Not suitable for people with irony deficiency and
cannot guarantee nut-free

Monday 31 May 2010

Volcanic ash ate my cash

Hounded by the paparazzi


The boys are on holiday from school again. But this time we are staying put. We are still traumatised by our Easter holiday experience when we had decided to be adventurous and fly to Venice. But, as I merrily told everyone, just for 3 nights, as we couldn't afford any longer. Little did I know that a certain volcano was getting a bit restive over in Iceland.

The result was 3 extra nights in Venice, an overnight train journey from Venice to Paris, a day in Paris feeling slightly missplaced, and an evening Eurostar back to London.

It was all very unsettling, what with me and Mr B not knowing when we would next get a soothing cup of tea. But to be honest, I was thrilled, it is the most exciting thing to happen to me since Boy 2 won the egg and spoon race in 2007. (The travel situation seemed so dire, I suggested it would be best just to apply for Italian citizenship and get the boys into school in Venice. But Mr B exercised his special Euro veto, much like Mrs Thatcher in her prime). Boys 1 and 2 took it all in their stride as they quickly worked out they could increase their total gelati consumption by 100%. Only Mr B was perturbed as he was not sure the EU Regulations on compensation for air travellers were drafted with this situation in mind (my husband, the mad, impetuous fool).
So, I thought I would share what we learnt from our unplanned adventure, just in case it can be of help to anyone else ( I was told Brangelina were in Venice at the same time, so I am sure they could benefit from my handy tips).

*KEY LEARNINGS FROM OUR TRIP*
• JEEEEEEZ, Venice is expensive
• If you take small boys to the Lido and tell them not to get their trousers wet, you are deluded
• Hand dryers in Lido cafe loos are not designed to dry small boy trousers, plus you get pitying looks from people who think you are incontinent
• When the man in the Murano glass shop gives you a special tour upstairs of the really high end glass artefacts, don’t go with small boys (who, as we all know, never look where they are going and often walk backwards) and expect to breathe until you get safely downstairs again; even the man seemed to realise the enormity of the risk once upstairs and clearly regretted his offer: Why in God's name would you put glass things on free-standing glass plinths in the middle of a cluttered showroom?? And then take 2 small boy/whirling dervishes there???)
The only thing I want to see on a plinth. Well helloooo!
Sorry, got a bit distracted there, back to key learnings:
• Jeeeeeez, Venice is expensive
• Small boys will watch any cartoons/sport/ads for washing powder on hotel room TV, even if in Italian or German

• It really adds to the ambience if you customise your hotel room with 7 pairs of underpants festooning the radiators

I kept up with the washing while we were away
• It is great fun for small boys to go on the top bunk of the Venice-Paris overnight sleeper but their parents will spend all night awake, fearing small boy disastrous unplanned descent to ground level
• Jeeeeeeeez, Paris is expensive
• Small boys will shoot up the stairs to the top of the Eiffel Tower like rabid mountain goats but once at the top will not be interested in the view; their mother (who once watched a documentary on climbing Mount Everest will collapse after only a couple of flights, gasping "It's no good, you try to summit, leave me, we're in the Death Zone, you'll never get down if you stop to help me..." to which Mr B will cheerfully reply "OK"
• Taking small boys into Notre Dame and suggesting they compare and contrast it with the interior of Venetian churches is the dumbest, most over-optimistic idea ever
• When asked by teachers what they did in the Easter hols, small boys will grunt and say nothing except bowling in High Wycombe
A lot nicer than Tescos


Small boys attempting to escape from yet another art gallery

33 comments:

  1. Blighty I am so glad you have a blog! I love reading your comments over at FF. I laughed out loud at the idea of trying to dry small boy trousers under the hand dryers.

    Your holiday sounds super fancy and glamorous. I can't for the life of me imagine why you are not lining up to do it all again.

    ReplyDelete
  2. So it's not just my boys, it's all boys! Such a comfort.. the grunts, the TV, the wet trousers..the glass shop... their own little world. Great post Blighty... you are NOT alone! parallel universe down here. A-M xx

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi! Have seen you often over at Faux Fuchsia and just wanted to check out your blog - fun! We also got stuck in Italy over the holidays, but we managed to get away with one extra night in a Rome hotel. We got train tickets to Budapest, where we live, and were back home after 20 hours. But Jeeeez, Rome is expensive too!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Tell Mr Blighty to pull his dress up!!!! JEEEZ...

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ladies, thanks for your nice comments, much appreciated!
    Good Intentions, love the name, does it come from "the Road to Hell is paved with good intentions"??
    A-M, how old are your boys? How did you manage to do your lovely house with 2 rumtumtiggers? (My name for lively small boys)

    Patricia, hooray, you got home too! wasn't it a relief?! I saw one woman actually kissing the platform at St Pancras, so glad was she to be back on English soil!

    Kylie, sadly that is not Mr B but some Italian bloke that was hanging around the museum, a bit of a poser, so not really not type

    ReplyDelete
  6. Blighty, my lads are 12 and almost 8. Building my house with them smearing their hands over every surface... I do not know how I did it. Behind the scenes, 12 year old cloth nappies draped over kitchen bench seats, changed when bolognaise handprints too offensive. Cream leather lounge responds well to baby wipes. The toughest Australian hardwood on the floors... nuclear proof. Foam pads on the base of chairs and Chux magic erasers. Screaming banshee directives also sink in after a while, especially if privileges withdrawn. A-M xx

    ReplyDelete
  7. A-M, I think I know about screaming banshee directives!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh my god, you made me really laugh out loud, so I followed. But no pressure. Really.

    ReplyDelete
  9. These are basically short phrase loans that do produce you meet your fiscal matters inside a desired distinct time period.

    Considering time limitations these loans are specifically developed
    above an obligation cost-free platform. As such, these
    are kept absolutely 100 % free from credential checksums. Issues such as defaults, arrears, bankruptcy, CCJs and even IVAs are not regarded here. Additional, there are also no collaterals linked with these loans. There is minimal paper work necessary on the element of borrower. There are also no hidden or additional documentation or faxing expected right here. Applying for these loans is also extremely handy. Persons basically demand filling an on-line form and once this gets authorized cash is received within 24 hours time frame. These loans are usually supplied below hassle-free terms and conditions. The common standard applicant criteria here is that they should certainly be a UK resident and of 18 years of age.
    Here is my blog :: find more

    ReplyDelete
  10. These are essentially brief phrase loans that do give
    you meet your fiscal problems inside a desired distinct time period.
    Taking into consideration time limitations these loans are
    specifically made above an obligation 100 % free platform. As such, these are kept entirely 100 % free from credential checksums.

    Troubles such as defaults, arrears, bankruptcy, CCJs and even IVAs are not considered right here.
    Additional, there are also no collaterals related with these loans.
    There is minimal paper work essential on the element of borrower.

    There are also no hidden or further documentation or faxing expected right here.
    Applying for these loans is also particularly handy. Many people
    merely require filling an online type and when this gets authorized money is received within 24 hours
    time frame. These loans are in general offered beneath hassle-free terms and situations.

    The basic simple applicant criteria right here is that they ought to be a UK resident and of 18 years of age.
    Also visit my homepage ; libertytome.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. These are essentially brief phrase loans that do give you meet your fiscal
    challenges within a desired particular time period.
    Thinking of time limitations these loans are especially
    intended above an obligation absolutely free platform. As such, these are kept absolutely free of charge
    from credential checksums. Difficulties such as defaults, arrears, bankruptcy, CCJs
    and even IVAs are not regarded right here. Additional,
    there are also no collaterals associated with these loans.
    There is minimal paper perform necessary on the element of borrower.
    There are also no hidden or added documentation or faxing required right here.
    Applying for these loans is also extremely practical.
    Individuals simply require filling an on the web type and when this
    gets approved money is received within 24 hours time frame.
    These loans are usually supplied beneath handy terms and situations.
    The basic simple applicant criteria right here is that they really should be a UK resident and of
    18 years of age.
    Feel free to surf my blog post : click

    ReplyDelete
  12. These are basically brief phrase loans that do offer you meet your fiscal matters within
    a preferred certain time period. Contemplating time
    limitations these loans are specifically created above an obligation cost-free platform.
    As such, these are kept fully free of charge from credential checksums.

    Difficulties such as defaults, arrears, bankruptcy, CCJs and even IVAs are not thought to be right here.
    Additional, there are also no collaterals related with
    these loans. There is minimal paper operate essential on the component of borrower.
    There are also no hidden or additional documentation or faxing required
    here. Applying for these loans is also pretty convenient.
    Folks just demand filling an online form
    and as soon as this gets authorized money is received within 24 hours time
    frame. These loans are typically provided below convenient terms
    and situations. The basic simple applicant criteria here is that they should really be a UK resident and of 18 years of age.
    My blog post - click

    ReplyDelete
  13. These are essentially short term loans that do provide you meet your fiscal concerns within a desired particular time period.
    Considering time limitations these loans are particularly designed above an obligation totally free platform.
    As such, these are kept absolutely free of charge from credential checksums.
    Matters such as defaults, arrears, bankruptcy, CCJs and even IVAs are not regarded as here.

    Further, there are also no collaterals linked with these loans.
    There is minimal paper function expected on the component of borrower.

    There are also no hidden or additional documentation or faxing required here.
    Applying for these loans is also extremely convenient. Many people basically demand filling an internet type
    and once this gets approved cash is received within 24 hours time frame.
    These loans are generally supplied below practical terms and situations.
    The common simple applicant criteria right here is that they must be a
    UK resident and of 18 years of age.
    Have a look at my blog post go to

    ReplyDelete
  14. These are generally brief term loans that do offer you meet your fiscal issues inside a desired distinct time period.
    Taking into consideration time limitations these loans are especially intended
    above an obligation zero cost platform. As such, these are
    kept absolutely free from credential checksums. Concerns such as defaults, arrears, bankruptcy, CCJs and even IVAs
    are not regarded as right here. Additional, there are also no collaterals related with
    these loans. There is minimal paper work expected on the portion of
    borrower. There are also no hidden or further documentation
    or faxing required here. Applying for these loans is
    also exceptionally hassle-free. Persons simply call for filling an web based form and when this gets authorized cash is received within 24 hours time frame.
    These loans are normally provided beneath convenient
    terms and conditions. The general fundamental applicant criteria here is that they need to be a UK resident and of 18 years of age.
    Also see my web page - frikshun.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. These are fundamentally brief term loans
    that do offer you meet your fiscal difficulties inside a desired particular time period.
    Contemplating time limitations these loans are particularly developed above an obligation
    free platform. As such, these are kept entirely no cost from credential checksums.
    Problems such as defaults, arrears, bankruptcy, CCJs and even IVAs
    are not considered here. Additional, there are also no collaterals
    connected with these loans. There is minimal paper operate
    needed on the part of borrower. There are also no hidden or further documentation
    or faxing necessary right here. Applying for these loans is also rather practical.

    Folks merely call for filling an over the internet form and when this gets approved money is received inside 24 hours
    time frame. These loans are generally supplied beneath handy terms and circumstances.
    The basic simple applicant criteria right here is that they should really be
    a UK resident and of 18 years of age.
    my website :: click

    ReplyDelete
  16. These are fundamentally short term loans that do present you meet
    your fiscal troubles inside a desired particular time period.
    Contemplating time limitations these loans are especially designed above an obligation zero cost platform.

    As such, these are kept fully zero cost from credential checksums.
    Issues such as defaults, arrears, bankruptcy, CCJs and even IVAs are not deemed right here.
    Further, there are also no collaterals related with these
    loans. There is minimal paper function needed on the portion of borrower.

    There are also no hidden or added documentation or faxing essential here.
    Applying for these loans is also extremely convenient.

    People simply require filling an on-line type and when this gets approved
    money is received inside 24 hours time frame. These loans are
    often supplied below handy terms and circumstances. The basic standard applicant criteria here is that they must be
    a UK resident and of 18 years of age.
    My web blog :: flublu.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. These are generally short phrase loans that do give
    you meet your fiscal challenges within a preferred precise
    time period. Thinking of time limitations these loans
    are particularly designed above an obligation cost-free platform.

    As such, these are kept completely 100 % free from credential checksums. Problems such as defaults, arrears, bankruptcy, CCJs and even IVAs are not regarded here. Additional, there are also no collaterals associated with these loans. There is minimal paper operate needed on the portion of borrower. There are also no hidden or further documentation or faxing needed here. Applying for these loans is also highly convenient. Folks only need filling an web based type and when this gets authorized cash is received inside 24 hours time frame. These loans are commonly supplied beneath practical terms and conditions. The basic simple applicant criteria right here is that they should be a UK resident and of 18 years of age.
    Feel free to surf my web-site : www.agnosticclub.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. These are fundamentally brief term loans that do offer you meet
    your fiscal problems inside a preferred precise time period.
    Thinking of time limitations these loans are particularly made above an obligation no cost platform.

    As such, these are kept absolutely totally free from credential checksums.
    Challenges such as defaults, arrears, bankruptcy, CCJs and even IVAs are not regarded here.
    Further, there are also no collaterals related with these loans.
    There is minimal paper work expected on the element of borrower.

    There are also no hidden or added documentation or faxing expected right here.
    Applying for these loans is also exceptionally hassle-free.
    Individuals basically require filling an online
    form and once this gets authorized cash is received inside 24 hours time frame.
    These loans are frequently offered below practical terms and circumstances.
    The common standard applicant criteria right here is that they must be a UK resident and of 18 years of age.
    Here is my site ... http://nedusunuyorsun.com/

    ReplyDelete
  19. These are basically brief phrase loans that do present you meet your fiscal matters inside a preferred certain time period.

    Considering time limitations these loans are particularly created above an obligation free
    platform. As such, these are kept absolutely zero cost from credential checksums.

    Problems such as defaults, arrears, bankruptcy,
    CCJs and even IVAs are not considered right here. Additional,
    there are also no collaterals connected with these loans.

    There is minimal paper function required on the aspect of borrower.
    There are also no hidden or extra documentation
    or faxing essential right here. Applying for these loans is also extremely practical.
    Men and women only require filling an via the internet type and
    when this gets approved cash is received within 24 hours time frame.
    These loans are normally offered beneath convenient terms and
    conditions. The general fundamental applicant criteria
    here is that they should be a UK resident and of 18 years of
    age.
    Also visit my blog post :: http://staging.erinmillssoccer.com/users/daniloyan

    ReplyDelete
  20. These are generally brief term loans that do provide you meet your fiscal concerns within a
    preferred distinct time period. Thinking of time limitations
    these loans are particularly made above an obligation totally free platform.

    As such, these are kept absolutely 100 % free from credential checksums. Difficulties such as defaults, arrears, bankruptcy, CCJs and even IVAs are not thought to be here. Further, there are also no collaterals associated with these loans. There is minimal paper function expected on the component of borrower. There are also no hidden or further documentation or faxing essential here. Applying for these loans is also quite handy. Individuals only require filling an over the internet type and when this gets authorized cash is received inside 24 hours time frame. These loans are in general supplied under practical terms and situations. The common basic applicant criteria right here is that they will need to be a UK resident and of 18 years of age.
    my website :: go to

    ReplyDelete
  21. These are basically brief term loans that do provide you
    meet your fiscal issues inside a desired specific time period.

    Considering time limitations these loans are especially designed above an
    obligation 100 % free platform. As such, these are kept entirely totally free from credential checksums. Concerns such as defaults, arrears, bankruptcy, CCJs and even IVAs are not regarded as here. Further, there are also no collaterals connected with these loans. There is minimal paper work expected on the element of borrower. There are also no hidden or additional documentation or faxing essential here. Applying for these loans is also pretty hassle-free. Many people just need filling an over the internet form and when this gets authorized money is received inside 24 hours time frame. These loans are generally provided beneath hassle-free terms and situations. The basic standard applicant criteria here is that they ought to be a UK resident and of 18 years of age.
    Feel free to visit my web blog ... go to

    ReplyDelete
  22. These are basically brief term loans that do supply you meet your fiscal
    difficulties within a preferred distinct time period. Contemplating
    time limitations these loans are especially intended above an obligation totally free platform.
    As such, these are kept completely cost-free from credential checksums.

    Issues such as defaults, arrears, bankruptcy, CCJs and even IVAs are not deemed here.
    Additional, there are also no collaterals related with these loans.
    There is minimal paper operate needed on the aspect of borrower.
    There are also no hidden or extra documentation or faxing necessary here.
    Applying for these loans is also quite handy. People today merely call for filling
    an on-line form and as soon as this gets authorized cash is received inside 24 hours time frame.
    These loans are commonly supplied under handy terms and circumstances.
    The basic standard applicant criteria right here is that
    they should be a UK resident and of 18 years of age.
    My web site ... facebierzo.com.

    ReplyDelete
  23. These are essentially brief term loans that do supply you meet
    your fiscal concerns within a desired distinct time period.

    Thinking about time limitations these loans are
    especially designed above an obligation free of charge platform.
    As such, these are kept completely no cost from credential checksums.
    Troubles such as defaults, arrears, bankruptcy, CCJs and
    even IVAs are not regarded as right here. Further, there are also no collaterals linked with
    these loans. There is minimal paper operate needed on the portion of borrower.
    There are also no hidden or added documentation or
    faxing required here. Applying for these loans is also very handy.
    Individuals merely need filling an on the internet type and when
    this gets authorized money is received within
    24 hours time frame. These loans are normally provided beneath handy terms
    and circumstances. The general simple applicant criteria here is that they really should be a UK resident and of 18 years of age.
    Also see my page: icehill.cc

    ReplyDelete
  24. These are fundamentally short phrase loans that do supply you meet your fiscal problems inside a
    desired certain time period. Contemplating time limitations these loans are particularly designed above an obligation
    free of charge platform. As such, these are kept completely
    absolutely free from credential checksums. Concerns such as defaults, arrears, bankruptcy,
    CCJs and even IVAs are not regarded as here.
    Further, there are also no collaterals linked with these loans.

    There is minimal paper function expected on the aspect of borrower.
    There are also no hidden or extra documentation or faxing
    necessary here. Applying for these loans is also very hassle-free.
    Consumers basically call for filling an on the net type and once this gets authorized cash is received inside
    24 hours time frame. These loans are typically supplied
    beneath hassle-free terms and circumstances. The general basic applicant
    criteria right here is that they must be a UK resident and of 18 years of
    age.
    my web site :: panmom.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. These are generally short term loans that do offer you meet your fiscal problems inside a
    desired specific time period. Thinking about time limitations these loans are specifically designed above an obligation no cost platform.
    As such, these are kept absolutely zero cost from credential checksums.
    Troubles such as defaults, arrears, bankruptcy, CCJs and even IVAs
    are not considered here. Additional, there are also no collaterals connected with these
    loans. There is minimal paper operate expected on the part of borrower.

    There are also no hidden or additional documentation or faxing essential right here.
    Applying for these loans is also especially convenient. Individuals simply require filling
    an on line type and when this gets authorized money is received inside 24 hours time frame.
    These loans are frequently offered under practical terms and circumstances.
    The basic standard applicant criteria here is that they should be a UK resident and of 18 years of age.
    Review my web blog :: click

    ReplyDelete
  26. These are generally short term loans that do supply you meet your fiscal issues within a
    desired particular time period. Considering time limitations these loans
    are particularly created above an obligation free of charge platform.
    As such, these are kept entirely free of charge from credential checksums.
    Difficulties such as defaults, arrears, bankruptcy,
    CCJs and even IVAs are not considered here. Further, there are also no collaterals linked with these loans.
    There is minimal paper perform expected on the part
    of borrower. There are also no hidden or added documentation or faxing necessary right here.
    Applying for these loans is also quite handy. Men and women merely call
    for filling an over the internet form and when this gets approved money is received inside 24
    hours time frame. These loans are in general offered beneath
    hassle-free terms and situations. The common basic applicant criteria here is
    that they need to be a UK resident and of 18 years of age.
    Feel free to visit my blog :: find more

    ReplyDelete
  27. These are generally short phrase loans that do supply you meet
    your fiscal concerns within a preferred precise time period.

    Thinking about time limitations these loans are especially created
    above an obligation cost-free platform. As such, these are kept entirely free from credential checksums.
    Concerns such as defaults, arrears, bankruptcy, CCJs and even IVAs are not regarded as
    right here. Further, there are also no collaterals connected with
    these loans. There is minimal paper work needed on the portion
    of borrower. There are also no hidden or extra documentation
    or faxing expected here. Applying for these loans is also
    extremely convenient. Persons simply call for filling an on the net form
    and when this gets approved cash is received inside 24 hours time frame.

    These loans are typically supplied under convenient terms and situations.
    The common fundamental applicant criteria here is that they
    should be a UK resident and of 18 years of age.
    Also visit my page ; realdealfighters.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. These are generally short term loans that do present you meet your fiscal issues inside a desired certain time period.
    Considering time limitations these loans are especially made
    above an obligation 100 % free platform. As such, these are kept absolutely free of charge from credential checksums. Challenges such as defaults, arrears, bankruptcy, CCJs and even IVAs are not considered right here. Additional, there are also no collaterals connected with these loans. There is minimal paper work necessary on the component of borrower. There are also no hidden or further documentation or faxing required right here. Applying for these loans is also exceptionally handy. Consumers merely demand filling an on the internet type and once this gets authorized money is received inside 24 hours time frame. These loans are usually provided beneath practical terms and situations. The general standard applicant criteria here is that they must be a UK resident and of 18 years of age.
    Feel free to surf my homepage find more

    ReplyDelete
  29. These are generally brief term loans that do give you meet your fiscal
    problems inside a preferred particular time period.
    Taking into consideration time limitations these loans are specifically designed above an obligation no cost platform.
    As such, these are kept absolutely absolutely free from credential checksums.
    Matters such as defaults, arrears, bankruptcy, CCJs and even IVAs
    are not viewed as here. Further, there are also no collaterals associated with these
    loans. There is minimal paper function expected on the element
    of borrower. There are also no hidden or extra
    documentation or faxing needed right here. Applying for these loans is also particularly convenient.
    People only require filling an on line form and when this gets approved cash is received within 24 hours time frame.
    These loans are frequently offered below handy terms and situations.
    The common fundamental applicant criteria here is that they will need
    to be a UK resident and of 18 years of age.
    Also visit my page ; enter here

    ReplyDelete
  30. I've been surfing online greater than three hours today, but I never found any attention-grabbing article like yours. It's beautiful price sufficient for me.
    In my opinion, if all site owners and bloggers made good content material as you probably
    did, the net can be much more helpful than ever before.


    Here is my blog - raspberry ketones
    my webpage > Raspberry ketone diet

    ReplyDelete
  31. I just like the valuable info you provide for your articles.
    I'll bookmark your blog and take a look at again right here regularly. I am quite sure I'll
    be informed plenty of new stuff proper right here! Best of luck for the next!


    My web-site :: raspberry ketone diet

    ReplyDelete
  32. This is a topic that's close to my heart... Best wishes! Exactly where are your contact details though?

    My website - diets that work

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hey there administrator, I just wanted to give you a brief heads up that your URL: http:
    //www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=5419860268577817026&postID=8184241622624915673 is
    being flagged as a potentially harmful blog in my internet browser chrome.
    I would highly recommend having someone look into it.
    You could certainly lose a lot of guests due to this problem.
    Best of Luck.

    Look at my page: 80's workout clothes ideas

    ReplyDelete

My post is all Norma No Mates, cheer her up by commenting!