This is the point where I leave all my cares behind (at least for 2 weeks).
I was picked up for my ride to Newark Liberty Airport at 3pm by a private car and had a quick ride to the terminal. There was no lines at check in so I completed the formalities quickly. When I finished the check in agent asked, "would you like an escort to take you to the lounge?" Now this is the way to fly!
After check in I headed to the Duty Free shop to put on some free CK One cologne. I really gave myself a good spray since I wanted to smell good all the way to London. After my free spritz I headed to security.
There was no line at security but as I stood there removing all my metals and shoes the guard shouted out, "who's wearing CK One?" I guess I may have gone a bit heavy.
From security I headed to the Lufthansa Senators Lounge. I've been kin this lounge before and it's pretty nice. It has a modern cosmopolitan feel and light snack to keep you happy. Today there is a slight difference, I get to go through the door to the left which is for first class passengers. Membership has it's privelidges. After passing through the frosted doors all I find is a smaller version of the larger lounge. Actually I like the bigger room better because it's more spacious. This one feels a bit secluded and filled with stuffy business types who can afford first class.
Not to brag but my first class ticket cost me 100,000 frequent flyer miles plus $100. I guess it's worth it. Actual retail value, about$9,000 (including the business class seats to London and Paris).
In the lounge service is nice. There is a self serve bar with top shelf alcohols and wines, cheeses, little sandwiches, nuts, olives, salamis, sweets, drinks, coffee and teas. All for the taking. This is how the other half lives. Could I possible eat $9000 worth of brie?
My choice of drink today is a Campari and soda with a shot of vodka. I love this drink and always start my vacation with one whether I am in the lounge or on the jet.
Two things are bugging me here. The normal silence of the lounge has been interrupted but the chatty people on their cell phones and tow people with infants. Please pray for me that they are on the Air India flight. Who is so rich that they can fly first class as a family of 4? I think there are only 8 seats in first class so I am booking on them being on a SAS or Air India flight with their pilly kids. To top it all off one of the kids keeps sayingp the name of the company I work for. Little child, please shut up.
Another person I am avoiding is the lady with the snotty runny nose. That's all I need right now.... Lady, take a pill.
I am really ready for this trip. Today I spent the day packing my bags and running some last minute errands. I have also spend a lot of time cleaning and securing the house. There is a lot of work to do when you are going on vacation. The packing and clothes shopping is bad enough but then there is the planning, bill paying and organizing. I always find myself running like a idiot at the last minute. On top of all the preparing my furnace decided to malfunction at the last minute. Well, I decided to shut the thing off, since there is no extremely cold weather coming, and give my keys to a neighbor and repairman before I left. I am sure my neighbors will have snooped in all my drawers and the repaiman will steal all my belongs before I return.
The other thing I tried to avoid, but did not, was overpacking. Inasmuch as I brought less clothing than usual, I managed to fill up every other square inch of luggage space with beauty supplies, electronics, guide books, twist ties (yes), medicines, vitamins, shoes, bags, coats, caps, umbrellas and anything else that might keep me comfortable. I know I am not traveling to a third world country but I have found simple things like a bottle of pepto bismal or cold tabs aren't always easy to find in France (or easy to ask for).
On this trip I also brought 2 coats. Why? Because a few years ago when I went to Europe I actualluy left the house and forgot to grab my ooat. Now I am doubly prepared. Actually I brought 2 because I have a lightweight down coat for the cold evenings and a medium weight jacket which should be better for the daytime. I have an odd feeling that I will reget carring 2. Luckily the lightweight jacket is poofy and folds flat into the front pocket of my bag.
Speaking of bags I am not sure what I would do if I was traveling in coach. The weight restriction was just lowered to 50lbs and that's how much mine weighs without toiletries and accessories. In First Class the weight restriction is still 70lbs, which I plan to make full use of with all my shopping on my return.
Well, it's 5.30pm and time to board for our 6pm departure. I find it odd that they board at 5.30 and then leave at 6pm, that's German efficency for you! My next post will be from Frankfurt Airport when I arrive on Tuesday at 7.30am.
Welcome to "i heart london" with continuing service to "i heart paris".
Blogging LIVE! from Europe via Blackberry and Cingular Wireless
Good grief!!--my first comment to a blog, and I post it to the wrong year!! So, my comments are on your 2004 trip--sorry! J
Posted by: [email protected] | November 15, 2005 at 04:35 AM