Traveling Adventures

Sunrise over Iceland

Post number 1 about our trip is going to be all about traveling. We went on this trip right after the TSA heightened security in airports by starting full body scans and pat downs. Needless to say we were a little nervous about what we might find in Europe since they were also on heightened security due to recent threats!

Well we both had to do a scan in Seattle but it was pretty painless. You just stand with your hands on your head (like you're a moose) and pretty soon it's over. There were no problems with our flight from Seattle to London. We were served dinner soon after taking off (around 6:30pm) and then they turned off the lights to allow people to sleep. Chris and I watched a movie and quickly fell asleep. It's hard to get good sleep but we did get some rest.

Arriving in London we had to go through security again before transferring to our next flight. Chris' shoes (they only make you take them off it you're wearing boots) set off the metal detector so his legs had to be wanded and he got a short pat down. The flight from London to Frankfurt was short (thankfully) and I fell asleep before we even left the tarmac.

We managed to stay awake until about 9pm before crashing in Germany - it's 9 hours ahead of Washington so for us it was still morning but we were exhausted from traveling. I was awake from 2-4 AM for the first 3 mornings but then finally adjusted.

When we left Germany to go to London we had a flight delay of an hour due to freezing fog in London. We were bussed out to our plane (British Airways doesn't seem to believe in gates - they park the planes way out there and bus you to them) and then were informed we would be sitting on the plane for another hour waiting to take off!! That was uncomfortable. By the time we arrived in London, claimed our bags, rode the bus to the hotel and checked in it was already 10pm and we hadn't eaten dinner! That was a long travel day.

And finally there was coming home. I committed the cardinal sin of forgetting to empty my water bottle before security which caused my entire carry-on bag to be searched. UGH! Chris had to have another pat down but after that we were on our way. Our flight left London at 2:30pm and we flew just ahead of the darkness the entire flight. By the time we arrived in Seattle it was 5pm and dark. I have to say that was a really long flight because your body is awake for most of it. I tried to sleep but had a hard time. So I ended up watching 2 1/2 movies as well as a few TV shows. I was glad for the in-flight entertainment.

Overall we had smooth travel and no problems with our luggage. Even coming through Customs back in the US was easy because we shipped all that we bought in Germany back so we didn't have to claim it on the customs form. Whew!! And they didn't search our checked bags. And I have to say our favorite airport was Frankfurt. They don't have as tight of security as other places - probably due to the national police patrolling with MP5 machine guns!!! That makes you feel better doesn't it.....

Next up...exploring Wiesbaden. And more pictures.