Day 1: Travel day angst
Andiamo!
I’m up early, enjoying my morning. The list of things to do before we go will take six additional hours. From feeding and watering my plants, filling the bird feeders, finishing a branding gallery for delivery, final touches on packing, stripping beds and cleaning a bit so that when we return everything is nice, loving on kitties, flight crew gifts ready, chicken salad sandwiches just in case. . . and enjoying my coffee on my porch. By noon, we’ll be ready to depart and then the fun begins.
We begin with a long ride to Atlanta. We are three hours PLUS from the airport, and this is our major detractor from flying, but yet not enough to keep us from going. Getting TO Atlanta and getting settled is the worst part of every adventure. When we lived in Athens, we had an amazing transport company that would pick us up at our home, deliver us the departures front door, and then do the same upon return. It was affordable and easy. We don’t have that here. We found out that there is one shuttle company located near us in Western North Carolina (Always On Time Shuttle Service) but for this trip, we decided to drive and park long-term (Peachy). No need for overnight stay with our usual Park, Sleep, Fly reservation since our flights depart late and return early. If you’re flying international, make sure you book a service that will shuttle you to the international terminal rather than domestic. Most only drop off at the domestic terminal.
We’re flying Delta - as always. Keeping the trip as affordable as possible, it’s Delta Main this trip and since we’re flying at 7 p.m. After dinner is served, we’re crashing. Arrival in Rome should be at 10 a.m. in the morning.
** We got an upgrade but declined since both seats were in the middle of a FOUR row. BACK to Main Cabin we go.
Thus far, we’re five hours into our journey and I’ve
I’ve spent $1,000 for 600 euros (exchange rate is horrible)
Our shuttle driver tried to kill us trying to catch the previous passenger who left her CPap on the shuttle. Even though we were going 80 mph through the lot, I applaud him for saving her lots of grief. They should all be that attentive and courteous. I’ll forgive this one.
I do not like my new backpack (Poppy & Peonies) Sometimes too much of a good thing is TOO much. The Nomad backpack holds lots but then you have to juggle it on your back and on the carry-on. Not inclined to use it again. Trial and error is the only way you know if travel luggage works for you.
I lost my hat. Someone is the new owner of a great hat.
We board at 6:10 p.m. We fly at 7:10 p.m. I’m ready to zone out.
