Monday April 13, 1997
I really can’t believe that it is this early. Things started out in a rush, and never let up. We got ready and vamoosed out of the hotel at 5am and hoofed it over to the water bus stop. Boarded the bus at 5:15am and was at the rail station at 5:30am. We crawled onto the train with about 15 minutes left before our 6:05am departure to Milan. I made a dash out to the train station for some drinks. After breaking some bills at a newsstand, I still only had enough for one Coke Light. I am glad I filled up my container of water before we left the hotel. I jumped onto the train with a minute to spare and had to walk all the way to our car from the back of the train. Good thing I jumped on when I did, the train started to pull away right on time. By the time I reached my seat, the train was well underway, and Mom was panicked that I missed the train.
I dozed on and off during the train ride. Fortunately, we did not have to switch trains, so everything went smoothly. We arrived at Milan around 9:30am, and went about searching for the bus to take us to the airport. The info desk informed us that the bus usually comes every 10-15 minutes, and 30 minutes later, one showed up. Mom nearly gets trampled in the ensuing stampede. Finally after shuffling and running, we made it onto a bus.
The Departure of our plane was at 12:15pm, so by the time we arrived at the airport, we were already an hour into our 2 hour check-in window. Milan Malpensa was very crowded and unorganized. We checked the bags, Mom toured the duty free shops, and I got my customs info stuff stamped (Editor’s Note: It’s been two years and I have yet to receive any money back!) Finally, we made it to our gate, and unfortunately it was a full flight with the majority of passengers being rude, obnoxious Americans (including the token Economy Class baby).
After much ballyhooing, we were on the plane and in the air. I was surprised how much I enjoyed the flight, especially considering the conditions of the Milan airport. Maybe it was because of the condition of the airport. I think part of the reason was because I was so tired after getting such an early start. Another reason was the fact that American was showing Star Trek: First Contact. It was amusing because during the big Borg battle sequence, the plane hit turbulence – Better than Sensurround!
We made it into Chicago a bit ahead of schedule, but there was no sign of Kris. Mom had a little problem with the customs people and proceeded to panic because she couldn’t find her luggage key. I was waived through with no problems. Finally, Mom was OK, she found her key and we were able to proceed to our gate for the next leg of the flight. We bummed around the terminal awhile (Mom had to go back to the X-ray machine, in all the commotion, she forgot her purse – a good 20 minute walk!). I exchanged my remaining Lira notes and was surprised that I actually had $13.
As we boarded the plane back to San Francisco, we said bye to Gary and took off. When we got on the plane, we realized that somehow we ended up in Business Class. Ohh-La-La! I can get used to this. I wish that I could have sat in these seats on the way to and from Europe. I slept through the movie “One Fine Day”, and overall, the flight was pleasant.
Upon arriving in SF, Mom tried and successfully got on an America West flight to Phoenix (She’d arrive there about 12:30am or 9:30am Venice time). I took the bus back to the El Rancho Hotel and retrieved my car and drove back to Davis, making one bathroom/gas stop in Cordelia. I stumbled into my apartment around 10:30ish, and was I pooped. It was a great trip, a bit hectic, but lots of fun. I will always treasure the time with Nathan in Paris and Florence, and the whole Czech hospital bit. I am unsure when the next time I will be traveling is, but I can’t wait!!!!
