The Barcelona Adventure: Prequel.

We only had one full say in Lyon and then the plan was to fly to Barcelona where we were meeting Jacqui. However, this seemingly simple plan became a huge drama thanks to French strike action. So when we got to the airport our flight was cancelled. We then found ourselves in the middle of a swarm of people trying to rebook flights for the next day. Rather stressful - did not understanding all the French yelling that was going on. The flight from Lyon the next day was full, and we didn't want to be stuck in France when everything was shut so we decided to go to Geneva. From there we could get to Barcelona, and Jacqui, the next morning. Drama drama drama. But all the buses and trains weren't operating either. Damn French and their damn striking. The only option was to drive. And that is how we found ourselves in a taxi with two French guys, a Mexican and an Argentinian, doing a Von Trapp and heading for Switzerland. We took a taxi to Switzerland. Across a border. Mental. And it only cost about the same as a train fare. Excellent.

So, we arrived in Geneva, stressed out that the strike would last another day - our flight needed to go through French airspace. Damn French. And we needed a place to stay - so we booked a hotel room. But then we met this lovely Brazilian who told us that we could get a free room at the Crowne Plaza through the airport. 5 STAR HOTEL!!! Epically awesome.

This is Jess in her courtesy robe, on her double bed after taking a long rejuvenating bath in a CLEAN bathroom. We also got dinner and breakfast included. It really was the best. Apart from the part about leaving Jacqui stranded alone in Barcelona, we really did feel like the fates had shone very brightly on us.

And then in the morning after waking up from the best sleep since 2009 and feeling clean and refreshed, we successfully made our way to Barcelona! What an adventure.

When we finally arrived at the hostel and explained that our friend should be here and we needed to find her and we had stranded her etc etc. The women assured us Jacqui was fine and that she would be back shortly. And that she was... with PHIL in tow. What a surprise! That sneaky sneaky man had snuck his way to Spain. Wooohoooo. Fun times ahead in Barcelona! :)