Made It!

I was among the lucky ones who managed to get ahead of the storm that crippled many parts of the US and Canada last week.  Spent about 9 hrs at the airport and thankfully caught the 2nd last flight out of New York.  Had I missed it; would have meant missing my connection here in Canada. The realities of travel sometimes during the winter holiday season.

The flight was excellent; 100% due to the rockstar of a cabin steward.  I've already written in complimenting him as he needed to be recognized for his professionalism, proficiency, ability to juggle many things at once alongside connecting with people.  I love watching excellence in action.  It was a joy to be in his presence.  

Each year I receive "above and beyond" certificates to give to cabin crew or telephone agents from Delta but I had already used all of mine.  He deserved all of them.  What a wonderful way to cap off a long day and the last international flight of the year.

We haven't been spared from further delays here at home with our subsequent plans to head out west.  No matter -- We found out before we left for the airport and having an extra 3 days at home has meant good times here.  There aren't any down sides as I am reminded every day how fortunate we are when all options are good.

Here's wishing that 2023 brings some needed resolutions around the world and a renewal of hope and joy to the many torn and traumatized people in our global family.  

Testing

Since Halloween I've been away more than home -- Africa, Asia...photos to come later.  

Currently in Europe, covering a few countries before Christmas.  Am starting to get the hang of this extended tripping thing.

Have been testing out my 30 day Vodofone SIM plan.  So far so good.  I got it set up on arrival at Barcelona airport.  Might have gotten a better deal in the city but didn't want to deal with any potential language barriers.  There is a higher chance of English speaking staff at airports.  

I arrived too late into Bologna last week and was having too good a time to want to deal with cell phone stuff.  Didn't have too much difficulty with navigation there but happy to have data in Spain.  

My cellphone has been showing the tell tale signs of old age.  It is freezing up.  Airline apps are not working or upgrading anymore.  Haven't had software updates for a few years either.  Will recycle it but hate that I feel forced to purchase another one after just 5 years.

Will depart for Valencia in the coming days. And make my way to the Iberian peninsula, ending hopefully in the Azores.  We'll see.  Hopefully more Spanish starts coming out of my mouth.  I seem to have lost a lot of language functionality.