Travel emergency, averted.
Before I explain the near trip ruining event, let me describe the day leading up to it.Today we decided to visit the Cathedral de Sevilla (La Giralda). Everyone told us and the online “best of…” lists said you have to visit La Giralda, the cathedral tower. So we walked down there and saw the line was rather long to get in. We realized after waiting in it for a few minutes everyone already had tickets. We spent the next 20 minutes trying to buy them on the phone. Filling out forms with ID and credit cards and birth certificates, we finally managed to get two for an hour later.
As I looked at the time and saw where we were walking to lunch, I realized that we would not have time to eat and make it back for our appointed time at the cathedral. I did not want to repeat yesterday’s hunger meltdown. I saw fear in Jenn’s eyes that I was about to lose it again. We found a little bistro and I had a nice sandwich. Was that the travel emergency averted? No, not quite.
We made our entrance time and saw what everyone said is a “must see” in Sevilla. To get to the top of the tower, we had to walk up a very narrow spiraling corridor that went up 34 floors. It was packed with people going up and people going down. Just enough space to rub shoulders as you passed. My thought was it is so nice that we don’t have to worry about COVID any longer. Or rather we would have been so uncomfortable in that situation a few years ago.
So when we finally made it to the top, it was such a let down. All of the view points were covered with a mesh screen and blocked by people everywhere. No space to move let alone enjoy a view. We managed to get a spot. Shoved my phone through a narrow opening and took two photos and headed back down the spiral corridor to the cathedral.
Click an image to enlarge it
So what was this emergency? I will get to that.
The cathedral was actually beautiful and reminded me of our visit to Notre Dame just before it burned down. Not the same scale, but still as majestic. Definitely not as opulent though.
After the cathedral visit we found a rooftop terrace with a nice view. We had some tapas and beers. Along the way we came across some type of photoshoot of flamenco dancers.
After the cathedral visit we found a rooftop terrace with a nice view. We had some tapas and beers. Along the way we came across some type of photoshoot of flamenco dancers.
We went home and after a short rest, Jenn took her book and found a sunny place to read. I stayed back and updated the blog. FOMO kicked in and I went to find her. She was sitting at a table having a beer. I didn’t want to start drinking this early so we decided to walk to the pizza place from the night before. It was closed, as are many places in the late afternoon. The Spanish need to rest up for the continuous night life.
We ended up at the same bar from last night. I had another stiff Ron y Coca as we people watched from the tables facing the plaza. I got a bit buzzed. Next we were off to see if the pizza place was open. It was not, but we found another. We had a few great slices and then started off to find the next place to eat and drink.
As we were walking, I made an instinctive wallet check. As I felt the empty back pocket, a slight panic set in. I checked my front pocket where I sometimes use in case I am in a suspect neighborhood. Nothing. I searched both again. Somehow it didn’t magically appear the second and third time my hand felt for it. Now I was panicked!
It was the pants! Then I remembered that these pants have shallow back pockets. My wallet always falls out when I sit. Where was the last place I sat down? I was standing at the pizza place. The bar! Sloppy pants and add in a triple shot rum and coke and you have sloppy travel emergency!
Travel Emergency Alert!
I have NEVER lost my keys , a credit card nor my wallet. As the disbelief crashed into shock, I began to run back to the bar. Jenn behind me telling me to just go. While I am running, my pace picks up as I really begin to come to grips with what a disaster this might be. 4 credit cards, cash, a debit card, driver’s license and health card.
As I ran up to the bar I see 3 women sitting at our table. I walk up close, trying not too look creepy, and look under the seat where I was sitting. Nothing. Before I ask these women, I go up to the bar. Because I am in a state of panic, my Spanish is gone, like my wallet. I quickly ask Siri and just in time repeat it to the male bartender who was not there an hour ago. He knows nothing of what I am asking. I know I said it correctly. The female bartender who we ordered from, turns around and recognizes me. She smile and she says, yes, someone turned it in. A sudden wave of relief rolls over my body. I look inside, everything, seems to be in there. Maybe a little less cash, but I must be wrong because anyone turning it in is not taking cash.
I was so fucking relieved. If I were not in a state of shock, I would have bought those women a round of drinks. I wish I could go back in time and buy them drinks. Take some photos with them and have a memorable moment.
2 thoughts on “Travel emergency, averted.”
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Omg. You are so damn lucky! Thank heavens.
Horrible experience David …glad it ended well