After much debate as to just staying up (remember I often don't go to bed until 4am) or trying to get some sleep, I decided to get a little sleep. Went to bed at 12:45 but tossed and turned for awhile. Finally drifted off to sleep in time to wake up at 3am.
I was ready to leave the house by 4 (actually I was ready earlier but I had told my friend 4:30 and didn't want to show up too early). There was no traffic on the road and I arrived by 4:25. Gary was already outside with the car ready (he was driving on to South Carolina after he dropped me at the airport). A quick transfer of luggage from one car to another and we were off to the airport.
Luckily, there was no line at the United counter (Delta had three backed up lines at 4:50am ???) so I checked in my bags quickly and headed to security. Once again I was TSA pre-approved and there were only two people ahead of me so that also went quickly and I was through at 5:05.
We left the gate exactly at 6:25 and I was off the plane at 7:05. Of course my connecting flight was at the opposite end of the concourse from where I arrived but even walking slowly I still had 40 minutes before boarding. The San Diego flight was over-booked and they were advertising $500 towards a future flight and a seat on the 3:35 flight this afternoon. An eight hour wait for that flight did not appeal to me so I didn't take them up on the offer.
There are about 30 of us who left Richmond together and transferred to the San Diego flight. Most of these were part of a group called "Richmond United". I assumed they were likely soccer players which I confirmed when I got to San Diego and checked them out on the Internet. There was also a lady with a pug dog that was supposedly a service animal. Unfortunately, getting your pet the papers to say that he is a service dog (or miniature horse, or pig, or turkey, etc.) only costs a small amount. Because of the Americans with Disabilities Act, an airline, hotel, restaurant, etc. can do no more than ask if it is a service animal (which I heard the flight attendant do in this case) and what job the animal performs (she did not ask that). Not sure what the lady's disability was (it was not apparent if there was one) but the dog was well behaved so maybe he really was a true service animal.
Flight started boarding just after 8 and we were in the air by 9. Flight time was supposed to be five hours and twelve minutes. I was getting very drowsy until the breakfast service started. First up was a plate of fresh fruit, yoghurt, and a croissant or cinnamon roll. Then there was a choice of cereal, blintzes, or quiche. I chose the blintzes which came with a slice of pineapple and ham on the plate. It was all very tasty and I was glad I had not bought anything to eat in the airport.
There was some turbulence, especially over the Midwest so the seatbelt sign stayed on more than it was off. I kept drifting off until my head fell to the side and then I would wake and then repeat again and again and again. After two hours of this, I got up to use the facilities and realized the headrests bend to prop up your head! Don't I feel dumb!
About an hour and a half before landing they came around with hot chocolate chip cookies. I'm sure the people back in "sardine class" were envious because they smelled (and tasted) wonderful.
We landed a few minutes early at 11:05. Again another long walk through the airport but my bags were among the first to come out on the carousel. Out the door and across to the taxi rank and I was on my way to the hotel. The San Diego International Airport is right in the city but the taxi was still $18. There was a room all ready for me and I was in it before noon.
I am staying at the Horton Grand Hotel in the Gaslamp District. I looked at a number of hotels on-line but one of my friends recommended it. The hotel is a restoration of two previous San Diego hotels. In the 70s they were going to be demolished but instead they were taken down so the original materials could be used to build the current hotel on a different site. The rooms have fireplaces, early 1900s style furnishings and wrought iron balconies. My balcony looks out over the central courtyard of the hotel. I love it - thanks, Frances!
The hotel is also in a good location for walking around the downtown area. After getting a few things out of my suitcases, I took off for CVS. On long cruises I usually pick up toiletries upon arrival at the cruise embarkation city. This cuts down on the weight of my cases and frees up space (and both my cases were stuffed to the gills!). So, $57 later I have all necessities including maximum strength Deep Woods Off!
Back to the hotel to work on the blog and then I tried to take a nap but couldn't fall asleep. I received a call from one of the roll call members who is staying here. We compared days and then arranged to meet to get a cab to the dinner tomorrow night.
I realized I was hungry so decided to walk to the Panera at the Horton Plaza Mall. I know, Panera is not all that exciting but I wanted a quiet place where I could sit and read my book. After dinner I walked through the multi-story, outside mall and bought a few things at The Body Shop.
When I returned to the hotel just before 7, I found that there was a party going on in the courtyard. It is now just about 9 and the party is still going strong.
I only have two things on the agenda for tomorrow - get a bottle of wine and go to the dinner. I'm planning on sleeping until I wake up (no alarm) and then get the bottle of wine.
Outside of the hotel
King sized bed (very comfortable)
Fireplace and desk
Bathroom (small but bigger than on the ship)
View from my balcony into the courtyard
Another view from balcony
The staircase with historic pictures
Chandelier
My balcony is the one between the three trunks of the tree
From the street
Party in the courtyard
Smooth sailing until next time!
