Greetings from Frankfurt, Germany. My watch (and my body) tell me that it is 4 am but all the clocks on the walls here say 9 am. My 8 hour flight from Toronto was great. I got a late dinner on the flight that consisted of a very hot penne pasta with minimal sauce, a dinner roll with butter, some sort of salad that contained some vegetables that I could not identify and some sort of apple desert. It was satisfactory and did the job of causing my hunger to go away. Even though I was in economy class, each seat had its own touch screen monitor with a large selection of music, tv shows, and movies. I actually watched The Social Network while eating dinner and True Grit (half before falling asleep and the other half with the light breakfast that was served (fruit salad, some sort of breakfast par and a small loaf of sweet bread). I caught a break (I think) in that the seat next to me was empty. I had the aisle seat next to the seat by the window. This allowed a little extra room but did rob me the chance of getting to know a new person. The middle seats were staggered with the window seats so the layout did not lend itself to making new friends. All instructions were given in German and English and all the flight crew (including the captain) made live announcements in both languages (I was impressed). I was also impressed with the touch screen in my seat. It had (among many other things too numerous to mention) overview videos of all the major airports that this airline (Lufthansa) flew in and out of regularly.
One thing that was strange to me was the departing of the plane. Once we landed and taxied for a bit, we departed the plane down a portable stairway and to the outside. We then got onto large shuttles that took us the the main terminals. I don’t think I have exited (or entered) a plane in this manner in about 20 years. Maybe I am just spoiled but I found it very exciting and the fresh air was nice. We were packed into the shuttle like cattle and the ride to the terminal seemed like it was going to go on forever but eventually we arrived at the terminal 1. From there we had to go through another security check that involved scanners. Unlike the US, I got to keep my shoes on at least but these folks here are very thorough. Almost every bag that went through had to be opened and inspected. They seemed to know what they were doing and were very methodic. A few moments later I was on my way to my terminal and to the writing of this blog. Internet here at Frankfurt is not free so posting this blog will have to wait a bit. I should be in Bucharest, Romania in 4 hours or so. My co-workers arrive from 30 to 60 minutes after me so I will have a wait there as well. I am still hopeful my luggage will be there waiting for me like Nick (from Indianapolis) promised me.
I mentioned in the blog title that I am somewhat at home here in Germany but that is only true in that my last name (Dieterman) is German. I half think that some airline employee will assume that this would mean that I speak German. I guess we will see if that comes up.
Jon
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