TRAVEL THERE: THE USUAL TRAVEL RIGAMAROLE
So, we made it to Montreal with our carry-ons in our personal possession. Our other luggage was checked through and there was a three hour lay-over, so that seemed long enough to make the transfer. Our tromp through customs went well and soon we were in the terminal for our next flight.
Killing Some Time
After making sure we knew where our gate was, it was time to find the bar. We found one near by and it was adequate, but the weather was dreary and the view depressing. Fortunately the waitress was great, so killing a couple of hours was not painful.
Deb and I were giddy with excitement and ready to discuss every detail of the coming cruise ad nauseum. Bill played along, but not with much enthusiasm. I quizzed him to see if he actually knew where we were going. It seemed he had a pretty good grasp of the itinerary, but time would prove some of the more pertinent the information had not really sunk in.
First we enjoyed a round of drinks and Deborah said something clever, like ‘that tasted just like time for another one.” We opted for some snacks to go along with the second round. Then suddenly it was past time we should be at the gate. We took a quick glance at the boards to make sure the gate had not changed and made a run for it.
WOW, What Seats!
I have a natural distrust for the internet. It comes from spending most of my days on it and suffering the slings and arrows of constant digital disappointment. I’d been the one to select our seats on the Air Canada website and I thought they would be right at the front of the coach cabin, where I’d observed others all spread out in comfort. However, I refused to believe it would be that good until we were on board.
It was that good. The meal was OK, too. The dessert was a disappointment, but that’s how it goes with airline food. They picked up our trays and I asked Bill to request a second glass of wine for me. However, I fell asleep before it was delivered and the next thing I knew, several hours had passed and it was time to head to the potty. That went smoothly and I was soon back asleep. Because of the position of our seats, I didn’t even have to bother anyone.
Hello Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport!
Our arrival in Rome was blissfully uneventful. Celebrity Cruise Lines deserves kudos for the way they handle things. From the moment we exited customs cheerful Celebrity employees with signs made sure we got to our meeting point. The wait for our bus was perhaps longer than I wanted, but not too bad. The drive to the port of Civitavecchia seemed interminable.
Then Viktoriya made it to the ship before us and started sending text messages. She’d been so busy before the cruise she’d barely paid attention to all the pre-trip chatter, hence she was blown away when she boarded. It was so exciting for me to know she was genuinely happy to be a part of it all.
We were not far behind her and soon we were all hugging and giggly. Embarkation lunch is up next. Join me next week!
jane sadek 