Problems of Volcanic Proportions and Nature

With over a week of delays and backlogs, Europe is now full of tens of thousands of stranded travelers which has ultimately cost airline companies over 1.7 billion dollars. Is the worst of the trouble over or yet still to come?

I've mentioned my intentions to spend the two weeks following the conclusion of the academic semester traveling through Spain and Italy before returning to the states, however the recent volcanic activity in Iceland that has sent the European travel infrastructure into a tizzy is presenting some unforeseen obstacles. I've spent the past five days visiting the Brussels Midi train station in attempts to purchase railway tickets and reservations for my planned travels. Regardless of my attempts, the backlog of travelers in the airports has put considerable strain on the railway systems and to be quite honest, they are inept at handling this influx of demand. There is such a high demand for tickets that train stations have been unable to handle any booking outside of the current working day. Yesterday was the first opportunity they've given travelers to begin buying advance tickets. By the time I reached the booking counter, the train schedule I wanted was already over booked and unavailable. The railway worker ultimately helped us find an alternate route but not without serious layovers and rail changes.

Train stations throughout Europe have been experiencing this increase in volume of travelers. The result has not only strained staff and availability, but also strained the railway network and servers. We are unable to book any connections or trains outside of the current country network. This means that although we're trying to travel through Italy, we're unable to book lodging accommodations because we cannot guarantee where we'll be or when we'll be there.

On top of this obstacle, seismologists have reported increased seismic activity in the region and are concerned about the possibility of renewed volcanic activity, and which could re-cripple European airspace travel.

So where does this leave myself and fellow comrades?

We really just aren't sure. We are currently deliberating and toying with the idea of an early return home. With flights booked and paid for currently set to fly out of Venice on the 13th of May we question the possibility of if we could even get to Italy on time and by reasonable manner.

As of now I have no answers, only questions. I'll do my best to let every one know what happens when I can.

All good; all the time,

Thomas