It’s frustrating when something you really want to happen just doesn’t happen. In my case it is the visit to Monsieur Vincennes’ farm that just won’t successfully happen.
I gave him seeds back in mid-June and he planted them by late-June/early-July.
We scheduled a visit for August 17th which we then canceled because he had some issues with his family.
Two weeks later, we called and reschedule the visit for September 9th. He texted postponing to the following weekend.
I felt like it was really set. September 16th would be the day. I rented the car days before and we woke up to gorgeous sunshine and warm air. It would be the perfect setting to see the farm for the first time.
Unfortunately, Avis car rental did not feel the same way. I stupidly did not check the Sunday hours for the car rental office. You would think after living in France for a year, I would be more savvy about the lack of Sunday hours. But I wasn’t and the office was shut from 13h-16h which was right when I notified we’d be picking up the car.
We had a few options.
1. Try to rent a car somewhere else. This didn’t seem possible since I’m sure most other rental car offices were also shut during the Sunday “lunch hours.”
2. Take a taxi. This wasn’t really an option but entertained the expensive idea for about 30 seconds.
3. Pick the car up right at 16h. The issue with this is that it takes about 45 minutes to get to the farm and it was Sunday and the last thing I wanted to do was chat farms and kale right before a Sunday family dinner. It’s just how I was raised.
4. Reschedule to the following weekend. This is what choice we went with.
We called and reschedule and Monsieur Vincennes agreed and told us that “he really wants to see us and is excited for the visit.” +1 especially for me because since I dont’s speak French that well, I constantly struggle with the fact that it will take 100x longer to build relationships with my farmers.
But as it got closer to the following Sunday, Monsieur Vincennes did not confirm. We texted and called and finally heard from him at around 11am on Sunday that he again had a few family issues.
I’m telling you – this is the visit that just wasn’t meant to happen. But I’m not giving up and planning another visit in early October.
Fifth times a charm?
Maureen in Oakland says
Don’t give up. It will happen. But seriously how frustrating!
k_sam says
Aww, how frustrating – hopefully next time will work out. But there is a 5th option – call a friend with a car! ;)
kristen says
srsly! such a good 5th option!
Sara says
Bryan and I are pros at car rental problems in this city. Some places will let you drop the keys to return on Sundays. You kind of have to call around and ask to see which one as it seems to change from place to place (and day to day). We did find that there is a Sixt car rental (it’s really cheap, but there are usually mileage charges) at Gare de Leon that is open Sundays.
Bonne chance!
kristen says
You’d think after a year here, I’d be used to the “Sunday Rules,” but clearly I’m not. It’s so frustrating. Next time will be it!
Sylvia says
Boy are you going to cherish that visit once you finally get there!!!!
kristen says
I think the facebook/instagram photos will be out of control!
bikesbirdsbeaches says
Your dedication is exemplary. This will happen, and it will feel unreal and thrilling when it finally does! Hang in there, and take care!!!
kristen says
Hanging in there and you’re right, the first successful visit will be unreal!