It was so nice to leave Toronto when we did yesterday - leaving winter behind is always good in my books. The picture above is the runway at Pearson International Airport - who wouldn't want to leave THAT behind?
We were a little worried when we started hearing the reports about a severe winter storm coming our way. I really needed a break from the snow, the cold, work, and life. Had we not headed out to California there would have been no living with me at all.
Timing being everything, the worst of the snow held off until we were out of the city.
I had used points to get the tickets so we were heading out in style - first class. I didn't mind hanging out in the first class lounge while waiting for the flight to depart - it was almost civilized.
Things got a bit challenging once we boarded the plane . . . we sat on the tarmac at Pearson for almost two hours for de-icing and other stuff - again, not a worry in first class. It is amazing how easy it is to deal with delays and waits when you are in luxurious comfort.
The flight itself was uneventful - although I have to say that the first class treatment has effectively spoiled us - all future flights will be challenging now. Paul has decided that we must fly first class all of the time! Come on lottery numbers.
We had a short wait in Calgary (AKA home of the nastiest Prime Minster EVER AND the airport with the WORST carpet ever - I'm not saying that there is a correlation, I am just saying . . .) and then were off to San Francisco.
We quite liked this steward. He was free with the wine and kept the glasses full. Apparently I knocked back an entire bottle of wine.
Did I say how much I LOVE first class?
At SFO we discovered that Air Canada had switched terminals - this proved to be a great thing because we found terminal three far easier to navigate than the previous terminal - plus the luggage was twirling around on the carousel in no time.
Luggage in hand (well, in tow) we made our way to the BART terminal where we experienced another first - mass transit in SF. It was easy, quick, efficient, and cheap ($ 5.35 from airport to downtown), I wondered why we had never done this before!
Once downtown it was a short walk to our hotel (another great deal - $ 100 per night) where we were checked into a great room.
So far things have gone quite well.
Today we plan on visiting our favourite breakfast spot - Dottie's True Blue Cafe, enjoy a few museums, do some shopping . . . and not think about work OR snow!
OMG! The picture of the airport strikes terror deep into my heart!
Yeah, once you've been in First Class it's hard to go back... But however did you manage to use points? I've been trying and trying.... sigh...
Have a great holiday/whatever in the warmth!
Posted by: Katie | January 29, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Jerry, you sound like you're already mellowed out, and you just got off the plane, but I guess a bottle of wine will certainly facilitate mellowness. We are SO looking forward to seeing you and Paul in Paso Robles tomorrow. Enjoy THE CITY, as SF is so affectionately known, and have a glass (or two) for me. Fino a domani....
Posted by: Brad'll Do It | January 29, 2009 at 01:14 PM
Jerry, glad to hear that you and Paul arrived safe and sound (and happy!)
I'll be interested in hearing much more about your hotel and any restaurant reviews, for my upcoming trip to The City (as Brad -- and my brother in SF -- refer to it!)
And isn't BART great?
Posted by: sandrac | January 29, 2009 at 02:53 PM
Jerry-Glad you and Paul had such a nice flight to SF. Have a fun trip, and enjoy the warmer weather. And have a glass of wine for me also-sure wish I could join you all. And I agree-first is so nice. I fly a lot on Alaska Air for my job, so I'm able to fly first on most trips. When I have to sit in coach, I feel as if it just isn't right. I admit it-I'm spoiled.
Posted by: Cindy Ruth | January 29, 2009 at 04:27 PM
Jerry--how much luggage?
Posted by: Jane | January 29, 2009 at 10:01 PM
I was reading what good weather the bay area is having. I think it should stay that way all weekend. Glad all is going well. SF is one of the best cities in the world!YOU ARE THERE!
See you domani.
Posted by: Barb Cabot | January 29, 2009 at 10:11 PM
One of my favorite cities to visit...you aren't really just going to say "visit some museums" and not go into detail with names and what you saw, are you? ARE YOU???? Have a great time.
Posted by: Kathryn Gerth | January 29, 2009 at 10:28 PM
Can't wait to hear where you eat. SF is one of the best food cities! Have fun.
Posted by: Laura | January 29, 2009 at 10:28 PM
Once you fly first, being back in the cattle area will be even harder to take. Isn't it wonderful up there? If I was going to ever be delayed, first class would definitely be the place to be! What's the name of the hotel in SF? Have fun and enjoy the warmth!
Posted by: girasoli | January 30, 2009 at 01:31 AM
Katie - it was actually worse than it looks - we got out before most of the snow fell.
The City was great Brad (as always). See you on Friday.
Sandra - lots of great spots for you to visit with your brother.
Cindy - we shall have a bottle for you! LOL
Jane - luggage was under control. We may have to buy a suitcase here though.
Barb - we're looking forward to seeing you and Mike again!
Kathryn - more details will follow!
Laura - it is a short visit. The great restaurants will be limited. :-(
Girasoli - we stayed in the Handlery - it is an old hotel that has been all re-done. We have stayed here a few times and quite like it for its location and service.
We're loving the warmth!
Posted by: JDeQ | January 30, 2009 at 10:40 AM