DAY 1: GOOD FLIGHT TO DETROIT

The night before I go on any trip is usually the same for me. I only start packing my suitcase very late at night, and then end up wandering clueless around the house trying to figure out what stuff I want to bring on my trip. Everyone going away on a 7 week trip might be completely stressed, but I just take my time, sit down again, have another drink, check my closets, add more stuff to the suitcase, have another drink or bite and eventually close the suitcase usually well after midnight.

This year was no exception. In fact I had to unpack my suitcase from the three day trip to Paris first in order to get my stuff for the States together.
After the usual few hours of sleep my folks picked me up and took me to the station. Going to the airport by train is much more relaxing than possibly ending up in traffic and trying to beat the clock to get to the airport in time.
My colleague Jurrie was waving the Dutch national flag from his balcony as my train passed his house. What a great friend! We had a lot of fun in Paris together!

The invention of “online check-in” is the best ever. With the boarding pass you print at home, you simply walk by the counter, drop off your luggage and are

ready to go.

A Bacardi Mojito stand in the shopping area drew my attention. Sorry,.. I couldn’t resist.
The KLM flight was operated by Northwest Airlines, so I was even more surprised when we ended up in a Delta Airlines plane. Oh well… they’re all good!
Took my traditional nap on the plane. Not as long as I normally do (for I usually never even experience the take-off) this time, but I did miss the first round of drinks. Enjoyed two films (“17 Again” and “12 Rounds”). Food and snack were OK.
Immigration and Customs were a piece of cake. It’s always a challenge though to explain what a drum & bugle corps is, and why I am touring with one, but the guy seemed interested for he kept asking questions.

I am at Detroit airport now and have an hour and a half layover before I can get on my connecting flight to Denver. Should be in Denver at about 8:30PM.

Enjoy,

HK