Travel and more Travel

Jim in the Frankfurt Lounge

Martiza was waiting outside in her car when I opened the garage door at about 2:00PM to get my luggage in the van. She, as always, was ready to help us do whatever we needed. The luggage was quickly loaded, the drivers seat adjusted for her small frame and we were off. We chatted as she navigated her way onto I-275,  I-75, I-4 and into the airport. It was a quick trip. Lufthansa gates just opened and we were relatively quickly checked in, luggage gone and we were through Security. We were both so impressed with how very helpful, cheerful and kind the TSA people were in Orlando. Both of us worried a bit about Jim’s pacemaker and the screening but it was a piece of cake. Being two years away from not having to take off our shoes they were kind and just let my shoes be wiped on my feet for chemical residue and they did nothing to Jim’s shoes. Got to be some benefit in getting older.

We went into the VERY crowded Business Lounge . We especially noticed how many children there were traveling. I was secretly grateful that we were not making this journey with a couple of tiny bundles of energy by our sides. Had a little wine and some snacks and after about 2 hours made our way to our gate.

On the whole we were disappointed by the Business Class service with Lufthansa. We had gotten so accustomed to the bag of goodies from Delta with toothbrush, lotion and stuff but Lufthansa had nothing like that.  Food was tolerable and plentiful. The staff was kind and accommodating BUT the seats were not so comfortable. Jim did sleep fairly well for a plane and I mostly sat up and watched movies.

Breakfast was served about 9:00AM and consisted of a bowl of an omelet with mushrooms and bacon, a bowl of cheese and veggies and some bread. We nibbled a bit and began to get ready for the transition to another flight. Got an electric cart to the Lounge for about an hour and then onto the flight to Istanbul. By that time we had identified a number of couples that were on our cruise and headed to Istanbul. There is also a Celebrity Cruise sailing from Istanbul but going into the Mediterranean.

Business Class was the front portion of a regular plane with the center seats as “Your Space” and not occupied. We were served a lunch and after a couple patches of rough air we landed in Istanbul. Had excellent help with getting wheel chairs though the luggage and customs routine and then met up with the Regent folks. The number of people on our plane that were on our ship created an enormous amount of luggage.

Going to be a great adventure!