The plane takes off and sounds like what I can only describe as the Empire State Building being dropped into a cement mixer. After about four years, the heat kicks in with the smell of alien fossil fumes. And then, as if on cue, …
The Flight to Riga: Code Name – Hell Ride
I am so exhausted that I can not think straight as I make my way to the gate for my flight to Riga. I keep thinking that I've lost my passport though it is in my handy passport/ ticket/ wallet holder that is hanging around my neck. I've been up about 24 hours at this point. Boarding is announced and I dutifully follow the lead of my fellow passengers down the frigging stairs. I am lugging my carry-on (which at this point weighs 2000 pounds) to the outside. Remember, Stockholm is freezing! …
Seven Hours at Arlanda: Stockholm Airport
I felt so lucky to have an international phone. Being able to call my BFF from the cell without pushing a bunch of numbers is thrilling for me. I proceed through Customs and after the obligatory questions: Why are you visiting Stockholm? How long is your stay? Business or pleasure? I wheel my carry on as I search for the nearest toilet. I take my first photo inside Stockholm. There are an abundance of Olympic rings represented all over the place. I don't expect we will see a lot of that …
The Flight to Stockholm
Terminal 5 looked deserted and my departure gate is totally empty. And this made my heart leap for joy after my major disappointment at not finding noiseless headphones. And besides, I threw my old beater headphones in my suitcase for good measure so I knew that all was not lost. However, the thought of an empty flight to Europe was more than I could hope for. I was mainly praying for an empty seat next to mine. Nothing worse than my bulk being squeezed in between people on an eight-hour …
Terminal 5, O’Hare International Airport
O’Hare International Airport has one of the worst international terminals ever when it comes to shopping and eating. I would have never noticed had it not been for the fact that I needed to purchase a set of noise reduction headphones. This whole thing started because I was misled by the giggling receptionist at Best Buy the night before: RING, RING… someone picks up Burst of hysterical laughing followed by indiscernible talking then: Best Buy Hancock Center, Markita speaking…background …