It's so weird taking these trips when it's just me now. I get a full night's sleep, no staying up until 2AM packing.
Silver lining, but...
I have a hunch that at the time, you would've given just about anything to have to stay up until 2am packing...
Although on this trip I had to add a second checked suitcase at the last minute.
I really wondered at this (until I read the reason... which made total sense.)
So the day before the trip I got out another suitcase, the size that fits in the overhead bin. And moved everything of a food related nature into that suitcase.
And there it is.
So when my alarm went off I was ready to go.
Naked Jim was scheduled to pick me up at 7AM and he was right on time.
Good to have a dependable friend.
I bought him breakfast as well. Some kind of sandwich and a coffee.
And I'm sure he appreciated being rewarded for his help.
I can actually see the planes coming in for landing from the window when sitting in my bed, or the kitchen sink while I'm washing dishes.
I don't remember seeing any, when I was there, but... that was a while ago and I may have just forgotten.
included Priority Check-in.
Love priority.
Great! Always a crap-shoot there.
I had to walk in the rain the whole way up to the plane, because Long Beach has outside boarding.
Ugh! Did you get soaked? Or was there some kind of cover? Or it was short enough that you kept relatively dry?
I did not luck out on this flight and ended up with a full row, but both of them slept the whole time so it wasn't so bad.
As long as it wasn't like this:
I logged on to the internet and ordered a Bloody Mary from the flight attendant.
For a second, I was thinking "Why did she have to order her drink off the internet?"
And they served us these little graham crackers. This is my least favorite Southwest Airlines snack.
Yeah... that looks... not so great.
I got a text from Jill that our plane was delayed from 2:15 to 3PM.
Not too bad.
it would be a race to see who got to the Amex lounge first.
Ooohh... did you place bets?
By the time I got to Denver our flight had been pushed back to 3:30.
Again... not too bad.
About a month ago I applied for a Platinum Amex card. One of the perks is that you get access to Centurion Lounges all over the world.
Nice! I should look into that, maybe. Then again, not doing a whole heck of a lot of traveling lately.
Jill actually made it to the lounge before me
Jill wins!
Then we grabbed some of the free food. I had some salad, chermoula chicken, potatoes, a roll and some cookies. It was all very decent.
Sounds not bad!
Jill and I were lucky enough to have an empty middle seat.
Meanwhile Jenny & Michael were enjoying some Texas BBQ airport style.
Where were they flying out of??
Jill and I each ordered a glass of wine as our complimentary beverage, but it was not the best white wine and she gave her glass to me cause she didn't want to drink it, that bad.
Can you imagine someone just giving you their glass just because they didn't enjoy it themselves?
I was OK with drinking it, even if it wasn't good!
I really like this shot. Fake-O-rail plus selfie all in one!
Our luggage took forever and at one point Jill thought she might have to go naked,
Wanted to be like Jim, huh?
While we were waiting we ran into Jenny and Michael at baggage claim.
The gang's all here!
I checked the “meat suitcase”. The steaks were still in there, and they were also still frozen.
Ah. I don't think I could do that. 1. I'm not sure if it's legal to bring uncooked meat into the country. Pretty sure it isn't. 2. Typically my flight times are a lot longer as there's often a plane change in Toronto.
Then we went to pick up our rental car.
May I ask why you decided on a rental? Was it because of the good deal Jill got?
Oh dear.
One perk (and there aren't many) that I get from work is membership in National's executive class. I never have to wait. I either skip the line and just go straight out to the car, or, where they don't have that service, go to the front of the line. It's saved me hours on a couple of occasions.
the guy at the counter who helped us was a jerk.
Not okay. What did he do/not do?
Jill was not happy with Dollar Rent a car. It was a 5 year old car,
Really? I'm very surprised to hear that. I wonder if that has something to do with a holdover from Covid and supply chain issues?
but she consoled herself that we were only paying $50 for the week so it was OK.
That's a
really good deal.
Please tell me this wasn't a typo, but intentional.
finally coming across a Wendy's that we decided would be decent. We chose poorly. Although as Jill pointed out none of our choices may have worked out well at that hour.
Oh dear. But... probably so
The fries were cold, so was Jill's burger.
Gross.
Looks pretty good.
I was afraid that I might not get the option to purchase ILL since technically I was not checked into a Disney hotel. I had done online check in, so It stood to reason that it would work, and it did!
Good to know! And... Good for you!
drove through Panera. I got the four cheese soufflé and Jill got the bacon spinach soufflé.
I have seen Panera, but never eaten at one. Sounds pretty decent.
So Jill took it as a sign from the Universe that she's not supposed to drink Diet Dr. Pepper this trip.
Don’t worry readers, those steaks were properly refrigerated for about 95% of the time.
Close enough. And... yes, I was wondering!
Soon we were driving through this wonderful sight!
For historical accuracy (from Jill): It was as I was stopping for a bus, when I heard the shriek, and thought I was about to get hit by a bus! I had a minor heart attack.
No. Way! Wow, that's great!
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