it.It can't hide as in my minds eye I am on board,sitting in my window seat looking at the coastline of the Irish sea on my left as the plane races south towards France and eventually SPAIN.
Yes,I had a seat booked on that plane heading for my 7th Camino.I hate covid,and I am so envious of those out there now,but at 73,and with the UK GOV rules??¿????????
Hurry up 2021.

Understood

 

[Former member 49149]

@Harington @philip a tobin @kirkie
Another city-dwelling Irish scouse (or possibly scouse Irish) here, (not living in Liverpool nor Ireland at present) who has gone on record as saying that the sounds of traffic and early morning bin lorries are at least as pleasing to me as the squawking of birds. Where I live, green parakeets disturb my peace quite a bit though mainly in the evening (they have reached Liverpool too) and the noise of urban foxes is quite distracting. But a lorry or bus passing in the night is a source of comfort.

Sorry to hear of your disappointment this year Philip, which I share totally. Let us all hope for better times next year.

And to dear @kirkie let me say I knew what he meant about the Irish Sea! I always pay for seat 33A on a well-known airline and always see the Irish sea out of the window to my left as I head for Spain. If I am heading for Dublin, we fly directly along the North Wales coast, exactly like going to Holyhead for the car ferry.

And the best of luck in your fight for justice from the refund department. ❤✈

This reply is for both Philip and Timr: forgive me for my blinkered assumption about the location of the Irish Sea! Yet another example of how easy it is to think there is only one point of view!
. As for refunds, it is all in the waiting now. I will report back if and when there is news.

 

[Ekelund]

We will return to Spain when it is safe to go there. The Camino is waiting.

 

[John Crawford Howell]

This reply is for both Philip and Timr: forgive me for my blinkered assumption about the location of the Irish Sea! Yet another example of how easy it is to think there is only one point of view!
. As for refunds, it is all in the waiting now. I will report back if and when there is news.

Spoken like a Confucian.

 

[Former member 49149]

Spoken like a Confucian.

Labels confuce me. So I used some AI to root around a bit to see if I could dispel my Confucion. This one I liked:
“The hardest thing of all is to find a black cat in a dark room, especially if there is no cat.”
I like that. Thanks for adding to my fount of knowledge.
(I am aware this is a detour, sorry, philip a tobin...)

 

[John Crawford Howell]

Labels confuce me. So I used some AI to root around a bit to see if I could dispel my Confucion. This one I liked:
“The hardest thing of all is to find a black cat in a dark room, especially if there is no cat.”
I like that. Thanks for adding to my fount of knowledge.
(I am aware this is a detour, sorry, philip a tobin...)

Love it! The Confucian Doctrine of the Golden Mean: ". . .to be excessive in nothing and to assume that between two propositions, and between two contending individuals, there is truth on both sides. . ."

Sorry, Phillip, kirkie and I engaged in a brief detour into Camino cordiality and synergy. And now, back to our reglarly scheduled programming involving not being able to go anywhere. Despair not, as you have plenty of time. I did the CF at age 75. Ultreia et suseia!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Hurry up 2021

I hear ya loud and clear, Philip! I just hope 2021 is "Camino magic"...unfortunately it remains to be seen.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I feel your pain. You are not alone.

A big ditto.

 

[JillGat]

Well, I had a motorcycle trip on the Silk Road planned for June and had to cancel my airline ticket to Tajikistan. Fun trying to get through to Turkish Airlines.