Archive for December, 2008
It’s 56°F and mostly cloudy in Boulder today.
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I morgen skal jeg reise tilbake til Colorado. Jeg ønsker at vi kunne ha vært her litt lengre, men jeg er også spent på og feire 21ste bursdagen til Meg Olenick og nyttår i Aspen.
Jeg fikk beskjed om at det kom massevis av snø hjemme; gleder meg til litt skikjøring!
Håper dere har fortsatt en fin Juletid!
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Det har vært kjempe hyggelig her I Norge siden jeg kom. Det er alltid koselig med familien samlet, og det er masse deilig mat. Jeg gleder meg til di neste dagene!
Jeg ønsker dere en riktig God Jul.
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The descent into Amsterdam was a glorious one. I woke up from a nap just in time to see the sun rising beyond a vast expanse of clouds. As we made our way down, I discovered that dense fog blanketed the ground below. Never having seen the city before, I was hoping to catch a glimpse of it’s layout and I was disappointed with the weather.
As we neared the airport however, I saw wind turbines, buildings, and cranes looming out from the low laying clouds. It was a breathtaking spectacle.
I spent only a few minutes navigating the airport, and then hopped onto another plane.
Now, I was off to Oslo.
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I had the pleasure of driving Mr. Joshua Bibby and Mr. Johnny Riddle to the airport on Monday. Those two were headed home to Canada, and I was headed to Norway.
The airport was wildly busy. The hustle and bustle of travelers coming and going for the holidays was overwhelming. I batted through security lines, and was relived to make it to my gate in time for my flight. Things were going smoothly until an announcement came blaring out from the ceiling.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve just been informed that our plane is on decision. There is some sort of mechanical problem and we’ll be sure to let you know more when we’re able. This could take twenty minutes, or this could take hours.”
With a tight connection in Chicago, I had no time to spare. I paid a $50 fee for a day pass to the United Red Carpet Club; once inside, I marched up the escalator and proceeded to discuss my options with the clerk.
Mind you, the $50 fee allowed me to skip the 100 yard long line to the Customer Care Center in the terminal and it also ensured me extra special care.
I was placed as high priority on standby for another flight to Chicago. This was the best they could do, and I could only hope to catch that plane. If luck didn’t go my way, I wouldn’t make it to Amsterdam, and thereby, certainly not to Norway for Christmas.
I camped out for a while (and I can literally say “camped”, because DIA lies below a giant tent) and I pondered what lay ahead. Perhaps I wouldn’t move on to Chicago; I’d find a friend in Colorado to stay with. Worse, I’d make it to Chicago and miss my connection to Amsterdam; I’d have to make due under a bridge somewhere in an unknown city.
My thoughts were interrupted when they called me to the podium. I jumped out of my chair with excitement, and sure enough they had room for me.
So, it was off to Chicago.
After landing, I sprinted off to catch my connecting plane, all the while hoping it hadn’t left yet. I made it to the gate just as they were announcing the final boarding call.
I marched through the door and waltzed down the jetway; halfway down I heard the door shut behind me.
I plopped down in my seat, a bit sweaty and breathing hard. It didn’t take long to calm my nerves, however, for I had made it.
So, it was off to Amsterdam.
And that was the best $50 I’ve spent in a while.
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The Dew Tour in Breckenridge wrapped up this past weekend. It was a pleasure having many fun characters around Summit County for a few weeks. Highlights included board gaming, hot ski action, sushi dinner and Peter O. at his best.
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