Mutter Bundle #18: Ah Those Journeys That Even Ryanair Can’t Spoil

11 May 2025 21:01

“Monsieur,” I heard someone say behind me.

I tensed up slightly, just a touch. I wasn’t doing anything out of the ordinary, let alone suspicious. I had simply paused to photograph the scene that, to me, had that classic ‘phone wallpaper’ vibe — a beautiful red motorbike standing out boldly against a dull grey wall. Worth a click of a shutter or two, why not.

And then came that unexpected “monsieur.”

I turned around. A man, roughly my own age, was smiling at me. No malice in it . Rather, an easy, harmless, warm smile. Looked friendly. Noticing that he’d caught my attention, he eagerly started explaining something to me, occasionally gesturing towards the motorbike.

“Sorry, I don’t speak French,” I interrupted, apologetically.

He nodded and switched to English:

“Monsieur, but it’s interesting, no? This motorbike... Yes, this very one... It’s been standing right here, just like this... how long do you think? A month! Someone left it here a month ago. And now — still here. Imagine that.”

“Imagine that,” I echoed with a nod.

“Indeed,” he confirmed, smiled one last time, and continued on his way.

In my head, I wished the bike’s owner good luck, wherever they might be, hoping they were alright, and captured my would-be wallpaper. A future lock screen and a casual chat with a local — two for the price of one.

Lille, France.

12 May 2025 02:02

That was me two days ago, ready (well... ready-ish, if I’m honest, I’d have happily hung about a few more days) to board my evening Ryanair flight from Brussels Charleroi back to Scotland.

Fun fact: the flight was delayed by about two hours, and for that, we received a €4 voucher to spend on food or drink, which, at that airport, was just enough for a bottle of Coke.

Still, it was a lovely trip and, all in all, a very smooth flight.

23 May 2025 00:25

Ghent, Belgium.