Home . . . and Random Thoughts About Travel

It was foggy when we woke in San Diego yesterday. We loaded up the rental car and returned to the airport. It was hard to believe that we had only been in California for six days yet we had been to the desert and back. In fact, we had put about 500 miles on the car.

It was a smooth return home. We had no trouble checking in and making our connection in Charlotte. Our bags made it to Buffalo and we hardly had to wait at all for them. We managed to find our car in the airport parking lot! YEAH

The drive back to Canada was uneventful. The wait at customs non-existent and the agent didn't seem to care what we had with us. I noticed that she was wearing gloves - the impending arrival of winter is upon us - hard to imagine that 24 hours ago we were sweltering in the 98 degree heat of the desert.

When we got home the cats were thrilled to see us. We said 'hey' back to them. After unloading the car we were famished so we heated up some leftovers from the freezer and chowed down.

Thank goodness I took today off of work. It has been a day of unpacking, putting things away, laundry, grocery shopping, yard work, putting out the Hallowe'en decorations . . . Dear lord, now I know why I am so bloody tired!

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Now . . . Some Random Thoughts About Travel in 2008

I hated everything about United Airlines. I hated that they made me pay $ 60 to check my luggage. We can't bring liquids on the plane so when you then check the luggage you have to pay to do that as well. That sucks. I hated that the seats were so tight you were unable to move. I hated that the airline attendants were surly and snarly - I guess working for that airline does that to you. Never again will I travel with United!

I hate that you have to pay for everything. I have never been enamored of airline food so I won't miss it one bit but a diet coke would be nice. Imagine having to fork over $ 2.00 for a can! Next thing you know they'll be charging you for the washroom or the bloody oxygen.

Why is it I always attract odd people when I travel? Just once I'd like a peaceful flight. There were two three folks en route to Buffalo that I could have done without:

The first was on the plane from San Diego. A young lady who was rather chatty. I could have handled this. I was more annoyed by her tantrum when the stewardess asked her to stow her purse (we were in the emergency aisle). It was placed 2 feet directly in front of her. She needed to hold it. If I were the stewardess I would have made her exit the plane. The other thing that annoyed me was the fact that she constantly held a large blue stuffed bunny. She had a disconcerting way of rubbing the said bunny over her face. Later we saw her eating dinner in Charlotte . . . the bunny was sitting at her table eating with her . . . She was probably about 25 and other than this odd behaviour seemed quite together.

The second odd character was in the waiting areain Charlotte. She was loud. She was obnoxious. She rattled on about how today was the first day she wasn't drunk in a week. Did I say she was loud? She was shushed by numerous folks but never took the hint. ARGH Paul and I were thrilled that she was seated far away from us when we boarded the plane.

The third woman I felt sorry for. She was across the aisle from us on the plane to Buffalo. She was in considerable distress. She was wearing a hospital bracelet and had an bandage from an IV on her left hand. She spent most of the flight rubbing her right arm and complaining about how much it hurt. She quietly wept throughout much of the flight. This was disconcerting to put it mildly! Her husband ignored her - he should be forced to watch the plane safety video 2450 times as his penance.

I head something fascinating from the stewardess. Apparently US Airlines is removing all of the video equipment from their airplanes in an effort to reduce gas consumption.

There you have it - now we will be paying an excessive price, have to pay more to check luggage, buy a drink, be seated near annoying folks, and not be entertained at all. Modern airline travel gets less and less palatable every day.

Next time I'll take the bus.

Comments

[sandi @ the whistlestop cafe]

Bill will be thrilled to hear that next year you will be going to palm desert by bus. He can meet you in St Louis.
I on the other hand will endure another Delta flight. (this time in the daylight hours)

[Laura]

I don't know Jerry. At $60 a bag to check luggage you might want to consider, dare I say it, carry-on. 8)

[sandrac]

It is really great to have a day off after a trip, to do laundry, put things away, get fresh groceries, etc. And after spending so much time watching Life's Rich Pagent unfold before you, you especially needed a bit of time to unwind!

The bunny lady sounds slightly scary; the sober-for-once gal very scary; and the crying lady, pathetic. Ouch. I usually get only one such memorable travel companion per trip!

[Travelrobe]

Also, Heathrow Airport Parking is a necessity when going away on holiday or business from Heathrow and while its possible to have friends drop you off at Heathrow parking or taking a taxi even the train to Heathrow parking just think of all the inconveniences, for starters, how reliable are all these options to Heathrow? or even worst, the cost compared to the piece of mind when you have matters in your own hands like Heathrow Airport Parking, we know what we would do if traveling to Heathrow, which is why we're recommending Heathrow Parking.

[girasoli]

We are getting closer and closer to this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUvvgjKK8_E

[Jerry]

Sandi - that will be the day!

Sandra - it was my bad luck. Hopefully everyone will eb as normal as me next time! LOL

Girasoli - that was HILARIOUS!