Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Dear Tim and Cleo sacrificing sleep and much of their day to head out the door with me about 5:40 AM to arrive at the airport terminal I was departing from at 7 AM.           Traffic crazy as only it can be in Manila.   It still was going to take them 2+ hours to return home from the airport, but would have been longer if they had dropped me off later.

I went through security just fine, but then had to simply wait with my luggage (2 bags) until 9:15 AM when Korean airline opened  to check passengers in.  Once I checked my two bags, I went through immigration and paid a 550 peso fee.   Then I simply walked about and waited until my flight left from the gate shortly after noon.

view out a window Manila airport

The flight landed 5:10 PM in Seoul Korea.  I popped through security again--just my small backpack with me.  I made it from gate 14 to 24 with enough time to stop in a restroom before getting on the plane and leaving at 6:10 PM!

In some ways this seemed a shorter flight--9 1/2 hours--but still real difficult to get comfortable to sleep.   Crazy crossing the international dateline.   Enjoyed a warm, moist towel and even a yoghurt for the breakfast served!    

Arrived Seattle fine. No 'issues' through customs and security.  Did have to pick up my luggage for that, and then let them put it on last leg of flight.     Had some time to wander about and eat some lunch.  I chose Mexican, since it had been a while since I had eaten such!    I left Seattle about 2 something PM and arrived shortly before 3 PM in Portland.  It was a small plane--4 seats across.    I felt the cold walking down and out to the plane in  Seattle and out and up to the terminal in Portland.     AND the East wind took my breath away as I waited outside for my ride home from the airport--thanks Brenda!!!

Brenda dropped herself off at her parents' home and I took the 'blue bomb' on home.   Good to see Lee and quiz him about everything that had happened while I was gone!   Felt pretty good so called work and said I'd be in tomorrow.     I got suitcases unloaded.   Caleb dropped by, as did Josh, to say 'Hi' and pick up mail that had come for them.   I went to bed about 9 PM and slept like a log!