Monday the 22nd the journey begins. I spend all day running around like a mad person throwing the majority of my clothing into two large suitcases and one carry on size. They were jam-packed, but in my defense I was also bringing camera equipment, a laptop and a couple winter coats. And, afterall, I will be gone for almost a month. In any event, I managed to see everyone before leaving town despite being pulled over in Yarmouth for a headlight that has been out for two weeks. Our car to the airport arrived a little before three pm. The driver was optimistic about the amount of luggage Karl and I had between us (Karl packs like a woman). Leah helped load us in and then we hugged for a long time. She had a few tears, which of course triggered me to cry…for nearly the first 30 minutes of the drive. It was at about that point that I realized I left my (brand new, PURPLE) running shoes by the kitchen door. We were making really good time so we asked the driver to pull off a the mall in Saugus, MA. Karl ran into Dick’s and bought a new(er) pair. Oops. At least now I am set for about 4 years.
We get to the airport, check our bags and head to security. If you have turned on a TV at all over the past few weeks you undoubtedly know that everyone is making a big to do about the naked body scanners and pat-downs. Sure enough, Logan has these new fancy radiation devices. Both Karl and I took note that they don’t bother to give you any notice about them other than a tiny sign right in front that shows you how to stand, but not that you will be exposed to radiation or that someone gets to see you naked. To be honest I’m not too worked up about the scanners. (I think it is actually more of a violation for guys...). We both went through and then, of course, I got a brief pat down. Nothing too invasive. After relaxing and a few snacks in the lounge, we boarded the plane an hour later (All I have for pictures are the ones on my cell phone and those are pretty shitty anyway.) I must say the first class is, well, rather nice. A large seat, with infinite leg room, and that goes out all the way flat, is rather comforable. The food was pretty good food too. I tried caviar. I’m going to have to say that I am not a huge fan but I am glad that I tried it. They also give you way better goodies in first class. A pair of pretty decent (K would probably say otherwise) pajamas and a little make-up bag thing with lip balm and a few other cool little items in it. (I am wearing the PJ’s right now…) Karl and I tried watching Inception but I conked out...and then he did too. We slept for a few hours before being awoken for breakfast.
We landed in Munich at about 9:30 am local time. We had to go through security again to get into the Munich airport (a little redundant I feel). As we were walking through a hallway from the plane to the security area K looked down into the parking lot below and spotted a Porsche Panamera (I wouldn’t know what one of them looked like if I was run over by it) and said, “I wonder what airport worker drives that to work.” At security they x-ray the luggage again. Just normal metal detectors there. A few passengers asked if they needed to take of their shoes as well and the security people just scoffed and said something to the effect of, “this is not the U.S.” Other than them needing to see all of my lenses I didn’t have an issue. We go to the first class lounge for some more comfort. Full lounge areas, bar, food buffet, showers, etc. Quite a life, not mine, but I'm not complaining at the moment. Soon it's time to board our second plane and we are informed that we would be driven by limo out to the plane on the tarmac. The ‘limo’ turned out to be the Porsche. Karl was like a kid on xmas morning. When we arrived at the plane the driver left us in the car with it still running as he unloaded out carry on bags. K wanted to take it out on the tarmac and do doughnuts but we decided it was a not a good idea to get arrested so early in the trip.
We boarded the small connection plane and zipped on down to Prague. When we got into the airport and out to the pick-up area our waiting driver was not as optimistic about the amount of luggage we had as our first driver was (despite having roughly the same size car). He promptly called another car to come and cart all of it to the hotel. It was all pretty humorous really.
We are staying in The Royal Palace near Old Town Square and the Charles Bridge. It also happens to be a Best Western surprisingly. I will include pictures in the next post but the room is very nice and the best part is that the view from the bed is of Prague Castle, which is stunning when it is all lit up at night. Zoe, if you are reading this, I think this might be the same place that you stayed when you were here???
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