OCTOBER 16 - A LONG DAY IN AIRPORTS

We decided to spend the 30 EU to have the bare-bones breakfast at the hotel. A waste of money. Not even a good French baguette to be found - only croissants and some filled pastries, most likely pain chocolat. We don't care for either of those. And, as usual, in France, the famous "soft, custardy" scrambled eggs that look more like grits. We call it scrambled egg soup, and do not partake. People actually strive for these results, and look to many sources for great recipes. Another common unappealing breakfast find for most American palates is the almost raw, greasy bacon. I noticed the server had just filled up the chafing dish, so had a look. It seemed brown on top, but when I picked it up, the underside was totally uncooked. Let us just say it was definitely not one of the better breakfasts of our trip.

We had planned to "hang out" in the hotel lobby where we
would have Internet, but check-out from our room was not until noon, so we didn't have to spend much time there. It was very cold, and very noisy. 

Car Return Facility

One of the reasons we had chosen the hotel in Ferney-Voltaire was its proximity to the car rental site. It was less than 2-miles away, and we arrived about 12:30. The lady there informed Ron that he was early, but took care of all the paperwork formalities, including the document transfering ownership of the vehicle back to Citroen. We were very satisfied with the car, and like the inclusion of no-deductible insurance. But, for a change, we returned the car with no new dents, scratches, broken tire rims, or other mishaps (all of which happened in thepast).

Ron and the lady piled the luggage into the van, and we set out for Geneva Airport. She asked whether we needed the French side or the Swiss side. We were hesitant, but since we had arrived on the Swiss side, and KLM flew from Terminal 1, we figured it was Swiss, and kept saying "KLM". She announced in halting English that the "contract" called for her to deliver us to the French side. We remembered what a trek that had been, and could see another crisis developing. Fortunately, she said, "I have time, I will do you service and take you to Swiss side". So, that was good. She dropped us in front of the Departures Terminal. We were able to get a luggage trolley, and Ron put the two very heavy check bags on it, as well as a couple of the carry-ons. 

We found the correct check-in counter, but it wasn't opening for about two-hours more. Ron went over to a bank of kiosks, and was able to print out boarding passes. Our flight was KL#1934 departing at 7:30 PM, and I couldn't see it on the departures board. Instead I saw KL#1932, departing at 5:15 PM. I asked Ron to see if we could change since it would be a lot more comfortable to be in a hotel room in Amsterdam than sitting in Geneva Airport.

I sat on my walker at the front of the check-in line and we swapped the seat back and forth, each having 5-10 minutes 
"rest" at a time. Finally, an agent opened the counter and we were first in line. The agent originally said KLM didn't cancel any flights today, and asked "Who cancelled the flight?" I had the notice from KLM on my phone, but by the time I pulled it up, the agent had spoken to someone and learned we were correct. He said, "no problem" to change to the earlier flight. So, he pointed to an area directly across the way where we could wait for wheelchair assistance. Originally there was only one, but finally another came. So, we were off through the airport quickly. By then the flight was already boarding, so there was no time to stop off. 

The plane was an Embraer, but a much newer and bigger model than we had ever encountered. We had aisle and window seats together, and it was not uncomfortable at all. 

The KLM flight attendants were wonderful - so cheerful and smiling, welcoming us, assisting with our carry-ons, and asking if there was anything else they could do for us. Ron said, jokingly, only a beer and wine. Within a minute or so, a beer and wine were in our hands. Unbelievable service in economy class. 

When we arrived in Amsterdam we had to wait in our seats on the plane, as it was the dreaded "bus" transport from tarmac to terminal. One of the flight attendants sat with us and chatted very pleasantly. When a special van arrived for us, we walked down the steps of the plane, but the flight attendants handled all of our luggage. 

We were then driven to the terminal, and we waited for wheelchairs, which then took us through Immigration. It was a special lane with no wait, and we were quickly on or way. We had originally asked to be taken to the area for hotel shuttles, but then decided to take a taxi. This turned out to be a good decision since the Hampton Inn did not have an airport shuttle.

The taxi fare to the nearby Hampton was 30 EU. We checked in. There were no Hilton "Diamond up-grades" because the clerk said the rooms were all the same. However, Ron requested a walk-in, accessible shower, and we then received a room that was much nicer. 

We had a nightcap in the multi-purpose check-in/bar/lobby area and were winding down. Ron also ordered nachos, which were very sparsely topped - not our idea of nachos.  Along came a huge group of young men, probably some sports team, checking in. We were glad we had arrived ahead of the crowd.

I was feeling very old, as in younger days we would have hopped on the underground and gone into Amsterdam for a nice evening. Never understood back then why people would retire to their hotel and not go out to explore. Alas, what changes the years bring.