2024 Norwegian Nomads

It is amazing how the body forgets how bad long haul flights are. In the scheme of things, ours wasn’t too bad compared to recent trips some of my friends have been on.

Seven and a half hours to Singapore in what seemed a very cramped aeroplane, four hours wait in the airport in the middle of the night, and then 12 and a half hours to Zürich. My last two trips to the UK had stopovers of a couple of nights and that certainly made a difference. It was hard.

Donna and Mark had paid for extra leg room and boy was that worth it. We remaining four were very jealous!

We arrived safely in Zurich, tired and stiff but ready to holiday.

Wayne had organised an airport transfer to the hotel but the driver was a no-show. On ringing the company, Wayne was told that the guy had been there from 8:15 (when our plane landed) and had left at 9:30. We had walked into the arrivals hall about that time, so missed him ‘by that much’. Despite some tense phone calls to the company, there was no resolution. We are still not sure if this company was legit. Who arrives to pick up passengers at the same time an international plane lands?

Kudos to Wayne – although he felt responsible for the no-show and was extremely disappointed that his planning hadn’t worked out, he handled the situation beautifully. As we said, 24 hours to lament and then let it go to the keeper.

We paused for a much-needed coffee and established Plan B.

The train station was a 300m walk. It was humming – hundreds of people traversing the area, lots of choices, and a language barrier. Our problem solving rail heroes went into action and found someone to ask.

One train trip followed by a tram trip and another 300m walk, we found our way to the hotel.

Alas, only Mark and Donna’s room was ready with the other two rooms not ready until 3. We piled all our bags into their room, grabbed our rain jackets and left Donna to have what we all desired- a shower and sleep.

We explored the streets of Zürich, found a quaint bar and settled in for some lunch and light refreshments.

NB:There is no photographic record of this as our team photographer was absent and I forgot to record the events.

We returned just before 3 and the rooms were still not ready, so into another bar ‘to fill in time’. Rooms still not ready at 4 so Danny commandeered some free vouchers and Donna joined us.

By now, we were beginning to become delirious with tiredness. This was possibly influenced by our choice of beverages.

We finally got to our rooms just before six. Shower and bed and lights out for these tired campers.

Faux pas of the day

Me trying to remember where I had a Negroni and asking where the Edinburgh Tattoo was held.

Senior moments

1. After removing their hats, returning to the group with Danny wearing sea eagles cap and Wayne wearing roosters cap. Neither of them realised they were supporting the other’s team.
2. Wayne looking for his hat, twice, at the quaint bar. Danny walking over and finding it within 10 seconds.
3. Mark watching Danny take his jacket and then when asking for it later, Danny emphatically declaring he didn’t have it.