It is now Saturday and we have been in Switzerland for about 48 hours. All tolled the trip went really well. Probably the only glitch is that, for some odd reason, the internet service in our apartment doesn't work, which means I'm 'up the hill' at a nearby University campus to use the wireless in order to post this message and check email and such.
We left Columbus in good shape, with 9 checked bags (4 were more than 50 lbs and cost extra, but this was cheaper than shipping them separately) and eight carry on bags. We arrived at the airport in plenty of time, got checked in and even had time for a leisurely lunch at Max & Erma's before boarding the plane for Philly.
In the Philly airport we met up with Elena's mother - Gertraud (known as Omi to the boys) - who is accompanying us on the first 6 weeks of this year long journey. She is a seasoned traveler and is wonderful with the boys. In addition, she is a native German speaker, which has made early negotiotions in German-speaking Zurich much easier. Elena's German is also returning -- all the locals compliment her on the quality of her German.
After the boys nearly tackled Omi in front of the Dunkin Donuts in the airport, we had another snack and then moved to the boarding area for the longer flight to Zurich. The boys were getting a little crazy, but it is hard for them to be cooped up all day with so little wiggle room.
On the airplane, we got settled and tried to get the boys to sleep. After the inflight meal, both settled down pretty quickly, though Isaac was so excited about Switzerland, he woke up about 3 hours before we landed and couldn't fall back asleep. Elliot slept for most of the trip.
I happened to get the only seat that didn't recline, which limited my sleep activity. Elena was gracious enough to switch with me half way through, however.
After 6.5 hours, we landed in Zurich and made our way to the luggage claim and loaded everything onto 3 carts. We were waived through customs without a single bag being examined (I don't know why), loaded everything into 2 taxis and made our way to our apartment.
OK - I need to sign off now and return to the apartment - everyone else should be waking up by now and we are off to explore the city today. I'll share more about getting to the apartment later.
Brian
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5 comments:
YIPPEE!! I found your blog and am so happy to read your first post-landing post!
I'm thinking about you all a lot, and will email our own post-Pittsburgh-landing post soon.
So...here's a little easy challenge for you guys....put a Zurich clock and a Columbus clock on your blog. Check out this blog as an example:
http://whatshappeninginka.blogspot.com/
You'll have to scroll down quite a bit on the home page....it's on the left side. If you click on one of the clocks, it'll take you to the page where you can get your own for your blog.
Love to all!
Susannah
Glad you found us - baby steps on the blog tricks for us, however. Elena will do this when she finally signs on.
Hope your move is going well to Pittsburgh.
Brian
Glad to here the trip went well and you are settling in.
We returned from a fabulous Michigan trip yesterday. It was very relaxing and beautiful up there.
We returned to new sidewalks in front of the houses. Monday starts the big stuff.
A friend dropped your key off yesterday to us. Let me know if that key is for Wendy or an extra for us.
I will call Vol. of America to collect the rest of the sale if still needed. How did Saturday go for you all? Did Katie join you? she and the boys (except Dan) are in Florida this week. I take Malen and Nick to the Lakehouse tuesday through Saturday.
We'll have stuff in the mail from the kids soon. They talked about Isaac and Elliot a lot on the trip. Love to you all. Safe exploring.
Kim
Woo-hoo! Glad the travels went well, and that you and your mountain of luggage made it across the pond.
Please wish Isaac a very happy birthday from all of us. We are thinking a lot about you guys, and are looking forward to all the stories and new adventures.
Big hugs and best wishes for a great start.
Tchuess!
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