One recent trip to Rhone and Loire, France started out with, anything that can go wrong...will!  It started while one of my traveling companions and myself were waiting for our pre-arranged taxi pick-up.  After an hour with 3 different taxi companies, we realized no one was coming to take us to the airport. I decided to drive myself and do the long-term parking thing.  My companion started to put our luggage in the car, which was running so I could give my I-Phone a charge. Accidentally, the door shut, car running, and the doors locked!  It felt like a bolt of lightning struck me. We had 11/2 hours to catch our international flight.  Luckily, I had my credit card folder in my pocket (purse  locked in car) with AAA service card. Called them, pleading with them to run all traffic lights and come to our rescue before we missed our flight.  He got to us in record-breaking time. Off to the airport we went, after reassuring our "hero" that great things were going to be bestowed upon him for his help!

We arrived at the airport, grabbed our luggage and ran to the terminal. Oops!  I tripped over my luggage and cut my toe.  Now, I have a bloody toe and no time for pity.  With the help of a gracious "Delta Doll" she used two machines to print each of our tickets at the same time! We got to the gate as they were boarding. The trip turned out fantastic.  After a week of exquisite food and wine, and touring the country-side, we were on our way home.  Not being able to sleep on the plane, I couldn't wait to get home and nap.  We exited the plane, picked up our luggage without any problems and headed for the car. Where was the car? I know we left it there.  Walking every row on all 5 levels with no one in sight to help and the terminal seeming to be miles away, we sat down on our luggage and laughed.  We had been searching for the car for over an hour when an angel appeared (disguised as a parking attendant ) in a golf cart and offered assistance.  After driving thru the same 5 levels again he realized that the car must be in the "other" parking garage that we didn't know existed.  Finally, the car appeared and we were off for the 2 hour ride home, but not until hugs and kisses were exchanged and him promising to hug his grandkids.

Marie Griffin, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits N.W. Florida Wine Supervisor