Sunday Photo Fiction is a weekly challenge presented by my old friend Al Forbes.
The idea is to write a short story (200 word max) inspired by what you see in the picture (below).
This week’s prompt comes from the man himself, and took me on a long and rambling trip down Memory Lane.
Be relieved that there is a word limit here!
Click on this link to enter your tale, and to see what others have written.
© Al Forbes
Click here to hear the author read his words:
Luxembourg
‘Driving to France, aren’t you?’ asks Nick.
Nick is my boss.
‘Yep, in two weeks, for that well-deserved break.’
‘Could you go via Kaufbeuren?’
So, later, I explain to my long-suffering wife that we are making a small detour via Germany en route to the Mediterranean.
On expenses.
‘Will the hotel have a pool?’ she asks pragmatically.
I drive a Vauxhall Viva, which is perhaps one generation more sophisticated than Fred Flintstone’s car.
I now gloss over the horrors of the five hundred mile trip to Dover – Hi, Al! – culminating in a Channel crossing in what a hysterical English lady describes, shrieking, as a ‘bloody Belgian tub’.
I do not mention my illegal smuggling of computer equipment through Ostend Customs at midnight, or our attempts to find a place to sleep there.
The next day we stop in Luxembourg, in an underground car park.
After lunch and a spot of sightseeing, the Viva decides enough is enough.
It belches smoke, and refuses, despite valiant efforts, to mount the exit ramp.
We find a garage and hire a car.
‘Can you give mine a quick check over?’ I ask, exchanging keys.
‘Where is it, sir?’
‘In the car park.’