Saturday, June 2, 2012

Flying, flying, flying!

Christopher, Denise and Arianna decided to go with me to the airport, which is about 2 hours drive from their house....even though I had a rental car. I was sooooo grateful they were there, because United Airlines made me take out several pounds worth of belongings or pay $200. I had called the night before and the United representative I spoke with said it wouldn't be a problem with the weight since my connections were with SAS Airline, and they allow 70 lbs. per bag. Hmmmmm.....So, I went and bought a carry-on bag and put some things in there, and Denise took the rest of them back to their house where I'll pick it up some day!!! It was very very difficult to leave...knowing it will be quite a while before I see them or anyone in the U.S. for quite a while....

First, my flight from Atlanta to Chicago (yes, I knowwww, I was going backwards!) was delayed due to thunder storms in Chicago.....over an hour and a half. Because that would cause me to miss my next two flights I went to the United desk at a flight leaving in a few minutes at the gate right next to the one I was supposed to take and asked if I could get on that flight.....They put me on standby, and thankfully, at the verrrrry last minute, they were able to get me on!!!  Off we went...over the storm!!!  There was a young man sitting next to me who had never flown before. He reminded me how beautiful it is up there!!!



When I landed in Chicago, I arrived only a few minutes later than my original flight would have been!  Chicago O'Hare Airport is huuuuuuuge. I had to find my way from Terminal 1 to the International terminal...Terminal 5. It was quite a trek across the airport, under tunnels and on the train....but I made it and got on my flight which was on time! From Chicago, I flew to Copenhagen. It's about an eight hour flight....There was no one in the seat next to me, so I was able to get a few hours of sleep!





I landed in Copehagen on time.......got to the gate with plenty of time. So, I went and got a cup of coffee from Starbucks and walked around for a few minutes while I was waiting. When I went back to the gate all of the information was off the board, which I knew could be a problem.....Hmmmm....so I went back to the flight information board and checked-they had moved the gate my plane was leaving from!  Of course, it was on the other side of the terminal!  Soooooo, rushing off again I went!  I got there in the nick of time...for the bus to take us to the little plane!








When I landed I went to the baggage claim area, where I discovered that my luggage was lost!  I had a feeling that would happen because of all the delays and the flight changes. Over the years I've learned to bring what I don't want to lose on board the plane with me......so I thought if I lost it, it was all replaceable......Soooo, I filed a report with SAS Airlines and went out to meet Andrew!  It was sooooo good to see him!

Home Sweet Home!!!  Last night we went to the Doria Cafe for dinner......I was so exhausted, I was able to sleep alllllll night.....what a blessing!

This morning we walked around downtown where there are venders all over selling their wares. We also went to the grocery store together, went to a store in another town and bought a little Weber so we can barbecue (had chicken and bbq'ed veggies for dinner!).

While driving through town the drawbridge went up for a little boat going down the canal!



We walked across another canal later in the evening and saw a Mommy duck and her eleven babies!



Around 1700hrs I received a call from SAS Airlines....they found my luggage!  When I returned their call, their office was already closed. So, I will have to wait till tomorrow to set up a time for them to deliver it.

I discovered it stays light till around 2200hrs here.......what a wonderful relaxing day!

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Georgia......Sweet Georgia!

Monday, May 28th I finished moving everything in to the Board and Care for Tullio.  I hope he will be comfortable there. Around 1400hrs Monday, I was able to meet with the Chief of the San Jose Fire Department, William McDonald. What a nice, kind man. He and I talked for over a half hour. He had wanted to meet with me to thank me for my 33 years of service to the Fire Department and wish me well. What a special thing it was for him to take so much time out of his day to meet with me!

Yesterday morning I left CA for Georgia. I woke up around 0430 to head out.......it was soooo sooooo hard to leave Jackie, Allen, Dillon, Kevin and Amanda......and allllll my wonderful friends.  Be still my heart...this is so difficult!

I drove my rental car in and dropped it off at SJC, and caught the American Airlines flight to Chicago. From there I baaaarely made my connection flight to Atlanta where I rented a car and drove 2 hours to Christopher and Denise's house. When I drove up they were in the driveway waiting for me....Arianna showed me how she has learned how to ride her bicycle!!!

That evening we just "hung out" at the house with all the pets:





The next morning I put on my new sandals and we headed out to Lane Packing where we picked fresh strawberries and Arianna played on the playground!













That evening we went out for dinner at El Tapatio Restaurant where we had some delicious food, and sopapillas for dessert!



Tomorrow afternoon I will be leaving again to make my trek overseas. I will be flying back to Chicago, then to Copenhagen, then finally to Schiphol. It was the least expensive flight combination I could find at the time....