Blogs from Europe

Arrived in Sicily today flying into the Catania airport via Rome departing initially from Chicago. We had one hour for our plane transfer in Rome. We did a quick walk through the airport and through immigration to get our passports stamped. We made it to our gate with about 25 minutes to spare. We checked in and then took a shuttle bus to the plane. Both flights were uneventful. Chicago to Rome was about 9 hours and then Rome to Catania was just over one hour. We landed in Catania and headed for the baggage claim area. Our suitcases were not there. This was not unexpected due to the short transfer time in Rome. We made our way to the missing bag/lost and found area and after waiting for several other groups of passengers submitting claims. ... read more

Gestern besuchte ich eine weitere Sehenswürdigkeit in München und zwar die Bavaria Filmstudios. Eigentlich wollte ich mit U- und Straßenbahn dorthin fahren, aber im Bahnhof Trudering konnte ich vor dem Kauf eines Tickets zum Glück noch lesen, dass es mit der U2 Probleme gab. Ich hätte eine halbe Stunde warten müssen und wäre nicht rechtzeitig in Grünwald angekommen. Also lief ich zurück nach Hause und fuhr mit dem Auto. Das war schneller, komfortabler, billiger und ich fand rechtzeitig einen kostenlosen Parkplatz. Nachdem ich erst am falschen Eingang zum Gelände war, beschrieb man mir den Weg zum richtigen. Hier begann unsere Führung und die erste Station war ein 4D-Kino. Dabei bewegt sich die Sitzreihe und es wird szenenweise passend ein Wind- oder Luftstrom erzeugt. Danach besichtigten wir mehrere Hallen mit Bühnenbildern und natürlich war das, des über ... read more

April 15 We arrived in Spain this morning to a clear sunny day with a brisk breeze. My plans today are self indulgent, first a long shower , than lunch followed by sunning by the pool, a full body massage and then dinner in the Pinnacle. The poker gods have been looking after me, sort of. Two days ago I missed the tournament. I overslept. That night I got to the table to late. It was full so I made myself comfortable and watched the Masters golf tournament. Yesterday we only had three show up for the tournament so it was a no go. Last night no one showed up for the cash game. So I headed to the Gallery to watch the Masters. I had the couch to myself right in front of the TV. ... read more

Well, for the first time in my life, I am officially unemployed. I'm not sure if it's sunk in yet, but it will definitely grow on me. In fact, I believe I like it already. AAAAnyway, we depart for Buenos Aires in three days and successfully cleared the flat of most of our worldly possessions the other day after a 12-hour packing spree aided by late box delivery and an early arrival van to transport the items to storage. Just one more go through after tomorrow night's leaving party at Quinn's in Kentish Town, and we're out of here. You get kind of sick of all the leaving drinks, and there won't be much taste for the exquisite Argentinian wine by the time we get there. Maybe I should make another trial pack tomorrow; I'm sure ... read more

Day 53 - Flying home - losing 9 hours Bernard left me at security, and I’m off! I wandered through duty free, I know not to buy cigarettes here for Andrea, as they are so expensive. I’ll wait I’m in Dubai. My Apple Watch died whilst I was away, I may have mentioned it yesterday’s. I’ve lost the plot! But I did buy a new one to replace it. My flight set off perfectly, and on time. My first flight, Sydney to Dubai is 12 hours long, but in transition, I lose about 6 hours. When I land in Dubai, my body will feel like it is 10:40am, but as I have dropped the 6 hrs, as I land, I go back to 4:40am. I’m not sure that my body is entirely happy about that! We ... read more