February 01, 2005
We made it to Amsterdam!
We landed on time in Amsterdam. The airport is huge. Lisa, you are an awesome niece! We loved our upgrade to first class for the 7 1/2- hour flight! We sipped champagne and nibbled on sushi. And you have to love those hot, hot towels!
We are basically stuck in the airport for four hours, which is the middle of the night for us. It was hard to sleep on the plane with all of the interruptions for food, drinks, movie. You know, the usual first class stuff.
When we got to the gate at Metro airport in Detroit, the airlines attendant at check-in asked us if we were adopting a child. "How did you know?" I asked. "Because you are going to Ukraine in February. No one goes there in February unless they have a good reason." Oh boy. I hope I remembered to pack my hat and gloves. I forgot to pack the boots I just bought specifically for this trip.
We miss Austin already, but we know he is in great hands with Karen, Mike and Caroline, and my Mom too. Thanks to all!
Hey Austin, your piano teacher said she would come to your Aunt Karen's house to give you a lesson while we're gone. No?? Hmmm....
Not much more to report yet. We're just a couple of weary travelers. We should arrive in Kiev around 3 pm. (that's 8 a.m. Detroit time)
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Posted by Laura at February 1, 2005 01:39 AMPosted to
It's 8:15 am in Ann Arbor. You should be getting off the plane I hope! Cool upgrade, wow--champagne & sushi. Sounds like you're gonna need it. I can't believe you forgot your boots! What were you thinking?????
Now I'm going to worry....damn!
Blog me if you want me to run out to DSW and DHL you some boots! cool cuz s.
Austin got off to school just fine. He slept good. He told me all about the eco- systems they are working on in science. I made his lunch, hopefully he likes it.
DId you notice that our sis-in-law "Karen Wis" in Texas is different from "Wiz in Detroit"?
Posted by: WIZ in Detroit at February 1, 2005 09:48 AMHi Laura-
Are you able to check your e-mail at work?
Laura, here's a cute story about my Dad, your beloved Uncle Ray. Ok, after this, no more "too personal" stuff. I know you hate that. But this is a good Uncle Ray story. My Mom sent it to me this morning:
She (you--Laura) already has it updated to today, Feb 1. They
> > were spending 4 hours in
> > the Amsterdam Airport. I thought of emailing her to
> > tell how dad and I did
> > the same thing returning from our Baltic Cruise in
> > Europe, and dad was
> > watching them through the window trying to fix an
> > engine in the plane we
> > were waiting to take home. Haha! Very reassuring!
> > He kept telling me how
> > old and small the plane was, after he had been
> > expecting a big, new one.
> > ('course telling her all this wouldn't be very
> > tactful; but very much like
> > me!!!)
> >
> > After we landed, he told the customs agent that we
> > had been gone for 14 days
> > and he was never so happy to see land. When I
> > corrected him to say it was
> > only 12 days, he said it seemed like 12 months
> > (waving his arms around in
> > emphasis!!) He had both the agent and me falling
> > down laughing. When we
> > got home, I collapsed into bed for 16 hours with
> > jetlag, and he mowed the
> > lawn and went shopping! All exhilerated with
> > endorphins from getting home!
> > Fun! (smile, smile).
> >
> > Can't you just see it?
Kudos to Lisa for the upgrade!!! What a great way to start the journey. Laura & John I'm handling the neighborhood watch in your absence. Shoveling your drive and walk-way. I've scheduled a small group for exercise and hot-tubbing at $15 per person per hour (of course you'll get the standard 15%)I've had to turn the heat up to 92 in order to get the yoga group into a good sweat. So know that all is well & take your time...but make sure to give me good notice about your return date.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Amy
Laura
Where are the basketball tickets?? Glad you made it ok.
Posted by: Michael Ball at February 1, 2005 02:27 PMHey!!! I am sooooo happy that you got into First class. It makes a HUGE differance on a 7-1/2 hr flight. The purser emailed me before the flight and told me she would see what she could do. Hope you get some sleep! Maybe wash some sleeping pills down with the vodka??? Good luck with everything.
Also.....if you email me or Blog (whatever) your flight information on your return trip...when you find it out...I will see what I can do.
Lisa
aka
Favorite Niece