We had a rough night—well that is it was a rough night for me because Mike can sleep anywhere anytime! We were up by 6 a.m., had breakfast by 7 a.m., and then brought our luggage downstairs (that was not easy with those narrow steep stairs). The hotel staff called us a taxi which arrived about 8:15 a.m. The taxi cost was included in the special deal we got when we booked our rooms. 

Once we arrived at the airport it was time for the check-in process then passport control and on to security. We managed to go through all the checks with no problems (amazing because usually I am pulled aside). We were on the plane by 10:30 a.m. and in the air by 10:50 a.m. It was a quick morning from the time we arose until we were in the air. Once we were up in the air they brought lunch—It was pasta (vegetarian for me and a meat sauce for Mike—both were okay), a bean salad which was not good (my comment when I tasted it was “yuck!”), a somewhat stale bread roll with butter, and apple or cherry pie which was okay. Mike had sparkling water to drink and I had a diet cola.

As I hadn’t slept well last night I tried to do so on the flight—but as you know those seats are SO uncomfortable. And then just when I would get to sleep they they would come by with drinks (water for us) and snacks (pretzels—I ate both bags as Mike is not fond of pretzels). Time really drags when one is crammed into a small seat and tired from a long trip. By now, we just wanted to be back at home (which is how it always seems isn’t it?).

About an hour and a half before landing they came by with more food. This time it was cheese, crackers, and some grapes—not bad! I drank water and Mike had club soda—air planes are SO dry that one needs to drink as much water as possible (the down side is then the deadly walk to the airplane bathrooms which are small and crowded). After the snack they brought us lunch. I had a vegetarian plate while Mike had chicken, mashed potatoes, and vegetables. Then Mike not only ate his food but that of the woman next to him which was a ham and cheese sandwich—she said plane rides made her sick and she wasn’t going to eat her food! I thought I should add that as it sounded as if Mike just ate someone else’s food.

By the time they had cleaned up the lunch detritus it was time to fill out the customs forms. Finally we arrived in the US and changed planes in Atlanta again. We had no problems this time and we were soon on our flight to St. Louis. Again this flight went smoothly which of course is what one wants. Without further problems we arrived in St. Louis and quickly went to the baggage check. As we had left the airplane we called Susan to let her know we had arrived. She was coming to pick us up and take us home. Our baggage arrived with no problems (Hurray!) and then Susan arrived and off to our house we went. We had such a lovely exciting adventure but as always we were glad to be home.