Home, Home Again
From Venice to Munich is about a one-hour flight, and we should have had about a 2 hour window to do all necessary business (e.g., clearing Customs), but our flight from Venice was delayed a bit more than an hour. The woman behind us kept saying loudly, "We're never going to make our connection!", and since it was the same as ours (Munich to Washington DC), of course we were concerned. So, when we landed we had about 40 minutes to get through what is about a 60 minute process . . . a moment of genuine nervousness as we hustled along throughout the airport but, alas, the plane was still boarding and running late when we got there. Spending the night in Munich wasn't my idea of a good time so, fortunately, we didn't have to do that.
From Munich to Washington DC is a nine-hour flight. The only remarkable thing about it was that they kept plying us with food. And, if we were drinkers, we could have easily had a good time on their dime, but we kept our wits about us and stayed sober, even sleeping for about 3 hours on the nearly flat beds in business class. That luxury is always well worth the money for these international jaunts.
In Washington, all went well except for a run-in with an idiot who stepped in front of us as we re-checked our bags from Munich on to Columbus. Tired, I couldn't help but say loudly to him "Hey, thanks for stepping in front of us!" at the line to re-check bags. He was significantly bigger and younger but sometimes you got to fight for your right to party! Or, at least that is what the Beastie Boys said, and I'm with them. He gave me a quick FU wave and that was the end of it.
Our flight to Columbus was uneventful and we were finally home and ready for bed by 1 a.m. Here at 6:40 a.m. on Saturday, I'm up and at 'em having woken up about 3:30 a.m. That's pretty typical for me as my body clock doesn't adjust quickly. Cheryl, on the other hand, is still sleeping peacefully so I'm happy for her. Our only tasks today are to get groceries and pick up our beloved Boston Terrier, Hope, from the kennel. Looking forward to that.
The trip itself was, as these things always are, spectacular. To see a small overview of Greece and its ancient roots was wonderful. Although I graduated from radiologic technology at OSU, I almost had a minor in Greek Classics and was particularly fond of Aristophanes, a comedian. The eastern European stops on our cruise - Croatia, Montenegro, and Slovenia - were all similar yet unique. These places are nearly as ancient as Greece itself and have endured so much abuse from so many countries as well as each other. The sites we saw (e.g., the Falconry in Dubrovny) were unlike anything we've seen on our other trips and, therefore, as equally rewarding as Greece.
Venice was unique to itself, and probably the highlight of the entire trip. To see it from its glorious 1,100 year run as an empire (longest for any empire) was a wonderful experience, and we can only hope that its current troubles with the water level and economics don't end up turning it into the "Venice Theme Park" that one of our guides described with horror. And, of course, the gondola ride was very special and thoroughly enjoyed.
If you're thinking of exploring these places singularly or together, I can't recommend it enough. Although we've been gone two full weeks today, we return to life as usual and a day filled with college football (although my beloved Buckeyes have a week off, there's plenty of other great teams playing today).
Thank you for following along on our adventure, as our next major adventure fulfills a deathbed promise I made at the James to take us and our family to Paris for a month. That occurs next spring and we've already gotten our apartment rented for four weeks and plane flights arranged. We'll go from saying "Grazie" to "Merci". I think we're up to the challenge, and thanks again for sticking with our adventures told through this blog.
I loved reading about your impressions, excursions, thoughts, everything!! There is nothing like travel to open our minds and hearts, huh? So happy you were able to make this trip. And Paris for a month??? Oh la la!!! We've spent a lot of time there over the years. Get a hold of the book "Quiet Corners of Paris" by Jean-Christophe Napias. The book is lovely and small. It was published about 15 years ago, but its wonderful suggestions for more "hidden" areas of Paris will definitely still hold true. You'll have plenty of time to explore these special spots.
ReplyDeleteI never knew you almost had a minor in The Classics. That's Mark's degree (emphasis on Greek), and he was at Ohio State to work on his Master's. Wouldn't it have been hysterical if he was the TA in one of your classes?!
Thank you so much for taking me/us along on your trip! Love you and GO BUCKS!!!