Waking at 8am or so to a knock on the door, Dad advised that he could not find his bum bag with his wallet in it. He was sure he took it off in the middle of the night and put it on the night stand in the middle of the sleeper. Wee looked high and low to no avail, and came to the conclusion he was robbed in the middle of the night. I am so angry and frustrated, playing the what if game. They can't remember if they locked the door. I know we locked ours, but the doors could be opened from the outside with a tool of some sort. The conductor opened Dad's door at some stage last night and told them to lock it, but they couldn't be sure if they did. Dad had a little too much money on him than I would have suggested, so it was a bit of a blow for him. He had also just withdrawn money to pay for accommodation as well. It was quite uopsetting for Pam and Dad, but we were doing our best to focus on the positives.
No one was hurt, they didn't get Pam's money or credit cards, we can cancel Dad's cards, their insurance will cover a little of it, and most importantly, they didn't steal any passports or tickets. Which means they can still travel and board their 12 night cruise of the Mediterranean. We gave Dad 200 euro so that he didn't feel so empty and powerless and assured him everything will be alright, they have access to money with Pam's cards (which are linked to the same accounts), Passports, cruise and plane tickets and soon will be onboard the ship having a wonderful time.
It could have been us robbed as well, as I put my wallet in exactly the same spot in our cabin. You just assume a locked room where people are sleeping is safe, but obviously not. This was a wake up call for the rest of our trip. Nothing of value in the open, not even if you are in a locked room and it is next to you.
So we arrived in Venice (still quite grumpy), and Dad was visibly down which was upsetting. We caught the Venice ferry boat to the Rialto stop and made our way through the maze of streets to our hotel. Again, at times carrying one backpack, one 'front pack' and Dad and Pam's suit cases. The way we were all feeling, the hotel couldn't come soon enough. For the moment, Venice had no shine.
We dropped off the bags at the hotel and headed out for a coffee, sandwich and a sit down. After a while, Jen whispered that she saw some wallets in a store as we were walking to the hotel, so Pam and Jen sneakily went for a short walk. Jen bought a wallet that was almost a duplicate of Dads wallet and gave it to me to give to him as a belated Father's day present. Jen is so kind and thoughtful, it is astounding. I am such a lucky man to have met her. In her words later, a man is not a man if he is without his wallet, so it was important we got him one quickly. So true. To make sure no more bad luck came his way, Jen put one euro in the wallet as well. She is a treasure.
Dad took the wallet and smiled at us both. Jen said later that he had tears in his eyes. I think this made all the difference as a smile came back to his face for most of the rest if the day and I think they will be able to put it behind them and enjoy the rest of their trip.
We found our way (after many helpful directions) to the docks and the Cunard Queen Victoria. Checked them in, took some goodbye happy snaps and sent them on their way. Dad was disappointed we couldn't visit the ship and have a look, but they would not let visitors on board. If they had, I may have stowed away as I sm sure it will be s wonderful trip. Jen and I are very jealous of the itinerary.
They were to spend one more day in Venice before departing at 8pm on Wednesday night, but I think they may decide to explore the ship tomorrow, and leave Venice behind them. What a shame, it was so close to having them on the ship and all would have been perfect, except for some nasty thief. There is a glimmer of hope they may find it packed away somewhere once they unpack on the ship, but I think I am clutching at straws.
They had trouble working the mobile phone I had given them, and as I couldn't find the charger in a hurry, they have boarded the ship without a mobile, so no contact until they arrive home. I have given them my mobile number while I am in Italy, so they are able to call if needed. Let's hope the cruise, accommodation in Rome and flights home go smoothly.
It's funny, the roles have reversed, as it's like looking after and worrying about your kids.
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