This trip has started on a high note. We went to Travelex in the Galleria just before our trip to get our British Pounds and Euros. We were able to load the Pounds and Euros on Mastercard currency cards that have the electronic chip and passcode that is used in Europe. We can go to any ATM and withdraw cash or just use it as a charge card which means we are not carrying around a lot of cash. Very cool.

When we got to the airport we both got TSA Pre Check which allowed us to bypass the worst of security. Since we are in Business Class we were allowed into the Admiral's Club, had a couple of free drinks and relaxed before the flight. When we first planned this trip one year ago we decided that since we had flown International First Class two years ago that we would go in Business Class and save 50,000 miles. We have learned that you have to book the trip as soon as the flights are available. AA does not have very many award seats in any class so these must be booked early. We had set the day we were going to leave and the day we were going to return and at midnight on the day the flights opened up we booked each leg separately. Pain in the butt, but we got the flights we wanted and the days we wanted. Also AA still charges a fee for the "FREE" flights. We paid $5.00 for the flight out and $500.00 for the flight back. That fee is still less than if we flew coach. So, we are waiting to board the flight and start this next great adventure.







As flights go, this one was above normal since we left on time and landed ahead of schedule. However, not everything went smoothly. The video system was showing only four channels: two Disney channels, one channel showing a Stephen Sondheim special over and over, and one channel showing the only movie- "A Night In the Museum - 2" over and over. When the flight attendants realized there were only four channels they attempted to reboot the system. Guess what, it didn't work. I find that movie mildly amusing but it is not something I would have watched if there had been other options. I watched it once but refused to have a Ground Hog Day experience and did not watch again. I turned on the laptop and practiced French. The food was decent on the flight (we had steak), but it is still airline food. When finished, I decided to try to sleep. Robyn dozed in and out for a few hours, but she found it difficult to get in a comfortable position (those First Class seats were really missed now!) For those that know me, I don't sleep on planes very much if at all, but any chance of actually falling asleep were destroyed by someone nearby (and I don't mean Robyn) who was having gastric issues. Every time I started drifting off I would be awakened by a smell that emanated from the bowels of Hell. It smelled like all the bathrooms on the plane had overflowed at the same time. This went on for at least 3 hours about every 20 minutes. Ain't travel grand! Oh well, we survived, got through customs in about 30 minutes after a 15 mile hike from the gate and arrived at our hotel. We are using points to stay at the Marriott Park Lane. Next entry will be our adventures on Sunday - British Museum and a performance at Royal Albert Hall.