Liftoff

January 22nd  2014

(I wrote this Ben) 

Liftoff.

Today as the start of a new adventure, a trip some might call it, i however call it a long week.  I got up at my usual time of 5am, made a smoothy, double checked and tripple checked that i had all my bags packed and my gear that i would need. Kissed my lovley wife good by and went outside to wait for my ride.

I was car pooling today, since i didnt want to leave my truck anywhere, and i had got Phil to come pick me up, Phil  works at my office in sales, and he is from the UK, infact his family other there live very close to the office.  As we drove to the office we talked about real estate, and traveling, it was a smooth ride. Once at the office i was bombarded with last minutes tasks that would cause me to run around all morning.

Virus infections and new documentation kept me on my toes till noon rolled around then Brook pulled up, he was my ride to the airport. We stopped for gas and i was pleasantly surprised a that the husky has pay pass at the gas pumps, thats a feature i do enjoy, but back to the story of the day. On route to the airport we made good times, we took the South fraser perimeter road, and then highway 91, once on bridge port we got stuck in stop and go traffic for 10 minutes due to some construction,  but then we were through and arrived at the final destination for this portion of the trip.  

 Grabbing my bags i headed to the KLM checkin counter to see about getting my seat changed to something with more ample leg room. The elderly stewardess that was working the counter agree'ed with my situation and went to talk to the chief Stewart that was working the flight, when she returned she informed me that they were going to change my seat however i would have to wait till i was at the gate for the info.  Since that was settled i decided to go through security because you never know how long that will take, there are lots of crazy's out there.

It however was basically uneventful, aside from the guy win front of me who had a 1L bottle of some rum in his bag wrapped in newspaper, the Asian inspector was having none of his *I didnt know the rules* crap he tried to pass on her, and he had to leave it.. Sucker.. Learn how to travel.

It was almost 2pm by this time and i was hungry, Subway seemed like teh good options so i ordered a sub, and enjoyed that while watching a TV show that interests me on my laptop.  I just chilled for a bit till it was geting closer to boarding.

Eventlyy i heard my name being called so i went to the gate and was told that they were upgrading my ticket to the economy Comfort section, which is airplane lingo for 2" of extra space, and we get to charge you $100 extra on your ticket.  However it was a free upgrade and it ment i didnt have to be in the Cattle class with the rest of the Coal shovelers.

Boarding started, and i waited till the last second to go through the gate, only to find a line in the tunnel to the plane, Canada Customs agents were doing a Fun times Q&A session with everyone that was going on the plane.. Oh Joy.   When ti was my turn the asked me how much cash i was taking over with me, and why,  Umm im traveling,  Leave me alone,  go wast someone elses time. Finally i was on my plane, There was my seat nice and empty,  on the isle with plenty of legroom, however i was sitting one row behind the 2 brown families that had babys

. Oh well at least i could stretch. 

Beside me was a larger elderly lady, who infomed me that she was going to the Czech repuplic, and she wished she lived in Toronto not Vancouver cause the flight wouldnt be as long... Cry me a river. THen i spedn the next 10 minutes showing her how to use the onboard entertainment system, and how to fold her tray out of the arm rest. for someone that travels every year you think she would know how to do these simple taskss.

Byt this point we were cursing, and i watched the movie, had a rum and Coke, and settled in. THe babys have been quiet so far, and now im 6 hours away from Holland.  So i figured i would write in the journal so my lovely wife and all my other dedicated Fans know im alive well, and living the dream.  THis will continue when i get into Holland.

Lights are dimming ITs sleep tme.

Summery, KLM is great as usual.

The food is better this time, or mabe you get better food in this area, i dont know.