Beattys Overseas

Leaving our apartment (spic and span, I might mention) was a stressful first hour of the morning. Car service came at 5:45am, and off we went to JFK. Amidst the chaos of unloading the car and getting the airport, it slipped my mind to have someone take a hamish photo. :(

Each of us is checking a super-big suitcase and a small carry-on size case. I also have the backpack with our computer, and John has a garment bag with non-wrinkleables. We looked like Sherpas. I know we’re supposed to pack light. Everyone says 'pack light.' Funnily enough, I thought I was packing light! Two pairs of shoes, minimal clothing, no hairdryer: so why are my bags so heavy!?!?! What’s taking up the most space, actually, is our toiletries, especially the humungous containers of DEET inspect repellent (35% DEET), 70+ sunscreen, malaria pills, Cipro pills, and a similarly bulky items that seem to take up a ton of space in our bags.

After the Diaz Incident (see previous post), we are boarding AA#142, and I'm really excited. This was my first Business Class flight, and I'll admit I was a bit giddy about that. We settled into our seats with a fullsize pillow, and a big cozy cotton quilt, and I already felt holier than thou... forget about it when we were offered orange juice and champagne while the Economy folks were still boarding - I was suddenly a snob in snobby heaven.
Champagne for everyone!

Soon into the flight, John made pals with our flight attendant, Pat, and told her that we were on the first leg of our around the world trip. She was so excited for us, and treated us like royalty the rest of the flight. The champagne was flowing, the meals hot and delicious, and Pat's generosity made for the most delightful air travel experience I've ever encountered.
Our new friend Pat Pat gave us a small medallion of Our Lady of Lareto, the patroness of aviators and travellers, to keep with us during all our flights, which was enormously sweet. She even agreed to take a photo with us, and promised she'd check this site (So, Hello Pat!).

When we landed in London, our Business Class ticket gave us expedited service at the customs line, as well as priority baggage delivery. And the Fords arranged for a car service to fetch us from Heathrow.

All in all, it was a civilized day in the friendly skies; a great way to kick off our trip.