Back From Vacation

Just back from a two week vacation with my mom, I've got a lot to say, so as not to saturate you with travel, food and human interest stories all at once, I will spread them out over time. In short, our cruise from Southhampton, England to Rome was perfect.

So many people today are reluctant to travel due to the hassle. Yes, travel is not what it used to be, but for the most part, my experience was excellent. We flew non stop from Los Angeles to London on Air New Zealand in plain old economy. The leg room was adequate, food was good, service was excellent, and with our own individual entertainment centers and a choice of over 30 movies and TV shows, we were kept busy. Our cruise company, Crystal, picked us up at the airport, and from then on we were in their expert hands. But even Crystal can't control nature, so our return to the U.S. had some glitches.

The cloud of ash from the Icelantic volcano has effected business worldwide, and I suspect will continue to do so for awhile. We got to the airport for our United flight from Rome-Chicago-Los Angeles, only to find there would be a two hour delay due to the ash cloud over northern Europe. Ok, we had asked to be put on the upgrade list to business class, and luckily, the ticket agent asked us if we still wanted that. It was $400 per person (I don't know how it was that price but I wasn't going to argue) and we took it. Long story short, we took off four hours late due to an illegal flight plan (now that really makes you feel secure), but we were in business class. United recently changed their international business class so that each passenger has a seat that reclines into a full bed. I'd flown once like that in first class, but now in business, I couldn't believe it. We both stretched out and slept for about five hours. Because we had to fly a different route to avoid the volcanic ash our flight was an extra two hours, we missed our connection in Chicago, overnighted at the airport, and arrived home the following moring.

It was my mom's good instinct to put us on the upgrade list that made our return trip bearable. Yes, we were tired, but lying down for most of the flight home was so relaxing. Money well spent.

We found that overall security was easy and that airport workers here and abroad tried to make the experience as palatable as possible. Travel is not what it used to be, but it's still worth the effort. More to come in the future about the trip itself. Until then, it sure is nice to be home.