Sunday, February 15, 2009

Back Across The Pond


Ms. Laurie Thorp, my airport chauffeur, dropped me off at MSP International Airport around 8:30 a.m. Saturday. Following a big hug and parting smile, it only took thirty minutes to pass security. After which I roamed the building, not making unnecessary purchases. (I guess you could call me the frugal traveler, as I also sponged off many of you. Thank you! Thank you !)

Since I had a two hour lay over at Chicago O'Hare airport I foolishly ate a Big Mac. (540 calories) When did McDonald's ruin the enjoyment of grease and special sauce with this
unnecessary information. I think they should follow the military's "Don't ask, Don't tell" policy.

International travel should be compared to Catholic purgatory. A 92.5 % full flight made
passengers crabby and flight attendants nasty. (Could you please complain to United for me?) Since airlines have a specific size and weight of baggage policy ,I think they should also have a rule that passengers must shower within 12 hours prior to departure.

I felt so fortunate to visit my homeland for three weeks. You all spoke English, did not charge me for toilet use and served complimentary tap water. Willy, the Belgian innkeeper, proudly stated his young daughter was his "gold". All of you are mine!


As soon as I touched down at Frankfurt airport, "the love of my life" (I think President O. uses this phrase) and I were back to exploring Europe. We drove around eastern Germany, beautiful countryside, but cities and towns show many scars of past neglect.


Graffiti artists left their marks on just about everything; buildings, bridges, signs, playground equipment, sidewalks, etc. To prove I didn't go AWOL, Tom snapped a couple of photos.

P.S. Hey Terry! Did my car get put away in storage? (Thanks for all your help!) Karen, you are so lucky to have such a fine, hardworking husband.