Thanks so much for all of your concern & comments after part 1 of our trip of a lifetime. No worries, everything turned out just fine! I’m pulling from my journal to tell you about our trip so I won’t miss any feelings I was having as we hopped from port to port. I hope you’ll enjoy hearing about our travels…Italy & Greece were absolutely beautiful and both places inspired me beyond words. I can’t wait to share moments of the trip with you all!
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Turns out, the Lost & Found folks in Venice were way less helpful than the Air France folks in Paris. (P.S. it’s not a dis on either company/city; I’m sure we just caught the wrong people who were probably just having bad days of their own.) We were told that maybe when we would look properly, it would turn up. Matt asked if we could call the plane—“um, no, you just should have told me earlier.” Oh, okay, well, that’s not something we can control now, so what can we do???
In a nutshell, the folks finally got in touch with the plane. Our row was checked, but alas, no passport. We asked if just possibly they could check that whole section of the plane or perhaps, the floor. You know, just any possible place on the planet it could be. Outside, I was trying to remain calm for Matt, who was heartbroken he’d made this mistake. That’s all it was, though. It could have been either of us, so there was absolutely no point in making him feel bad for it. Inside, I was screaming, crying, pouting, stomping my foot all the way through the unforgiving Lost & Found floor.
The folks with Holland America, our cruise line, were absolutely amazing, though. A sweet lady, Agnesse, came to our aid & began talking back and forth with the airline staff. We even filed a police report with the local police. At least two things were known now. One, If it was possible to find the passport, they would. And two, with no passport we couldn’t board the ship.
*****
Once we were escorted to the Nieuw Amsterdam terminal, after 30 some odd hours of travel, we were introduced to the lovely Simona, an Italian goddess, really. She quickly informed us that while we couldn’t board our ship with no passport, she would arrange for us to stay in a centrally-located hotel, and she would begin communication with the airline. She was on it. There was also no embassy in Venice, but we could take a train to Rome (with no passport) to see the embassy on Monday morning. To be honest, I wasn’t too excited that we would miss the ship’s embarkation, but at this point, I was glad to have someone local (and helpful) on our side.
She assured us the process would be quick and simple, and since she lived in Rome, she would be joining us at the Embassy if necessary. After that, we would map out where to meet the ship. That’s right, we were going to catch up to our ship!!!
Knowing this helped us relax a little, laugh a little, and enjoy our evening together. The water taxi took us into Venice, and the glorious sites certainly took my mind off passports, police, and the lady at Lost & Found.
We were in Venice!
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Venice can only be described easily as one word…Romantic. Its sea-green streets and cobblestone alleys call to the poet in each of us. The waterways inside the city are quaint & charming, while the Grand Canal boasts famous sites like the lovely The Bridge of Sighs. Taking the gondola ride had to be the most romantic thing we did. My favorite, however, was sitting in the Piazza outside of St. Mark’s Square to share a slice of real Italian pizza & people watch. Sitting here with Matt, knowing we might not quite be on the trip we had planned, I knew I was here for a reason. It’s been quite refreshing, really, to completely disconnect from our “normal life” and fall head first into a dream (even if the dream is somewhat stressful). Relying on each other comes with sticky situations, and when we fell into bed after a scoop of Italian gelato, I knew he was mine and I was his and that’s all that really mattered.
*******
I awoke the next morning in our tiny hotel room, realizing, no, this wasn’t a dream. We planned on grabbing a bite of food if we could manage before it was time to head to the train station. Simona had called us back 3 or 4 times after checking on the plane again and again. No passport. She told us her last call would be around 10 a.m., and we knew it was over–it was time to book the train tickets, head to Rome, & wave goodbye to our ship.
We walked up and down winding cobblestone alleyways, popping in and out of little shops, and even buying some Venetian-made Murano glass pendents for our mothers. We wandered aimlessly, and finally landed back at our hotel for a quick lunch. Ravioli for me & lasagna for Matt. It was honestly the first full meal we’d had in over 36 hours–and it was amazing. We were just walking back into the hotel when Simona called.
Matt said carefully, “They did??? They found it?” Glory, glory, hallelujah.
Someone had found it on the plane while it was in Paris–meaning if Lost & Found lady had let us look, we could have had it safely in hand & boarded our boat. Oh, well. C’est la vie.
Next, we waited for Simona to see if the pilot would agree to bring it over on the next flight. There was little to no hope of actually catching the ship, but at least this way we’d only have to fly once to catch up. Around 12:30, she let us know–the pilot signed off and Matt’s passport was on its way to Venice.
P.S. This whole time, I tried not to even dwell on the fact that it could very well be someone else’s passport we were getting ready to welcome with open arms. I just didn’t have the nerves left to worry about it. There was also no guarantee the boat could wait on us. They might be there if we got the passport, it might not.
We grabbed our bags from the front desk, called a water taxi (that cost us 180 euros), and made our way to the airport.
Oh, and Matt slipped and his brand new sunglasses fell into the canals below. This. trip. is. cursed.
We got to the airport, and long story short, after waiting what seemed like an eternity, while holding a hand written sign for our savior-pilot, a sweet Italian girl named Elisa called our names. Turned out the passport was waiting for us at the Air France desk. We were getting closer, I could just feel it.
On the elevator, she and Matt seemed all excited about something, and she was saying in her beautiful Italian accent how lucky we were, that the weather was so bad.
What?!?! Yep, the weather was too rough to leave port and the boat would not leave until 5:00 p.m.!!!!!!!! Are you kidding me?!? Matt and I basically jumped up and down, and grinned from ear to ear. We might just make our trip of a lifetime, after all. Oh, and my lost bag was actually waiting on the ship.
After waiting another nerve-crushing half-hour, Elisa begged the lady at the counter to find the supervisor. It was 3:30.
Another 10 minutes passed, and around the corner she came and in her hands was the most beautiful manilla envelope I’ve ever seen. Was it ours?? I think we all breathed a sigh of relief at the same time–it was Matt’s passport.
Well, Elisa saw us off in a taxi and he even got a big tip for speeding through little streets and alleys. The terminal was closed, but the gangway wasn’t. Folks, it was 4:20 p.m. when we boarded our ship.
We walked up to the gangway with all of our bags, and the crew just busted out laughing. Apparently, everyone knew all about us, and could not believe the lucky streak we’d finally hit. I wasn’t quite ready to laugh about it all, but almost.
They greeted us warmly, immediately taking our bags and asking if we’d had anything to eat. Within a few hours, the stresses of our crazy travels were melting away, and within 15 minutes of boarding the ship, we were in our stateroom, collapsed on the bed and enjoying the view.
I thought to wrap up each port we visited, I’d tell you a few of my must-see’s in case you and yours might visit one of these places someday soon.
Favorite memory: Sitting in the cafe in the Piazza San Marco. A must-do for people watching and taking in ancient architecture.
Food: Pricey, but good. Try to grab some pizza off the square, and Cafe Eden is a must for gelato.
Go back to stay?? Um, well, it’s Venice, so yeah. BUT, it was pricey and a day or two here would be great for anyone & I’m thankful to have seen it the one time.
What a glorious trip, your photography is *stunning* (as always!) so glad you were able to get away to Europe, wow!!! I loved Venice too but we were there in August and it was smoldering hot and our hotel room wasn’t air conditioned (huh?) so we ended up opening the windows only to be swarmed by mosquitoes, ack! And then I got locked in a moldy closet shower with no way out as the water climbed up to my waist and I was pounding on the door “heeeeeelllllpppppp!” but other than that it was amazing. Miss that gorgeous romantic place!!! xoxo
lol, this made me laugh so hard. Locked in a shower closet?? Poor thing! It was romantic, but definitely full of tiny spaces.
🙂
shaunna
All your pictures are gorgeous!!! What a beautiful place!!! My husband and I would LOVE to go over there someday! What a great way to escape reality!!! So glad you guys made it to the boat! We had a similar thing happen this past summer on a cruise to Alaska. We made it on back on the boat with 30 minutes to spare!
I am so thankful that your trip wasn’t ruined! Sometimes we just need to be reminded to slow down and count our blessings – even it is it bad weather that delays your boat long enough for you to catch it!
I was hanging onto the edge of my seat! SO happy to have seen that sweet smiley face of your as I scrolled through the read….whew! Totally enjoying this series! Blessings, Samm
Hello Shaunna,
Yes…I have been to Venice and loved it!!!!! Totally have yummy memories of crusty brick oven pizza…the best! So happy that everything worked out…have a lovely time together.
Janet xox
The Empty Nest
Oh I am so happy that you guys made it to your boat. Bad weather was on your side. I hope that you enjoy your trip of a lifetime.
Whew, I bit my nails the whole time I read your post!!! So glad it all worked out…thanks for the beautiful pictures!
shaunna – thanks so much for sharing your trip. so happy to hear that matt’s passsport was found.. what an ordeal!!! i cannot wat to hear more about your trip, the cruise and greece. the hubs and i are thinking about a trip to italy for our 25th anniv next may. not sure whether to do it via cruise as you did or just tour italy w/o cruising… so glad you got away to the vacation of a lifetime.. and so happy to hear Matt’s passport was found.. Phew!! xoxo Patty
Your story made me laugh and tear up! I am so thankful it all turned out for you and your husband! God is good!
Shaunna,
So glad you were bale to get on the boat after that harrowing experience!! We cruised from Venice to Greece and Turkey for our honeymoon 6 years ago, and it was the best vacation we have ever been on! My husband and I absolutely fell in LOVE with Venice and can’t wait to go back. We bought some charcoal sketches from a street artist there and they as my favorite pieces in my home. They bring back such fond memories every time I look at them:)
Hope the rest of your vacation was Smooth sailing!
Sarah
I studied abroad in Florence…spent some time in Venice. I miss it so much! Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos and your crazy adventure!
Glad to hear everything turned out ok! Sounds like my kind of “luck” but at least this a trip you won’t ever forget.
Such a great story! Indeed, that is a trip of a life time 🙂 Enjoyed the beautiful pictures and your funny story. I’m sooooooo glad it all worked out!!!
Shaunna, what a trip! Wow, so glad it turned out good for you after all, that was definitely a hairy situation. I went to Venice 20 years ago & long to go back to Italy, my fave place EVER. Oh, the gelato. Your pics are just gorgeous, you captured it well. Can’t wait to read more of your adventures. See you soon, my friend!
Oh. My. Goodness.
I was hanging on your every word. I kept thinking, “Poor Matt! He must have felt awful!!” I am so, so glad it all worked out in the end.
My oh my, I’m exhausted from reading this. Lisa~
I literally had goosebumps reading this Shaunna! You are an amazing story teller and I am so glad you are sharing! Thanks~Kim
If you have to be stranded, Venice would be a lovely place to be. Glad you got that unexpected gift of slowing down, enjoying the sites, and reveling in each other’s company – and that it all worked out in the end. Wasn’t planned and happened under duress, but it sounds like it was a lovely, special interlude you really wouldn’t trade.What an adventure! Looking forward to reading about the rest of your amazing trip.
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Sounds fabulous! Except for the passport and suitcase episode….what a great trip…..
don’t forget to tell us what cruise line….in case we can ever go…
Nancy
I’m so pleased that everything worked out for you both in the end. I was lucky enough to spend two weeks in Italy at about this time last year, and it was absolutely amazing — I still think about the things we saw and experienced all the time. Have a wonderful time on your journey — we’ll all be waiting to hear the details when you’re safely home!
your trip to venice was so nostalgic….oh, not all the problems with the passport, but the photos that you posted were so lovely. my husby took us to italy for our 25th anniversary. venice was magical…especially at night with the tiny twinkling lights and the music playing everywhere.
pizza was wonderful in so many places…real pizza…and the freshness of ingredients ….
i hope the rest of your journey will be totally stress free and marvelous! you will remember this trip for many years to come…..happy voyage !!
Boy, you sure like to make a great entrance! You go girl! Have fun!
What a great story even though you must not have felt it at the time!! terrific ending !
Next time – and there will be a next time, go off season and get away from St Marks Square! It’s stunning!
So glad your story had a happy ending! Can’t wait to hear more about your trip. What a wonderful adventure!
Oh, thank goodness! I’m so glad this is after the fact. For goodness sakes…the earthquakes! You look so happy and hugely relieved i’m sure. It does wonders for our souls to be surrounded by beauty. Looks wonderful. We went to Sicily to visit with my husbands’ family and just loved it too.
I was wondering and wondering . I am so happy that everything worked out. Enjoy your trip !!!
Oh my goodness, I had goose bumps reading the end,feeling how close to possibly missing your ship!
Bravo Shaunna, for keeping cool and making the best of what you had in front of you! How wonderful that things worked out, but how nice to know that you and your husband could take in the wonders around you in spite of the difficulties. And thanks for sharing your struggles and frustrations. It’s nice to know that other people make the effort to be their best selves, even when the best you have is not stomping on the toes of an unhelpful customer service person. Well done.
Shaunna, I was having heart palpitations as I read, but I’m so glad you got on the ship and the vacation was wonderful, after all. 🙂 Can’t wait to read and see more!
It sounds like the most “Perfectly Imperfect” vacation to me!!!! Safe travels!!!!
Sounds like such a wonderful trip even with the loss of the passport but it all worked out, someone was watching for you. Ray and I went right before babies (well, trying for babies) it was a trip of a lifetime. Thanks for sharing all the wonderful memories and photo’s with us.
XO
Kristin
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! I swear that I couldn’t wait to hear the rest of your story–and I am so glad that it had such a happy ending 🙂
All the best and enjoy!
Great story and especially love the ending! Phew!!!
Wow…..what a great story! I’m so glad you got the passport – everybody’s nightmare! Having been to Venice, I am enjoying your trip so much. We waded through San Marco’s with our luggage, having arrived by waterboat at an unusually high tide. I hated to laugh, but the sunglasses in the canal made me laugh….the last straw! Linda
Oh, I am such a sap for a happy ending. I sit here teary eyed reading this. I can’t imagine the fear and stress you were under. I would have been a total mess.
I was so thrilled to see you made it on your ship and your trip of a lifetime was just that… with a few more details to laugh about later.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful journey with us… your pics are gorgeous.
Soooo happy to hear it all worked out!!!:-) Now, I am on the edge of my chair to see pics of what you brought back! I just know you have some wonderful treasures!!!!:-)
Thank you for sharing your photos. I love the architecture so much I could just bite it lol!! Nomnomnom…lol! I’m glad all ended well & you have the wonderful memories:)
I read your story and have been giggling out loud. You are having the same luck my husband and I always do. I am sooo very happy for you that it worked out in the end but how very stressful! I pray the rest of your trip is fantastic!
Oh! What memories ya’ll are making!! Great blog beautiful photos.
This must have been so frustrating and a just a tiny bit scarey for you, but ohhhh the stories you’ll tell your grandchildren. So glad you finally got on your ship. The photos are incredible. Can’t wait to see the rest.