Are We there Yet?

Wade Eating an Authentic German Sausage in Frankfurt
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Our travel adventure started with a flight from Spokane to Denver which was on time. The flight leaving Denver was delayed one hour due to weather. Once we were airborne and half-way to Newark the captain came on and said “You may have noticed that we have e been doing circles for the past hour.” We had no idea. He explained that Air Traffic Control in New York & New Jersey was not allowing any aircraft into the area. We were on a weather hold and unfortunately did not have enough fuel to keep circling. Only ½ hour left. Therefore we were being diverted to Chicago. He had no details as to when or if we would be able to proceed to Newark. This was apparently very unusual and happens rarely. We were allowed off the aircraft for an hour while they sorted out the situation. Just long enough to grab something for lunch. We headed for Newark after 45 minutes taxiing around O’Hare. Shortly after take-off the pilot asked that everyone stay in their seats with their seatbelts on as we were going to try to “sneak” through a weather opening near Newark before ATC shut the airport down again. Well we made it after a bumpy ride in. We boarded our 10 p.m. Luthstansa flight for Frankfurt. When we walked on the plane the boys and I gasped. The plane (Airbus) was unbelievable! Boy do those Germans know how to engineer! No wonder I love my Audi so much. This plane was like something out of the future. Carbon-fiber material, ergonomic seats, personal video consoles, drop down screens and yes (Peggy will love this!) personal cup holders that flip out for your drinks. Frankfurt airport is the same way. Very high tech. We departed Frankfurt with no problems and arrived very tired in Paris. Our bus driver was waiting and we headed for the hotel. On the way we witnessed French driving habits. Anything and everything goes when driving in France! Cars cutting in front of each other, motorcycles and scooters darting in and out of traffic. You name it! By far the craziest driving I have observed. The boys were truly amazed at how small the cars are here. Certainly no pickups, hummers, etc with gas being over $6 a gallon. They are both convinced they want to drive scooters or the new “smart” cars which are abundant here. I just pray they don’t pick up any of the nasty French driving habits! Another report tomorrow night after our tour of Versailles, Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower.

How Many Flights Does it Take to Reach France?