December 31, 2015
Houston, we have a problem!
We are wondering if we will ever get home. On our last leg, we had more than our share of challenges.
Flight from Moscow to Houston was 11 hours and 45 minutes. Talk about restless legs! After going through debarkation, collecting (how many?) suitcases, getting a cart, going through customs (very long line and no bathrooms), we finally got to the "other side".
It did not take long to figure out that things were going down hill from there. Arriving at the gate for our flight to Tampa, we discovered that our flight would be one hour late. There was a crew but no pilot. Small details.
Even when the pilot flew in from his previous flight, it was determined that he could not fly us because he would be over his limit of hours. And they could not find another pilot. And it was dark. And it was late. And you know what happened next. The flight was cancelled. And no more flights for the rest of the night.
Two hundred of our new best friends all standing at the customer service counter! We were all given a voucher to a "nearby" hotel and two free vouchers for breakfast. Kent thought this was going to be fun since it was New Year's Eve. I voted to stay at the airport overnight, since it was already late and the flight was at 7:00 am.
So, we went downstairs to catch the hotel shuttle and discovered that all 200 of our new best friends were also in line. Waited. Waited. Finally made it to the hotel before the ball dropped at Times Square, but we did not look forward to our 4:00 am wake-up call. Asked for a toothbrush and toothpaste. I should know better!
January 1, 2016
We are a little foggy, so not sure what day or what year it is. But, dutifully downstairs for the shuttle and those same 200 of our new best friends also waiting. Then we noticed the flight crew. They were allowed to get on the airport shuttle while we had to wait in line.
Second try at the Houston airport. While going through security, Kent forgot to take his computer out of his backpack so he got pulled over. I was not the only one that gave him a dirty look. Then, when we got our free breakfast, Kent spilled the orange juice on the floor. I acted like I didn't know him!
Arrived Tampa. Nice and warm and sunny -- just how we like it. Rented a car to return to Osprey and home sweet home. Checked out house, plants, pond, wildlife. All is well.
Houston, we have a problem!
We are wondering if we will ever get home. On our last leg, we had more than our share of challenges.
Flight from Moscow to Houston was 11 hours and 45 minutes. Talk about restless legs! After going through debarkation, collecting (how many?) suitcases, getting a cart, going through customs (very long line and no bathrooms), we finally got to the "other side".
It did not take long to figure out that things were going down hill from there. Arriving at the gate for our flight to Tampa, we discovered that our flight would be one hour late. There was a crew but no pilot. Small details.
Even when the pilot flew in from his previous flight, it was determined that he could not fly us because he would be over his limit of hours. And they could not find another pilot. And it was dark. And it was late. And you know what happened next. The flight was cancelled. And no more flights for the rest of the night.
Two hundred of our new best friends all standing at the customer service counter! We were all given a voucher to a "nearby" hotel and two free vouchers for breakfast. Kent thought this was going to be fun since it was New Year's Eve. I voted to stay at the airport overnight, since it was already late and the flight was at 7:00 am.
So, we went downstairs to catch the hotel shuttle and discovered that all 200 of our new best friends were also in line. Waited. Waited. Finally made it to the hotel before the ball dropped at Times Square, but we did not look forward to our 4:00 am wake-up call. Asked for a toothbrush and toothpaste. I should know better!
January 1, 2016
We are a little foggy, so not sure what day or what year it is. But, dutifully downstairs for the shuttle and those same 200 of our new best friends also waiting. Then we noticed the flight crew. They were allowed to get on the airport shuttle while we had to wait in line.
Second try at the Houston airport. While going through security, Kent forgot to take his computer out of his backpack so he got pulled over. I was not the only one that gave him a dirty look. Then, when we got our free breakfast, Kent spilled the orange juice on the floor. I acted like I didn't know him!
Arrived Tampa. Nice and warm and sunny -- just how we like it. Rented a car to return to Osprey and home sweet home. Checked out house, plants, pond, wildlife. All is well.
ferocious alligator
eagle at pond's edge
two sand hill cranes
my pineapple
