As we were
just getting started we noticed a ton of people in uniforms in various types of
boats. The driver said we were lucky we left when we did as they close the
Grand Canal for this race that happens every year. It’s the Vogalonga Regatta boat race and is one of Venice’s biggest events.
Over 1,000 boats make the 30km journey across St Mark’s Basin to the island of
Burano and back. Originally a protest against the rise of motorboat traffic in
the city, the race has become a carnival procession as well as a sporting
event. With some taking the race seriously and completing the course in two
hours, and others who are simply there for the atmosphere and camaraderie
taking much longer.
It was about a half an hour to the airport and porters
were there to tote our luggage. Despite being told to arrive 3 hours prior to
our flight, they ticket counter didn’t open until 2 hours prior to the flight. So,
we had some time to kill. Finally we get in line and got our bags checked. KLM
is quite picky about the size of carryon bags. They made me check my carryon
despite it always fitting and is the right size, but it didn’t fit into the
little box they had…… On the upside, we had a ton of luggage and were prepared
for luggage charges up the wazoo, but we didn’t seem to be charged for them.
The luggage fairy blessed us today!
pictures taken through the window in the pouring rain....
not sure why there was a bunny on board....
We find our gate and settle in. We flew from Venice to
Amsterdam where we had a 3 hour layover where we got some lunch. Then, the next
flight was our long one. KLM really has great service on their planes. We had a
welcome aboard drink and snack. Then, we were given hot moist towels before
they served our lunch which was quite good. Indian Chicken dish or cheese pasta
dish. There was a nice fruit salad, a roll, crackers and cheese and a dessert
of profiteroles. They brought around more drinks. They announced that anytime
you wanted a drink you could go back and ask for one. (alcohol or soft drinks)
Then, about halfway through they brought around ice cream. About an hour and a
half before landing in Atlanta they brought around more hot towels and a pizza
snack that came with a nice pasta salad and dessert. They were all pleasant and were bringing
around water, coffee or cognac or other drinks often. Made the long flight go
faster and was quite pleasant. Plus, the first flight was to be 2 hours and we
made it in 1.5 and the second flight also was early.
Then, we hit Atlanta where we switch to Delta. First we
had to go through customs, where they greet you like being out of the country
is the worst thing is the word and aren’t you glad to be back? Immigration guy
was at first confused and then amused by all the countries we listed. Plus, no
country in the EU stamped our passports so that had him asking questions. We
explained the world cruise and having been gone for almost 4 months. He said,
now you’re just trying to make me jealous. (or something close to that---it was
late and I was tired.)
Then, we go through customs and we had the same
conversation with the customs woman.
We find our gate and there is no place left to sit. Delta
has scheduled at least 2 planes to leave from the same gate at almost the same
time. Hmmmmm. The gate person is not happy and apparently it is the passengers
fault. (yep, we are glad to be back home) Finally they announce a flight number
to Miami and a gate change. Only it isn’t our flight number. No one leaves.
Later she announces the gate change again, this time using the correct flight
umber. Luckily, it’s only 2 gates away. However, by the time we got to board
the flight was at least 2 hours late. It’s almost midnight and we have not
slept in almost 24 hours. Finally, we get on board…after them announcing at
least a dozen times, there is no food on the plane, if you want any you are
welcome to bring it with you.
We get into Miami at around 2 in the morning and we
gather all of our luggage and make our way to Avis car rental where they have
canceled our reservation since we did not arrive before midnight. They knew our
flight was late, but the computer does it automatically. So, the guy redoes our
car rental agreement and tells us where to find our car. Of course the car isn’t
in that spot. It was several rows away on the other side. So, we get in and try
to leave with their new “paperless” system and the woman at the gate says “where
is your contract?” Explain all over again. Finally, we are on our way. We now
need to find our hotel in West Palm Beach. We get there and check in at around
3:30. We are asleep by 4:00 this morning after being up for around 27 hours. Phew!
After the dust settles I will start working on photos
since I have not added any since Guam! Also, I will reflect back on the world
cruise experience and maybe offer some tips that may help someone else. Of
course all of this is at the same time as trying to get everything ready to
move to Panama!
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