ARRIVAL AT VENEZIA -- We (Dutch & Barb Bowen) left SFO on flight #083 at 5:30 PM on 8 May 99. The flight from SFO to Charles de Gaule (Paris) took 10.5 hours on Air France. The seats were very close together and really(!) uncomfortable! It was almost impossible to hear the English translations on the audio system. Row 27 is parallel to the screen so you cannot see the movie screen and you are too far from the small tv screen to see and read the subtitles.
Not the problem of the airline--my problem! I didn't pay for the cost of Business class--so " 'ya gets what 'ya pays for..."
Customs check at Charles De Gaule was nothing but a passport check. Had to take a shuttle to a different terminal area for our flight to Venice. Beautiful terminal. Had to pay $7 for 2 Pepsi. Europe really does not have diet drinks, just light drinks and it is difficult to find Pepsi (most places have Coke). Used the restrooms at Charles deGaule and they were the dirtiest restrooms I've ever seen! Truly the worst throughout the trip!
We arrived in Venice at about 5:30 PM on Sunday 9 May 99 (Mothers' day). The customs officers were busy talking and took basically no notice of us or anyone. The dogs, however, were there and watched everyone (good looking German Shepherds!). There was an ATM machine right in the baggage claim area. We walked to the Hertz car rental desk and gave them our voucher from EuroCar Rental. They were ready for us and spoke excellent English. All they needed was Dutch's drivers license and International Drivers' License. It was an absolutely beautiful day! We walked to the car (about 2 short blocks). The car was perfect. It was exactly what we had ordered. A small station wagon (Ford Mondeo) and just right for 4 people and our luggage.
Just a bit tricky getting out of the airport. Once on the autostrada, we had to watch the signing. A4 and A27 area interchange took some attention. Traffic was medium to light. When we got to the toll station, you push the red button and a ticket is supposed to come out. If it does not, but the gate raises, go back and collect your ticket then get back in the car and proceed. We didn't go back for the ticket and therefore, had quite an adventure at the exit station.
Page designed by -BARBARA RAY BOWEN - updated 10 June 1999
