Crabby Cabby and First Day on the Ship

Lord, this hair!

A down day was just what I needed and thankfully I am feeling much better. We packed up and headed out. Since a hotel was right around the corner from our apartment, we figured we would catch a cab there. 

Upon turning the corner, there was a cab, with a woman driver, which is a little unusual in Europe. We told her we were going to the port, and asked if she took credit cards. She said she did, so we got in.

As soon as she pulled away from the curb, she told us she would prefer cash. We told her the only cash we had was American dollars. She scoffed and said, “What will I do with those!?”

We told her that was the only cash we had, so she said she would take us to a bank so that we could get cash. We told her, “No!” We are not doing that, the exchange fees are too much.

We rarely, if ever exchange money when in a foreign country. The exchange fees are high, the rates unpredictable, and I hate when I get stuck with money I have not spent, and have to bring it home. We use a credit card, with no foreign transaction fees, and have all purchases charged in the current country’s currency.

She continued to rant and yell at us, telling us that she would have to wait two weeks for her money to be released, and she wanted cash now. We told her said she accepted credit cards, and we were absolutely  NOT going to the bank, so stop asking. 

She was beyond cranky and when we told her we didn’t know which terminal our ship was at I thought she might just pull over and dump us in the street! Oddly enough Norwegian did not tell us which terminal, only which port.

We did tell her we would recognize the ship when we got to the terminal, as it was very large, so she grumbled and continued to drive towards the port.

Once we were in the port, we passed two other cruise ships that were not ours, and I was beginning to worry, but once we turned the corner, we saw our ship; Thank God!

She pulled in and we offered to add a tip to her fare which was eighteen Euros, and she said, “NO!” rang up the charge for eighteen Euros and drove away. I was so glad to get out of that cab, and reminded myself that if the cabby is crabby before we get in the car, then I need to just refuse to get in, and find another taxi with a more pleasant driver. Lesson learned: SELF-ADVOCATE! Duh!

It began to rain as we crossed the parking lot to the cruise ship, but it didn’t last long. The boarding process at the port was so well-organized and fast. We were on the ship less than an hour from when we left the apartment. 

We had lunch at O’Sheehan’s, and all is well with me. I am so happy to be in one place for nine days. This is the first time I have fully unpacked my suitcase since I left home on August 14th! This cruise is a busy one, with ports every day. 

Today is an easy day; dinner and a show at Sid Norman’s Pur house. The bands playing there are always great, so talented and entertaining.

Night y’all!

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