Vienna, an unexpected (semi) pleasure


 I’m sitting in the plane on my last flight back to London after an unexpected stopover in Vienna.
Lufthansa somehow managed a 50% hit rate on cancellation of my six flights for this trip, and showed great consistency in letting me find out for myself rather than notifying me – needless to say I’m not planning on booking through Lufthansa again!
After a very stressful few hours in Vienna airport, I made it to the service desk where my flights were rebooked for the morning via Salzburg, and they were kind enough to book me in overnight in my hotel, with transfers there and back, which was nice.
Of all the places for me to get stranded, I was fairly lucky for it to happen in Vienna. I had time for a little wander in the morning and the tulips were out, the birds were singing, the trams were running, and the buildings were boasting all the elegance I would expect from Viennese architecture. It was a nice chance to relax after a fairly stressful previous evening.
 
The flight to Salzburg was stunning. I’m looking forward to my return to enjoy the sights via train in August, but for now I was grateful to be given the opportunity to see everything from above. Because we were in a smaller twin prop Bombardier, we were flying closer to the ground, and I almost felt like I was back in the cockpit of my favourite little Piper Tomahawk. The only clouds were during take-off and landing, making it even more special.
Unfortunately my luck with window seats and empty rows has run out at this point, as have the complimentary drinks and snacks – thanks for being so tight, British Airways! I’m looking forward to taking on the London trains and getting myself home, out of my bright orange reserve socks courtesy of Emirates, my desert sand logged shoes I’ve been living in for the last two weeks, and into bed for a nice, long sleep.
On the more reflective side (isn't hindsight a beautiful thing?!), if I hadn't been so stressed and panicky and had trusted that things would work out, I could have taken the opportunity for a day in Vienna and booked a flight back later in the evening, seeing as Vienna is on my list. It's funny how a little trust can make such a big difference to how one experiences a situation. But no matter. School I hope you're ready for me!
 

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