US Trip: preparation & flights back

Night before flight...
Dropped off pooches for their weekend stay with Sierra (big yellow lab) until they came back to stay in the apartment with Alice.  Missed them SO much.  :(

This is what we were doing until about 11:30pm:

This is what our suitcases were doing while we were out:

We did manage to pull off an impressive packing job thanks to Red Bull, which is also a lot more expensive here (~$5/can).  I always wait until the last minute to pack.  This time we didn't take a ton of stuff because we knew we'd be shopping at home... so exciting! We each had a large suitcase and Adam had a suitcase within a suitcase because of this shopping expectation (see the 3rd suitcase saga in previous post).  Also, we each had a carry-on filled with gifts and chocolate.  Literally. 15 pounds of chocolate.  It was the easiest luggage haul I've ever done.  Makes me want to always pack that light.  Yeah, like that will happen.

  

We caught the bus at 6:30 and got to the airport by 7:00.  Then, we hopped in the Continental One Pass Elite line and cruised through check-in.  I've been spoiled by our Southwest and Continental cards... free luggage, special lines, blue carpet, etc.  I don't think I can ever go back to being strictly 'economy'... even though that's what we are.  We refuse to spend a bazillion dollars/francs on first class because:
1.  We'd have to mortgage our house 
2.  I would probably throw a tantrum if we had to go back to 'coach' after first class 
3.  I don't want to feel like I need to wear my power-suit to take an extended nap... I like my yoga pants

Our friend George puts up a good argument for flying first class, but we just avoid talking to him about it because it makes us want the upgrade.  

George:  
"What?!  Are you serious?!  You don't have the Continental Presidential card?  They give you free back massages and pedicures, while feeding you strawberries and mimosas.  You get a ginormous leather chair, satellite tv, five meals, silk pillows & sheets, and an eye shade to sleep with.  Also, you get to board the plane before the pilots and receive an exclusive tour of the cockpit.  They practically let me fly the plane one time.  You have to get it.  Immediately."  

I may have elaborated a little on his statement, but same message:  Presidential card is apparently much cooler than our One Pass Plus/Elite.  

I traveled with George one time (same initial flight, different final destinations) and he took me, as a guest, into the president's lounge (via the Presidential card).  Oh my.  It was amazing... until the bartender mistook us for a couple on our honeymoon.  George mentioned Disneyland and apparently that was code word for 'just married.'  Slightly awkward, but Adam found it hilarious.  Anyway, they have doors that make you feel special when you enter, a great runway view, mimosas (and full bar), breakfast bar,  large comfy seats, nice clean bathrooms, fax & copy machines, tv's, etc.  It is appealing.  Every time I see these doors at the airport I think to myself... "I've been there!  I know what's in there... and I want free food and drinks." 

            

And I digress...

We made it through security about an hour and a half before our flight... what to do, what to do.

Join a family of Swiss mountain dogs.

Browse.

Coffee.  Of course.  It was 7:30am.  

It took us no more than 2 minutes to get to our gate because the Geneva airport is slightly larger than our apartment.  Being such an international hub of activity, you'd think it would be bigger.  It's really nice, but small.  Actually I like that we don't have to take a train to get to a different terminal.  

Hello friend.  We meet again.  

I was still on my Red Bull high... Adam was coming off his.

Finally on board.  Goodbye Switzerland... for now.

Flight #1

Geneva to Newark:  A lot of sleeping went on during this flight since I didn't sleep a wink the night before... remember?  The Red Bull packing excursion?

A tasty airplane meal.  They're horrible, but for some reason we always scarf these down like we haven't eaten for days.

In-flight map showing where we are at any given moment.  

This map always makes me think of dying.  I always get anxious and pray that we don't have any problems at this point (as compared to more convenient places to have airplane issues)... we'd have no chance.  Over the Ocean Atlantique, freezing water, probably nowhere near civilization, and we were asleep when they did the safety demonstration.

I wonder what -72 degrees feels like?

It amazes me how he can sleep like this.  I usually have to be close to the fetal position... until my legs fall asleep.  Then I wake up, have a panic attack, and Adam pokes my legs to make me cry, laugh, and/or snort.  I cannot sleep sitting up.  

Almost to Newark!

Finally.

First things first: 

• Take a picture of the 'America!' t-shirt stand because I've never been to America and I'm so excited.
• Bathroom break:  said 'pardon' and 'bonjour' to some random people... kind of hard getting out of French mode despite toddler-level vocabulary.  
• Find American food.  As soon as possible.

AAAAAHHHHH Dunkin'!!!  Nom nom nom!

• Call family to communicate safe arrival.

Flight #2

Newark to Houston:  Flight went well.  Slept again.  Don't remember anything.

First things first:  

• OMG Houston is so hot and muggy.  
• Bathroom break to try and make ourselves not look homeless.
• Find American food... again, as soon as possible.

AAAAAHHH!!!  Chips & Salsa!  (Me)

AAAAAHHH!!!!  Wendy's!  (Adam)

Flight #3.  Seriously.  Sick of flying already.  

Houston to Phoenix:  Flight went great and excited to finally get to Phoenix after eighty-seven hours of traveling.

Read a little SkyMall.  See why we love SkyMall.

Watched a little tv.

PHOENIX!!!  We've missed you!

We arrived safely and were chauffeured by our good friend George... to his house... where we were greeted with this plethora of goodness...

Some things we've missed:  Bud Light, Diet Dr. Pepper, cheddar cheese, salsa, Nana's chips, Gatorade, margarita mix, Eggo's, Pop Tarts, mac & cheese, & Dunkin' Donuts coffee.  

Great to be back in the US.  

Here's a preview of the next blog topic:

Au revoir!

We're back!

After our three week excursion to the US, we're back in Geneva.  That also means I need to get back into blog mode.  I went ahead and took another week off.  Some of you mentioned that you didn't know what to do with your life while I was on blog hiatus.  That was good to hear.  It's nice knowing I'm writing for an audience larger than eight.  

I have a lot of 'material' for the next couple of weeks, but first I'll give you a run-down of our adventure back to Geneva.

Monday night:
We took an extra suitcase back to the US with us because we had a list of 'stuff' to get and bring back (I'll post on that soon).  I packed us up the night before we left... 3 large suitcases, 2 carry-ons, 2 'purses'.  Then Adam walked in...

Adam: "Do you really think we need the 3rd large suitcase?"
Me: "Are you serious?  Why did we bring it?"
Adam: "I think we can fit everything into 2.  Don't you?"
Me: "We're going to be overweight, which means like $200.  I thought we were going to pay $70 for the 3rd?"
Adam: [looking through the stuff and plotting] "Nah, we can consolidate."
Me: [under my breath]  "I'm going to kill you."
Adam: [unpacking, shoving, wrinkling] "We can totally get this down to two bags and avoid paying baggage fees."
Me:  "Sure, go for it.  I'm telling you we're going to be overweight.  Next time you can pack."
Adam:  "Awww, don't be upset.  I like how you organize everything.  I just think we don't need the third bag."
Me:  "ZZzzzzz...."  [I went to sleep]

Tuesday morning:  
I awoke to four extremely obese suitcases.  Our carry-ons weighted at least 40 lbs. each.  Adam had successfully stuffed nineteen pairs of my shoes into one of them (bought lots of new flats).  I could barely lift the big ones.  Definitely overweight.
Adam:  "Hey I think we should take this third suitcase.  Just in case we're overweight."
Me: [shot him a nasty look] "Are you kidding me?"
Adam:  "My dad's meeting us at the airport, so if we don't need it, he can take it with him."
Me:  [angry eyes]

We said our goodbyes and off to the airport we went... with the extra empty suitcase.

We arrived at the airport, lugged our ginormous luggage inside and weighed it:  51 lbs. and 59 lbs.  That's 10 pounds overweight for those of you who haven't flown in a while.  I started frantically pulling stuff to put into the third suitcase, when the nice gentleman at the Continental counter asked how much we were over... Adam says "just a few pounds."

LIAR!!! 

Edit by Adam: "I demand a retraction in the next column, as the above statement has been taken out of context.  I may also pursue legal action for defamation of character."

The guy whispered "Well that'll be just fine.  Let me have them.  Just so you know, there's a $200 fine next time.  Just don't tell anybody."


Wow.  Such a nice guy.

Adam:  "Well, I don't know if all that frustration and near-divorce was worth it. We probably should have just paid the $70."
Me: [holding back a swift smack to the back of his head] "yeah."

We made it to our gate after having one last American breakfast (biscuits & gravy, bacon, eggs, coffee, OJ) with Adam's dad.

"Uh, ladies and Gentlemen, we just got word that this flight will be operating on a two hour delay.  There are storms in Chicago."

OMG.

20 minutes later:  "Well, folks looks like we will be taking off shortly.  Once we locate the pilots we can begin boarding."

10 minutes later:  Pilots show up.  Flight went well.  Made it to Chicago.

Chicago to Newark was a great flight with the exception of one announcement:  "Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.  We have reached a comfortable cruising altitude, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the two hour flight to Newark.  Also, I do have some breaking news.  There has been a large earthquake in Washington.  We are expecting air delays all along the east coast, but we'll let you know upon approach.  As always, we appreciate your business and thank you for flying Continental."

Really?  You just announced that?  What does 'large' mean?  Which Washington?  State or DC?!  Why would you announce that at 30,000 ft!?  No more information?!  What is wrong with you!?  What are we supposed to do?  We're gonna die!!!  AAAHHHHH!!!

Give us more Ginger Ale at least!!!

You know you drink this on flights.

Made it to Newark.  Despite everyone's expectations, the east coast was still attached to the continental US and was not engulfed with flames.

What everyone on the plane was imagining.

Closer to reality.

Newark to Geneva:  still on time.
Flying time:  approximately 8 hours
Seats: 41 K&L (a pair with a window)
Luxuries: blankets & pillows included, all the free Ginger Ale one could desire, and 2 airplane meals
Entertainment: in-flight movies, iPad, books, and the option of making out under the blanket (just kidding)

 Goodbye US.... until December.  

Got a great view of NY.  Such a pretty day.  

Departure was perfect.  We were towards the back of the plane and there was only one screaming baby within earshot.  Usually there are several.  Adam did mention that he never wants to travel with a baby.  I agree.  It seems horrible... for the baby and accompanying adults.  The kids next to us were a little chatty, but no big deal.  They'd for sure be out after dinner.  Here's how the rest of the flight panned out...

Please excuse the pictures.  I can draw really well when I want, but I think the quality of the stick figures below makes this more entertaining.  

Going great.  Smooth take-off and we could sense iPad jealousy from the kid next to us.  That IS why we bought it.  By the way, I was not wearing teal shoes.  Just a color I picked.  I like teal. 

Getting some quality zzzzz's.  I usually sleep the entire time.  The orange thing is an airplane pillow... and my shoulders don't actually move like that.  

Que the smelly foot that appeared between our seats.  Really?!  I shoved our armrest back on it and it disappeared quickly.  FOOD!!!  Ginger Ale time!  Our neighbor started (loudly) playing the complimentary video games.  No biggie.

Trying to sleep.  Screaming neighbor kid is starting to get a little rowdy.  Go to sleep please!  It's 3 am in Geneva.  

Tickle Fest 2011.  Big sister was tickling and screaming too.

Story Fest 2011.  Let's try some soothing classical music.  

Nope.  I can still hear storytime.

Not even Ginger Ale time helped.  I wanted to strangle the kid.  If only TSA knew what I was thinking...

Of course.  

Hello Geneva.

7 am and I had an hour of sleep under my belt.  Getting acclimated to the time change was awesome.  I'm still having issues of not being tired at 12am.  

I always feel so dirty after flying.  Not to mention out of control hair, sleeping leg, contact problems, and severe back pain.  I could take ten showers before getting on a plane and would still feel the immediate need for a shower after de-boarding.  

We made it back safe and sound.

When we walked in the apartment door Rocco pee'd everywhere and Jackson wagged his whole body.  So excited.

Au revoir!

The Armstrongs

UPDATE: I finally got a real picture of him... check it out.
So, we've started to use our bike as a legitimate mode of transportation.  It's not just for fun anymore.  Not that we ever rode bikes for fun.  Before we moved, I convinced Adam that I needed a bike for Geneva and I've only taken it out once.  I'm scared.  He, however, has become a regular Lance Armstrong.  He takes it almost every morning to work or the train station when he has to go to a different client.  He looks incredibly sexy in his bike helmet, backpack, and his pant leg things (bright yellow straps that keep your pant legs from getting stuck in the gears).  Yes, he wears them on both legs even though only one is needed.  I don't know if I want to tell him.  I enjoy seeing this every morning:

I haven't been able to get a real picture of him yet... it's coming.  Promise.  I was able to use my Smart board software to find a picture of a guy in a suit and then added some things.  Haha!

And he rides this sweet thing...

Bahahahaha! Since I'm not an avid biker, you can guess my decision making process for this purchase... [insert Barbie voice] Let's get the cutest bike possible!  And make sure it has room on the back for a cute basket!!!

As I said, I've taken it out once.  I was going on a hike, so I decided to ride it to the meeting point.  The first step was to get it out of our creepy 'cave' (our storage unit in the basement... close to where the washing machine is... so yes, creepy).  I struggled to get it up the stairs and drew blood at one point.  After that, I strapped on that sexy helmet and wheeled it out the door.  My heart sank.  There were buses, cars honking, other confused bikers, dogs, scooters, motorcycles, and dump trucks.  This was all while I was still observing on the sidewalk.

I wheeled it across the crosswalk and decided to launch from a safer spot and not go through the intersection, which guarantees death.  I hopped on and pedaled my way through town.  It was going well.  Too well.  I soon (3 minutes in) came to the busiest and most 'touristy' part of town.  It's a street where cars aren't allowed, which made me confident that it would be less hectic.  Not.  The street has tram lines.  Basically mini trenches of bike death.  Adam warned me to be careful around the tram tracks.  He got the tire stuck in one on the way to work.  I laughed at him, but soon realized how easy it was.  There was one point where I was certain I was going to die.  Here's the street (less crowded picture of it) and a diagram of what's going on...

The smiley faces are people and the red things are other bikes.  You'll also notice that there are trams (I forgot buses), lots of fun tram tracks, dogs, and giant blackbirds (which are to scale).  Imagine having to navigate this while trying not to get your bike tire stuck in the tracks.  You have to cross the tracks at a 20 degree angle, at least.  It's intimidating when you're being followed closely by a bus.  I could hear the electric purr of one behind me at one point and I knew I would be crushed if I wrecked.  The pressure was on.  It was way too close.  I'm still alive though. 

A poor grandmother, who was not paying attention, almost lost her life that day.  She was admiring her new purchase and walked right into the street... in front of me.  Also, I slammed on my brakes to keep from smashing into the side of an ambulance (ironically), which crossed in front of me then stopped for lost pedestrians crossing the street.  Aaaahhhhh!   

It stresses me out just trying to recall all of this.  There was actually a second trip back to the apartment, but just more of the same shenanigans.  At the end of the day I made it home... with some severe 'new bike seat chafing.'  Sorry, too much info.  It just made a great end to the day.  

You can call us the Armstrong's now.  We're the most amazing bikers in town.   

Action shot.