I'm in New York City!

Landed safely and on time this morning via British Airways after two 7-hour flights - first from Ghana to London, then 2-hour layover and plane change, then second 7-hour leg to JFK and NYC. Last fall and now, superb service on BA, in the airports, including Accra, where I had to repackage my luggage 3 times to avoid extra fees and meet regulations - all on the patient advice of counter rep, and a floor attendant giving me a much appreciated helping hand. Same nice help on the plane, dealing with my too large plastic bag with fragile items. Great food, including organic products - all around high quality service.

All in all, in west coast time: left Have Sunday night at 11 pm and arrived New York on Tuesday at 4 am.

First impressions: Everything seems natural, seems like I've never been away. I love New York, so will be fun to be here with Micky for a few days. New York weather is very warm and dry. Since getting on airplanes and arriving here, skin is dry - and I drank lots of fluids in flight. But, the air is so dry compared to tropical Ghana. There, never needed lotion. Not being used to dry air, I didn't carry on lotion, and my dry hands were driving me crazy.

Looking forward to meeting family in Colorado August 2-5. Made contact with cousin Harriott Fix Balmer today - our flights arrive in Denver at nearly the same time, and I will be able to join her family group in their rental car coming and going between Denver airport and Buena Vista where hosts, cousin Bruce Ward and Mary Lou live. Excited I don't have to rent a car on my own, and for the extra time to gab with cousins.

I mentioned last time that my flight from Denver to Seattle arrives 6:30 pm on August 5, so gradually working my way west and homeward. But, now, heading outside into the beautiful NYC weather to enjoy the city, eat, drink and be merry. How great it will be to be anonymous again, and not be the center of attention - and to speak freely. Micky understands every word I say! And vice versa!

So, for the next few days not thinking of the challenges ahead - just relaxing and enjoying. Glad to be here.

Peace and love to all,
Deni

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