Tuesday, September 6 – Yes, it’s time for another installment of “Travels With Chris & Dan. I know everyone was breathlessly awaiting this. So, rainy Labor Day in Claremont, but thankfully Maryann was willing to dodge the drips and start the day with a 5 mile walk (alas, indeed, we did not melt). Then it was the start of the long trek, driving to Concord to pick up the coach to Logan. This is where I have to interrupt and point out the worst parts of the entire journey:

• #1-woman who tried to cut the line getting onto to bus saying, “I need to give the driver my suitcase and tell him which airline I am on” I tried to tactfully (OK, it was me, so grain of salt with that) tell her that EVERYONE in the line was doing the same thing. She retreats, but then she and her husband subsequently take up 4 seats on a relatively crowded bus with themselves and their carry on bags.
• #2-Man who sits directly across from us coughing up a lung (no mask, of course). Dan eventually moves to what he believes is a more pleasant seat, next to the on board restroom! I cower next to the window and try to calculate whether we are 6 feet apart. Fortunately, he does depart at Terminal A, though driver tells him he really should go to Terminal E. Chris sheds no tears for his error.
• #3-TSA Pre-Check line closed, so we are in with everyone else, including man who had to be told to remove his shoes, belt and everything in his pockets when he got to front of line. He further endeared himself to me by then putting all that back on while his stuff was just out of x-ray, conveniently stopping the entire conveyor belt.

Equilibrium achieved by purchasing day passes to Lufthansa lounge–free food and drinks, comfy furniture, fewer crowds and early access to boarding. Good thing I have my MBA so could determine that was worth it!

Flights were actually not bad, got to sleep a bit and arrived in Athens mid-afternoon. We got to shower, have some food and drink and take a stroll to get the lay of the land. Tomorrow we really hit the sights.

Long rant today, but I am convinced God mixes me with other travelers to test me to see if I can be patient. I fail miserably. There’s always tomorrow…