Flying out of Madison to very distant places is never a straight arrow trip. You have to connect. For me, the obvious choices are Detroit or Minneapolis. (Other hubs are too congested with too many delays.) And I like both! These airports are where I change my mindset -- from here to there, across the ocean and then on the return, from there to here.
(leaving Minneapolis)
If I draw a line down the middle of the page and on the left -- list all the ocean crossings that are hassle free and on the right -- all the ones that would drive even a laid-back sloth crazy, this set of connections definitely has to go to the left. (I do not count such small details as a fire in the galley on the ocean crossing because, after all, we did not have to divert. The flight attendants reached for the extinguisher in plenty of time and the smoke in the cabin had a pleasant aroma of burnt sugar.)
Okay: over the ocean, and I'm in Europe.
Paris is a pass-through airport for me today, but oh, is it easy to love the minutes here, despite the fact that it's an insanely busy place with long lines and hold ups at every turn. Why the great affection? Well obviously for that first taste of pain au chocolat. I know, I know: it's a tiny blimp -- a nanosecond of bliss in the scheme of things. But it portends of great things ahead! Even as a very young solo traveler, I would alight here and think -- wow, I'm inches away from those wonderful bread products! And despite the tiredness, I would smile and smile.
From Paris, in just a few minutes, I'll catch the flight to Marseille. I'm not pausing in that great Mediterranean port. That would be a repetition of last December's trip to France. Contrary to what Ed will tell you, I do have a little bit of curiosity for the new. Even in December.
So from Marseille, I'll take a train into the heart of Provence and away from the sea. First stop for me (two nights only) will be in Arles.
(to be continued)
(leaving Minneapolis)
If I draw a line down the middle of the page and on the left -- list all the ocean crossings that are hassle free and on the right -- all the ones that would drive even a laid-back sloth crazy, this set of connections definitely has to go to the left. (I do not count such small details as a fire in the galley on the ocean crossing because, after all, we did not have to divert. The flight attendants reached for the extinguisher in plenty of time and the smoke in the cabin had a pleasant aroma of burnt sugar.)
Okay: over the ocean, and I'm in Europe.
Paris is a pass-through airport for me today, but oh, is it easy to love the minutes here, despite the fact that it's an insanely busy place with long lines and hold ups at every turn. Why the great affection? Well obviously for that first taste of pain au chocolat. I know, I know: it's a tiny blimp -- a nanosecond of bliss in the scheme of things. But it portends of great things ahead! Even as a very young solo traveler, I would alight here and think -- wow, I'm inches away from those wonderful bread products! And despite the tiredness, I would smile and smile.
From Paris, in just a few minutes, I'll catch the flight to Marseille. I'm not pausing in that great Mediterranean port. That would be a repetition of last December's trip to France. Contrary to what Ed will tell you, I do have a little bit of curiosity for the new. Even in December.
So from Marseille, I'll take a train into the heart of Provence and away from the sea. First stop for me (two nights only) will be in Arles.
(to be continued)
It's breakfast time and I'm having a granola bar, trying very hard to imagine pain au chocolat! :)
ReplyDeleteIs a granola bar your standard morning meal? I recommend oatmeal! :)
DeleteSafe travels! I hope your choco-crossaint was all you hoped it to be! I used to love eating those in Germany.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll agree with this: the nice thing about being in Europe is that you can completely change your eating habits and come out ahead! It's so good to occasionally step away from the usual veggies and grains and cheeper eggs! :)
DeletePaul came home from selling lobsters yesterday with a bag of 4 small raisin scones - homemade in appearance, that "Fred-something" had given to him - a customer who just wanted to say hello to Paul, but didn't buy any lobbies! I just ate one now, and after I did, I got to thinking that I know nothing about this "Fred" guy or who made these things, how do I know I won't keel over and Paul will be rid of me once and for all, and no one will be able to figure out why...
ReplyDeleteThe other thing is that I've been compiling some of my already-red Peter Mayle books for a friend for a gift, and Provence has been at the front of my brain these last few days. A splendid choice of destinations!
Totally cool coincidence.
DeleteUm, are you still with us Bex? Bex??? Paul what have you done to her!!