Adventures in Europe

Rem I mentioned abt the adventures that I had in london and paris in my previous post? Haha. I am going to pen that down to rem as fond memories.

Adventure 1.
Onboard Eurostar from London to Paris.
For the 2.5hrs journey, it was pleasant ride. We had a mini stopover at 1 of the train station while we were told thru annoucement that passengers bound for Paris disneyland were not to get down the stop for whatsoever reason. bro-in-law (bil) either didn't hear the annoucement or simply bo chup, got off the train and out of playful-ness wanted to took photos of sis in the train. Just as he took the pic, the train door closed and he was left behind at the station. Sis got a huge shock and fright and started panic. She called and indeed confirmed the bil was left behind. She totally lost herself and almost reduced to tears. Me on the other hand, remain calm and cool. Well, yes i was panicky but guess I have God and the peace just assured me that everything's gonna be fine. I went to look for help and this helpful british man brought me to the train manager who asked me questions like how does bil looks and what was he wearing. He called the staff at the train station and me tried reaching bil on the mobile. All these while, leaving sis at her seat to cool herself down. Everything was in well controlled. bil changed his train ticket and managed to get on the next train to disneyland which we have to wait 30mins for him. Well, at least things turned out fine. But he learnt a big lesson that day. Of course, I was upset and angry, thinking how in the world a man at his age can be so naive and irresponsible. Imagine, it's only both him and my sis traveling. I think my sis would have just died or went crazy on the point. Sis couldn't take shock as this will trigger her depression feeling. I had to work hard to calm her down, assured her and manage her emotions. bil thought nothing too serious abt it, just apologise and that's it. Haiz...i learnt my lesson too. next time, no more of such holiday trips. This adventure left sis paranoid about not having bil along with us all the while. she kept remaining him to stay close and not wonder off by himself.

Adventure 2.
London Heathrow airport, waiting to board flight back SIngapore.
Arrived early and cool at the airport to check in 3hrs before hand. Checked in and everything was cool. Proceed to the VAT refund counter to claim our euro600 dollars worth of VAT. To our horror, the staff said we have to show our purchases in order for them to refund the money to us. How in the world do we show when we have already checked in everything. She said sorry and there's nothing she can do. Sis went back to the check in counter to ask if we can recall our baggage. The counter staff said no. Wah, it's a huge amount of money! She got frustrated and bil just stand there and not say a word. She screamed to get go of her emotions. In my heart, i was thinking "God, how can you let this happen? I am not prepare to give up this amount of money which is about S$1400." I prayed and went up to the check in counter again. Asked the staff if there's really no way she can recall our baggage as we really have too huge an amount to give up on the VAT. As i await her answer, my heart never stop praying. She apologised that it's her fault that she didn't ask us when we checked in and she offered to go the extra mile to help us recall our baggage. But that will takes a while - 15mins. Well, as long as I don't miss my flight home, i am good with waiting. So we waited and indeed 15mins later, she came to bring us to the arrival hall to claim our baggage! Woah! Super excited. Went to claim our VAT and re-check in again. Everything in 1hr from the 1st checked in time. I claimed the most resourceful title that day from my sis and bil. All of us were happy people. bil asked what did I do or tell the counter staff, i just said I just repeat what sis said to her before. he was like how come i got my way. wanted to tell him that's becoz God has shown himself true to me again, but i doubt he will understand so i simply just smiled at him. What is happier for me is, I "earned" my dream burberry bag! Before we left for london, bro was telling us that burberry though is a london brand but it's most expensive to buy in london. So disappointed and indeed what he said was true. But at the airport duty-free, it was the cheapest! 35% cheaper! And since I managed to get the VAT claim back for everyone, sis and bil decided to reward me with the bag. And ta-da, there I was a happier woman with the burberry bag.

Came back home and relate everything to darling. Indeed a trip full of adventures for me. Emotions involved but all turned out good.

Praise God!