Destination: Philadelphia

I will start today's blog by saying Thank you to the inventor of Flip Flops!!

After bidding farewell to my over weight baggage, I began the long trek to the departure gate. Loaded with the heaviest carry on bags I thought I could manage, this long trek was no small task! After completing the security check in process, I still had a good walk ahead of me.

Since I had spent the morning repacking, I had not eaten. So, with the grumbling of my stomach reminding me I had overlooked the morning's meal, I decided it was a good time to grab a bite to eat. The Double Arches of McDonald's beckoned me, and since only a few people were at the counter, I – loaded with the heaviest carry on bags I thought I could manage – began the relatively short trek to the counter.

Interestingly, with each step I took, the line at the counter magically grew! So by the time I reached the line – loaded with the heaviest carry on bags I thought I could manage – I had, in fact, taken only a few steps!!

Finally, the moment came when I presented myself to the gentleman behind the counter to place my order. I ordered a light meal, and it was presented to me quickly. Now, the task became how to get to the seat I had my eye on given I was loaded with the heaviest carry on bags I thought I could manage (smiles). After my wonderful meal, I along with my bags began the trek to the departure gate. Once there, I found a wonderful seat with a view towards the runway. Soon, I was joined by many others, and the moment arrived where we all boarded the plane. There was the usual assortment of folks, including the proverbial crying babies and barking dog. Yes, I said barking dog!!

I thought I must really be tired, but a curious glance at my two seat mates (I had my beloved aisle seat) confirmed I was not having “a moment.” For a second, I thought the barking dog of my son's neighbor had managed to sneak aboard the plane!! Indeed, someone had “carried on” a dog. The owner must have applied a muzzle as a result of many curious looks towards the end of the cabin from whence the barks came, 'cause he or she was quieted quicker than the crying babies!!

The flight was comfortable, and after a moment, I began to do what I always do on planes. I fell asleep!!!!

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My Flip Flops – Part Two

Even though it technically is time to put my beloved flip flops away, I just could not. Instead, I and my beloved flip flops jetted off to the land of Louis XIV!!

Yes, I said I and my beloved flip flops boarded not just one, but three planes to visit the land of Louis XIV!!

In a moment of madness which occurs when one reaches a certain age, I decided to apply for study abroad to improve my French!! During said moment of madness, I took the decision to stay not just one semester, but the entire year!!!

So, on 4 September 2010, I boarded a plane to commence the first leg of my journey to France!! It was a typically beautiful Miami morning – sunny and hot!! I started the morning by repacking my bags since I was determined not to be slapped with over-weight baggage charges. Finally, the moment arrived when it was time to go to the airport. Remembering my last experience at the airport, I donned my beloved flip flops and away to the airport was I (smiles).

The drive was short and uneventful, given any sane person would still be asleep on a Saturday morning, and after hugs and kisses to my son and his pal, I entered the hallowed halls of US Airways to commence my journey.

Luggage check in was easy!!! Somehow, I still managed to be charged for 7 pounds of over weight luggage!! The good thing though, my bags commenced their journey straight through to France. I, on the other hand, still had to go through security. . . .

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