The Sound of . . . Volcanic Ash

In my list of the top 200 things that can cancel a vacation, a giant cloud of volcanic ash was never among them until this weekend. Of all of the bizarre things. So, here's the story:

My friend, Erin, and I decided months ago that the ultimate treat would be to spend 3 days in Salzburg, Austria. My job was to research, hers was to get here. So, I found us a super great deal on flights from the UK to Austria, a sweet deal on a hotel room, and discounted tickets for The Sound of Music tour. She claimed Maria before I could, but I was quite content to play Liesl. I've been breaking out into song at odd moments - I will admit that I have sung some of Maria's parts while Erin wasn't here to listen - just trying to get it out of my system. Needless to say, this adventure has been highly anticipated.

Taking my research duties quite seriously, I've spent several evenings poring over my newly acquired Salzburg travel guide and looking at internet sights. I even learned which buses to take to get us to various attractions. Did you know that Bus 25 takes you to the Hellbrunn Palace with the trick fountains? Or that Bus 2 will get you from the airport to the main train station? Feel free to quiz me on the admission prices of various attractions - I wanted to be prepared.

So, on Thursday, a colleague comes through and casually mentions the "volcanic ash cloud."

What is that?

Believing that knowledge is power (as evidenced above), I promptly began doing my research. Turns out that a giant cloud of volcanic ash from Iceland has taken over European, especially British, airspace. The irony is that the shape of the cloud looks like a great big shoe stomping on me and my holiday.

After two days of frantic emailing back and forth, it appears that indeed my holiday has fallen victim to the volcanic ash. Her flight here is cancelled, our flight out is cancelled, and so our plans bite the dust, ahem, ash. This is definitely a "dog bite" or "bee sting."

I seriously think this is the first time ever that watching The Sound of Music will not lift my spirits. Sad day.

If I weren't so disappointed, it would almost be humorous the way that the American news outlets are so melodramatic:

Fox News: Ash Clouds Worldwide Travel
CNN: How Volcanoes Can Change the World

As opposed to the carefully understated headlines of the British news sources:

BBC: UK Planes Stay Grounded until Saturday.

So long, farewell, vacation plans. You were fun while you were here.

So, on to plan Q . . . I don't have a plan Q. Now I have something to do tomorrow - get a plan Q.