Taurean's Euro Travels

Sept. 29, 2008 just one more day before I am gone!!! It is down to the wire now. I have packed one bag and probably need a bigger one. I do, so I switch to a bigger duffle suitcase. The summer clothes are staying behind, and the warm winter clothes are coming along. I won't have a cell phone, nor a computer, or transportation, but I will have a warm bed each night, where ever my head lands. Unless I am traveling on the train at night. I am excited, anxious, and really don't know what all I am in for, but I am excited to be doing this, I am looking forward to the adventure.

Sept. 30, 2008 - 5 am. the alarm is off, and it is time to get ready for my ride to the airport. I have to remember any last minute things. I am ready and putting things in my big suitcase at the last minute. OOOPs, need to get another sweatshirt. I have enough clothing to wear for about a week. I have jackets and snow clothing, all my personal items. A good book and my writing tablet. Oh yes, my passport, travelers checks and cash in my money belt. I am set to go! Mom and dad take me to the airport. My itenerary says U.S. Air for my first flight, then Lufthansa for my second. We pull up to the US Air counter and boy this is easy, I must be here early, there are only two other customers. Dad goes to park the car. Hmmmm it won't take my code in the automatic ticket machine. I inquire with the agent, who tells me I am at the wrong terminal, this is a United funded flight. OK? Now what? I say good bye to mom as I walk past her and start walking to the other terminal with all my bags. Mom follows WAY behind, and she calls dad. I finally get to the other terminal and am 10th in line... Oh boy, I know I am late now. I try to put my code in, when it is time. I have to put in passport information, destination information, all my personal information, codes, and on and on and it finally will not give me my ticket but tells me to speak to an agent! Oh great!!! I am going to miss my flight! The line is way backed up now and people are crowding to the counter. The agent kindly takes care of me, gets me my ticket, checks in my bag and I am off. Dad decides to get me an international calling card and the machines are all out. I have to get going through security, and they cannot come up the escalator with me to say good-bye. So, hugs, kisses and our good-byes said. Mom with tears in her eyes. I am OFF, Finally!!! My flight leaves at 7:30 am I arrive in Wash. DC at 3:29 pm (12:29 pm Cali time), then at 5:17 (2:17 pm Cali time) I get on my plane to Amsterdam! Arrival time Wed. 7 am (2 am Cali time). More to come after I arrive!