Travel over Two Days September 2 & 3, 2022

The day began as any Friday: 6 AM  3 mile walk, 7 AM exercising at Curves, 8 AM hand watering outdoor plants before the sun arrived and recommended two week shut-down of home watering systems, followed by the usual Chinese dumpling and fresh orange breakfast while watching public TV. Then things began to change. Well, the suitcase and backpack were already closed and waiting silently by the side door. 

After showering and closing some windows it was time for Karin to arrive. We cared for indoor plants and reviewed some things about the house. She brought me to the nearby Metro station where the train to LA Union Station was waiting. The LAX Flyaway bus was also waiting. It departed filled with travelers. I felt overdressed and very warm for the weather. At LAX the Iberia Airlines line was very long.  I crossed my fingers and hoped the Finnair line which was very short would be the correct check in line. After all it was operating the Iberia flight. A good 45 minutes later, when that line was now very long, the counter opened and I was served soon and very politely. Security consisted of two people at a time walking in front of a sniffing dog in addition to the usual bag and quick body scan. 

The departure gate printed on the boarding pass was not what appeared on the posted gate.  Never mind; I had time to visit both gates to confirm the correct one, eat a sandwich and enjoy people watching.  I happily learned that my two seatmates were senior women, from my part of the LA area.  We discovered many common interests and remained compatible throughout the 10.5 hour flight which was full. It was smooth, service and technology were wonderful,  I highly recommend this airline!

They, Alma and Sue, were connecting with a flight to Budapest for a Viking River cruise. Our plane departed LA 45 minutes late and arrived 15 minutes late.  That meant I had much less than an hour to exit the plane at gate 52, be processed by immigration, and walk to gate 10, a good 20 minute walk,  and board on time for the 30 minute flight to Tallinn. This flight was also full. The tiny propeller plane flew under the clouds enabling me to see the Bay of Finland and green landscape.

The little plane had awaited for passengers from connecting flights, nevertheless we arrived only a few minutes behind schedule. My suitcase and I met up and met a gentleman who was holding a Road Scholar sign. He asked if there was anyone else. When I replied No we went to his large vehicle. As his English was very limited we talked very little. In about 15 minutes we were at the hotel. How very happy I was to be greeted at the reception desk politely and then warmly by Christine, our tour guide! She informed that three others were still being awaited and that we would gather at 6 PM for supper. I met my roommate, Jean, we chatted, and I deposited my things in our very adequate and modern 8th floor room and went to supper together,

Age-group vegetable soup and salad of bok choy, goat cheese and couscous followed by a berry cake and peppermint tea all presented artistically. Christine stated we were all tired and that we would meet Saturday before our 9 AM lecture for orientation. It was dusk, I joined a couple to chat a bit and then headed to our room to sleep!


 

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