Flight Time

Hi,

The airport was the airport. When we arrived at our terminal we saw a long line of people standing outside in the cold. I went to get a cart for our bags and was shocked to see a $4 charge for the rental. Most airports offer them as a courtesy. Hmm. Anyway, we managed to roll our bags into an open door, ignoring the line. The counter for EVA was just inside the door. Because we were flying First Class, we avoided the long line. At the counter, the first bag went on the scale and it was under the limit. Then the ticket agent printed out tickets and had both bags tagged. When she directed us to the TSA area I asked about the second bag. She said, 'You weigh at home and it's OK?'. I stammered and assured her that it was fine. Well, it was lighter than the one on the scale and we breathed a sigh of relief. The last time we flew home, they weighed our carry-ons. This time they didn't.

I won't bore you with the long line and the final scrutiny before officially entering the terminal. It is what it is and it's not going to get any better. Our plane was late getting to LAX so we left 45 minutes after the scheduled time.

This is our first experience in First Class on EVA Airlines. It's a totally different world on this side of the curtain. The flight attendant didn't just wave her hand in the direction of our seats, she led us to them. As soon as we sat down in the big, giant seats, we were like little kids. There was so much to see, so much to discover. The seats are electric and have a whole control console for adjusting every part you can imagine. In Elite Class you get a little plastic bag with a tooth brush and lotion. This time we noticed leather pouches on the seat. Inside was a whole toiletry kit, complete with a folding hair brush. The headphones are the 'noise-cancelling' type that really fit over your ear. Instead of a thin blanket, we have a quilt. The video screen is larger, and so are the restrooms.

We had dinner after take off. Not a plastic, foil covered 'What is that' meal, but a three course dinner. We ordered a chicken dinner and expected it to be what we were used to on previous flights. Wrong. First of all, an attendant came by and placed a tablecloth on our trays. Then came the food tray, complete with a water glass, and a wine glass. Our first course was a small salad made up of small, neatly sliced chicken breast with radish slices in between, three kinds of lettuce, a wonderful dressing, and a choice of warm bread or rolls. We thought it was a snack. Then they came by and just took just the plate. That was our clue that more was coming. We looked at each other and couldn't believe it. Then we started laughing when Lisa said we were acting like a couple of 'Hillbillys'. It was true, it was such an amazing change from the many times we'd been on the same airplane. The second course was 'dinner'. Grilled chicken with mixed vegetables and rice. Oh, and we had real plates and silverware. No plastic forks in this cabin. For dessert we had a fruit plate. It also should be noted that at any time we'd like something to drink, or a snack, they're more than happy to accommodate. I had a suspicion that we might like this and I was right. One could get spoiled with treatment like this. I smell food. We're going to eat soon so I'll sign off and say 'Wish you were here'.

Peace,
Danny

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com