The Adventure Begins!!

Basel, CHF - Hotel Euler

Chris was kind enough to drive me to Houston. I can probably do it myself next time, but it sure was great to have a run-through.

Clearing security was no big deal. Lots of helpful airline people and security agents. After about a 10 mile hike (not really, just seemed like it) I stopped at a Pappacito’s for three tacos. $23!!! Another long hike to the gate where I enjoyed people watching. Micky texted as said there was a United Lounge, but it was a loooong way away so I just stayed put.

Seatmate was a great guy. Late 40’s, early 50’s?? Turns out he was an ex-Naval aviator, so he and I swapped Navy ‘war stories’ for awhile. He is 1st generation Ukranian. His grand father was executed by the Russians. Fascinating life story. I told him I’d be riffted following seminary, and….well you can read the rest on my spiritual reflections for the day if you’re interested.

Departure from HOU was delayed an hour and a half due to weather. The deplaning was a hoot! I was escorted by two very courteous Airline customer representatives who helped me get to my next flight. “Could I walk?” “If it’s not too far.” Pointing to a sign that pointed to A 1-52, she said we’re only going to A-24. A-24 was on a second nodule of the terminal and now it really did seem like 10 miles! And that was just to go through customs! We then walked another eternity, took an elevator down a level, and met a golf cart which took me to the gate, where - lo and behold they had just started boarding. They then loaded me (backpack, rollator and all) back onto the cart and away we went at 90 miles an hour back through the terminal to who-knows-where. There I was put aboard a 30 passenger bus with another elderly couple and we drove to Basel. No, it only seemed like it. We passed gate after gate and row after row of Lufthanza airplanes which got smaller and smaller and smaller, until they were just rows with steps leading up to the entry door. I gulped, but it was not to be. The driver stopped at a lift buggy like they use to load food, etc. where the couple and I were escorted to the platform. He turned around, drove to the door, raised the lift and deposited the three of us with the stewardess.

Thank goodness I was flying business class on this leg too. Business class??? The plane was a Canadian 900 with tiny four across seating. Business class (boldly emblazoned on the bulkhead in large silver letters) meant I had two seats to myself.

After a 30 minute wait to get clearance to take off (pilot explained the air controllers in France were on strike) the flight to Basel was uneventful.

The hotel is nice and the restaurant was excellent. I sat on the outdoor patio in beautiful weather and engaged in my favorite pastime...watching people get on and off the train. Supper was a wohle (not a misspelling) wohle Swedish perch, which the waiter filleted excellently at table side.

No sleep on the plane just as I expected. I’m writing this over 24 hours after leaving San Antonio, so I’m ready to hit the sack.

Woke up in the middle of the night and did some meditation, so...

If you want to share in my spiritual reflections, click here.

If you want to see the rest of the pictures from the day, click here.

In the meantime......Back to bed for some more shut-eye.

Blessings and Peace!