Pat and I are about to begin another adventure; this time to Greece. It’s been a long time since I’ve climbed the Acropolis in Athens or smelled the sea air in a Greek boat heading to the islands. It’s about to happen and I can’t wait to show Pat as much of this magical place as possible in the short 10 days we will have to explore.

We arrived in Miami and actually had to go to baggage claim to get a checked bag from Orlando. The baggage guys said they couldn’t (wouldn’t) check it through to Athens. I even gave the guy a nice tip. So we had to go back through security in Miami and because we are flying on a foreign airline, no TSAPre for us. What a pain! But we got through it and found the best lounge, The Flagship, sponsored by American and British Airways. Let’s see…There’s an open bar (you pour your poison yourself). Single malt, champagne, wine, vodka, gin… Anything and everything!

Then, they had a killer buffet with steak, roasted chicken, even prosciutto. It’s a great place to pass the time while waiting for our flight.

We’re anxious to get to Europe. Flying to London this evening and on to Athens in the morning. Half the battle is finding and getting to the gate. We’ve done both and are ready to leave. Let’s get this thing going!

The seats in the business class section of the British Airways 747-400 that we were on I’m certain were designed by Marquis deSade. The most uncomfortable and confounding seating arrangement we have ever seen. One seat looks at the other. One person sits toward the front, the other to the back of the plane. If you didn’t know the person, it would be rather awkward staring at each other for an eight hour flight. Pat also noticed the faint smell of urine. We’re trying to determine from whence it came. Plus, her area had the stench of champagne, but that’s because she spilled a glass before takeoff.

We do have a very nice hostess who called us by name and brought me a single malt and Pat a mimosa. They have the movie Victoria and Abdul which is so far very good.

And then the evening meal. Oh my, it was excellent! Tender filet of beef, and a mushroom soup that smelled so wonderful I had to ask them for a bowl even though I didn’t order it. Pat had the soup as well and a really tasty pasta dish. And now dessert.

It’s nearly 8:30 pm Eastern time and Pat and I are exhausted. London in the morning… Athens in the afternoon. My Pat cares so much about me, she made me break out the CPap machine on the flight to London. I was hoping to skip it, but she made me do it so I did. I’m blessed to have her.

7:00 am – We just landed in London. One more flight to catch and we’ll be eating souvlaki in Athens. Either we’re feeling our age or this traveling stuff ain’t for sissies. Did I mention we’re exhausted!?!

3 pm – We’ve arrived in Athens, Greece. It’s so good to finally get here and it’s great to be back. Have a beautiful hotel room with a fantastic view.

Tomorrow is Greek Easter and it looks to be quite a day. We’ll write more later. But now it’s time to sleep.