First…we got lost.
Because of COVID-19 measures, flight transfers were directed to follow the big yellow arrows on the walls. Demonstrating a unique talent and significant jetlag, we somehow got ourselves diverted, even going through customs into France. (But hey, I got a passport stamp, and luckily for France, we did not have COVID…) As we wandered aimlessly around, some glorious human (who spoke English, thank you Jesus) saw us and told us where to go to catch a bus and get back to where we needed to be.
Finally, we returned to our proper position where the adventures would continue.
When I booked the trip, we were checked through as far as Paris but not to Milan. This was a first in our travel! The website advised me I would need to see a ticket agent at the airport. That in itself was a bit of an adventure during post-COVID chaos but finally got to speak to someone in Calgary…That brings us to the West Jet agent, who told me we would just have to see a ticket agent in Paris to get the boarding pass for the next leg of our flight to Milan. West Jet Man, you are a dirty filthy liar.
We began searching for a ticket agent in the rather vast Charles De Gaulle airport. We found something that “might” be it and approached the desk. I used words like “boarding pass,” “WestJet,” and “Milan” … to no avail. Even tried a little of my rusty High School French. Very rusty, apparently. Anyway, the ticket agent was obviously from the non-gay side of Paris because he was very cranky and gesticulated wildly for the dumb Canadians to go away.
Unsettling.
Deep breath. Find anyone who looked at all official standing around and ask them! One sent us upstairs. Those upstairs Parisians sent us downstairs. The Fitbit was humming in good humour. My husband was not.
In the end, technology saved the day when I spotted a boarding pass machine and rather effortlessly got our boarding passes. WestJet man, have a map of the airport that shows where these machines are if you will not check people all the way through, or at least let them know where to find a map. Please.
For those of you interested, you can find CDG Paris information here. At least you might know where the heck you ARE! As an added bonus, if your husband looks like he might harm you … first aid is clearly indicated.
Things got better as I picked up a “Paris” pen for my granddaughter, and we managed to make it to the departure gate on time. I was suddenly enamoured of the long layover.
Finally, on our way to Italy!
Path to Pasture 