I started my own version of the Amazing Race today.  Only my race is against the ash cloud that has enveloped all of Europe.  I don't know that I'm going to win.  From what Lee tells me, United canceled flights out of Rome for Monday - but the update from the Volcano Aviation people looks like I might have a chance of it reopening by Wednesday.  It all depends on the winds (of course) and the darn volcano.  I wish it would just stop erupting!  If you're curious about the range affected and what is a no-fly zone -- check out the Met Site.  Every 6 - 8 hours they do an update - and you just pick the most current picture.

So where did I travel to today? From London to Marseille, France.  The train station in London was chaos.  There were police everywhere and people everywhere.  The queues to purchase tickets and to sort things out were 3 - 4 hours long.  I was SOOO grateful Lee had arranged everything online and that I could just go to the "Business Premier" e-ticket retrieval kiosk and print out my ticket.  The only ticket I was able to get out of London was first class, and the amount stung a bit -- but I was so grateful to not be dealing with even longer lines and questionable departures.

My train seat partner was a very friendly Brit who even gave me his business card because he's curious as to when and how I will get home... I ran into many friendly people today.  I was nervous about transferring train stations in France given my prior experiences with Frenchmen who don't tolerate ignorant Americans.  But I received lots of help to make a quick train transfer and be on my way to Marseille.  I had a couple of scares with retrieving my e-ticket in Paris, but am safely in Marseille and will sleep well (for a few short hours) tonight.

It's a little sad that as I'm racing to Rome to fly out in what I think will be a narrow window - that I'm passing through Paris and Marseille without exiting the metro and the train stations.  It's horrible.  And to think that I'm headed to my favorite country in the world - only to hope that I make it out on time.  I guess having a cute husband at home changes my travel approach.  :)

Thank you all for the prayers and good wishes you've offered on my behalf already - and for the all future ones.  Next stop is La Spezia, Italy tomorrow night. Buon Viaggio!

P.S. I'm kicking myself because I left my US to the UK adapter in the London train station and had even thought ahead to purchase a UK to EU adapter to be able to charge my computer and work blackberry.  I'm now praying I can find one that goes directly from the US to EU so I can keep in touch as I race to California.