DAY 1 - SEPTEMBER 2

Monday and Tuesday were days filled with stumbling blocks. From Hertz being unable to supply the promised rental car in Gainesville to last-minute banking issues to searching for needed company tax documents to finalizing legal documents to mention a few, we were feeling bogged down with complications. Ron was at the rental car agency for hours, as the owner had reserved about 50 cars, and fewer than 30 were available, all of which required maintenance (such as oil change) before being released. Some customers were irate and almost on the verge of physical violence! At one point they said the only solution was to hire a Lyft driver and send Ron to Cumming, another 40-minutes away. 

Meanwhile, I drove myself to the hair salon, which was a bit of a drama. Since I haven't driven in about eight years, I was very out-of-practice and nervous. Of course, what should have been a simple ten-mile drive presented several challenges that would have been taken for granted by an experienced driver. When I finally arrived, all of the employees were gathered at the window watching the flashing lights of a highway patrol trooper pulling in. I said, "I'm sure he's after me". But, fortunately, no. 

Knowing I'd be away for several weeks, the hair dresser went overboard in shearing my locks. Ron now calls me "the little Dutch boy". 

By the time we both got home, we were too tired to venture out for a bite or even a frozen margarita.

We had more last-minute errands the next morning, but finally managed to leave for the airport about 2 PM. After several stops, we arrived at the International Terminal by 4 PM. Ron left me at the check-in counter, and went to return the car, which took about 45-minutes, and required a shuttle bus ride rather than the "Sky Train".

Meanwhile, I was happy we had decided to bring my walker, as we discovered there are no seats in the check-in area.  I was able to sit on the walker as I waited for Ron's return. 

We then informed the ticket agent that we were ready for wheelchair assistance, but it seems there were no "pushers" available. So, we walked down to the other end of the terminal where there is handicap seating and wheel-chairs are "assigned". The young lady who pushed me usually works in Domestic, so wasn't familiar with the International Terminal. But, we finally made it to the Delta Sky Lounge, which Air France used for business class passengers. It was at full capacity, but we were permitted to come in and found a couple chairs in a back corner. 

The flight boarded a bit after 7 PM. It was an A-350 

"Little Dutch Boy" ensconced
in AF Business Class

with an unusual business class configuration. The aisles were very narrow, and the seats, although 1-2-1, felt somewhat spartan and claustrophobic despite receiving rave reviews. But, there was an interesting storage area near your shoulder with bottled water, head-phones, and a small toiletries kit. No champagne, wine or other beverages were offered prior to take-off. The hostess said they were prohibited by law from serving alcohol until the doors closed, but what about right after?        Unusual for business class.

Dinner was nothing remarkable. I had shrimp with rice for the main course and Ron chose beef, which he said was HORRID - tough, tasteless and inedible. So much for Air France highlighting French cuisine.

The seat reclined into the foot well, so you had to put your hand luggage on the floor. The “bed” was very flat, and very hard. It felt like laying on a medical examining table. Not in the least plush or luxurious. But, I was very happy to be able to keep my legs elevated. I had struggled to pull on my new Boomers compression socks, and was hoping to avoid swollen ankles.

The entertainment system featured an 18.5" screen with numerous selections including watching the flight from cameras mounted at the tail or at the front. I watched an old movie, “The Changeling” with Angelina Jolie (directed by Clint Eastwood). Ron went to sleep right away. I managed to sleep a couple hours.

Just as I was about to get up to use the restroom and beat the before-breakfast “crowd”, the seat belt light came on and an announcement was made that we were passing through an area of turbulence. It was bumpy for less than half an hour, but was heavy enough to awaken Ron.

Ron had yogurt and fruit for breakfast. I should have known better, but I ordered an omelet. Airline catering never can pull that off - it was cold and terrible. Just ate the hard roll and good European butter.