It was scheduled as a relatively easy trip with some time for some sleep, reading, movie watching, and anticipation. to Warsaw. Now 11:15 AM. No rush----United Flight departs for Chicago at 3:36 PM.
Then, it began,,,,,Amtrak was on the Summer schedule, which front loads departures from Portland. No mid-day train. So, we leave Saco 8:22 AM; arrive Boston North Station 10:24 AM. Cab to Logan, 10 minutes. Checked through to Warsaw. We are at the gate ready at 11:15 AM.
Time for lunch. We order chicken sandwiches. They are the result of some over exuburant cook laying on the pepper and everything else within reach. Even the FFs have taken on a serious off taste. Scrape off the pepper. Drink lots of water. Go for a walk. Have time to make last cell calls and send last emails.
The flight to Chicago goes very well, except they offered lunch. Got to get this food thing under control. The flight lands at 5:06 PM CDT. Getting to the international terminal proves more difficult than anticipated, seems everyone is confused with new security procedures---us too.
We get part way thru security and are told there is no food inside. Now we know why so many people were going back. Back to the food court. We get sandwiches from McDonalds. Taste good at half the cost. Back thru security.
Get to the gate and find the message posted: "3 hour delay, maybe longer." "Linda wait here. I will go to the counter." Back thru security. "Yes, that is correct. There are no alternatives. Please take these dinner vouchers." Still have this food thing all wrong. Back thru security.
Linda is sitting calmly knitting. Only 5 hours to wait. Sit down and start to read. Linda tells me time for a walk. Another item not properly coordinated. Go for a walk. Go for 2 walks. Finally, it is time...............
We star to board at 12:20 AM Friday. Now the primary language is Polish. Should have begun the language refresher much earlier than I did. Most people are carrying US passports; very few red Polish passports. The crew is very friendly and helpful; pass out soft warm blankets and pillows. At 1:00 AM we are finally airbourne bound for Poland.
We are again offered a hot dinner. Still got work on this food thing. We all fall asleep. The crew lowers the window shades and we all sleep for a few hours. When we awake it is to lunch. Linda notices a Scottie across the aisle from us in an open top carrier having some lunch also.
After 8.5 hours and 4800 nautical miles we land in Warsaw at 5:09 PM Friday Warsaw time. Yes, I know that you can fly from Newark to China in 13 hours. But, we came to Warsaw, not China.
Witamy w Warszawie!!!!!
Dahju
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