Plan A, Plan B, Plan C

Hello my friends! Our painting adventure has certainly become more of an adventure than we had planned. Who would have guessed that a volcano would create such a concern for our trip to France? This being the case, I want to keep you up to date with emergency information that you may need to get you to Limoux.


1. Here is how things stand for today:


-At this point two of our group have had their flight cancelled (Kathleen and


Shirley had planned to spend a week in Paris before traveling to Limoux). They were able to re-book and so will join the group a bit later.


-Janine and Shirley (2) were to fly from Toronto last night - the last message I received was from the airport and they were checked in - so I am assuming that they were able to fly.


I also just received an email from Isabelle, our wonderful guide and commander, who tells me:


"Things are starting to get better airport wise. All flights in Toulouse are flying and apparently the one through frankfurt too. By this week-end it should be all in order. In any case for those that are not arriving saturday, let us know who and when thy are arriving we'll go and pick them up. Tell them not to worry.


Isabelle"


Plan A
You will be picked up in Toulouse on time! Once you have your luggage make your way to the waiting area. It is a small airport and you will easily find benches and washrooms. If you arrive early you may be on your own for a little while - don't panic - more guests are on their way. Stay in the airport. You will recognize another guest when they drag in with suitcases and look eager but rather dazed and tired. If they have an art case it is another good clue.
I arrive at from Frankfurt at 9:45 on Sat. April 24. I will also look tired, but enthusiastic and happy to be in France! Someone from le Monastere will come about noon to drive us to Limoux. 

This of course depends on flights going as planned, unfortunately due to the volcanic ash and flight delays this may not be the case. When I travel, I am always sure to have a piece of paper with the address and phone number of my final destination! So I want you to have that information too, whether you are traveling by your arranged flight, train, bus or by foot.


PLAN B...


Your final destination is:


Le Monastere


3, rue de la Mairie, Limoux, France


Phone: 01133468310909


Here is how the phone works - if someone is calling from Canada you need the whole number


If you are in France at apay phone you do not need 01133


If you are in Toulose call 468310909 - if that does not work try again but do not include the 4


This is the number for Le Monastere - however, there will probably not be anyone able to take the call at that moment, so leave a message to tell us


1) who you are


2) where you are


3) what you anticipate your situation to be


4) what time you will call back - give us a couple of hours to retrieve the message and someone will stay by the phone to receive your call.


The drive from Limoux to the airport takes about 2 hrs so it may be some time before someone can come and pick you up. When we speak we will sort through those details.


Please stay together as a group and if possible stay at the airport. If overnight accommodations are necessary you can get a hotel shuttle and we will pick you up the next day. I have stayed at the Novotel Aeroport or Ibis Toulouse Blagnac Aéroport hotel - both are close to the airport and a good price.


PLAN C - more adventurous


If you arrive in Toulouse and for some reason you decide to get to Limoux on your own you can go to the Toulouse train station and take a train to Carcasonne. It is a shorter drive from Limoux and we can pick you up closer to when you might call.






Fingers crossed that you will only need Plan A!