Footprints for the Oceania TransAtlantic Crossing ... from Miami to Athens … with three weeks added in Turkey to visit family. Read more

List of countries

  • Greece
  • Turkey
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Portugal
  • Bahamas
  • United States
Categories
None
  • 18.4kmiles traveled
Means of transport
  • Flight9,674kilometers
  • Walking-kilometers
  • Hiking-kilometers
  • Bicycle-kilometers
  • Motorbike-kilometers
  • Tuk Tuk-kilometers
  • Car-kilometers
  • Train-kilometers
  • Bus-kilometers
  • Camper-kilometers
  • Caravan-kilometers
  • 4x4-kilometers
  • Swimming-kilometers
  • Paddling/Rowing-kilometers
  • Motorboat-kilometers
  • Sailing-kilometers
  • Houseboat-kilometers
  • Ferry-kilometers
  • Cruise ship-kilometers
  • Horse-kilometers
  • Skiing-kilometers
  • Hitchhiking-kilometers
  • Cable car-kilometers
  • Helicopter-kilometers
  • Barefoot-kilometers
  • 104footprints
  • 53days
  • 465photos
  • 471likes
  • Whiling Away Time @ IST

    May 9, 2022 in Turkey ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F

    An uneventful flight from ADB to IST.

    The aircraft pushed back on time at 8:50a … in the air seconds after 9:00a … breakfast on our trays by 9:09a … pilot announced descent into IST at 9:27a … rolling down the arrival runway at IST 9:49a … deplaned at the domestic terminal around 10:05a. Then, a long walk to the immigration checkpoint for international passengers … followed by a few minutes to get through the security checkpoint to enter the international terminal.

    Thus, formalities completed, we’re now ensconced in the THY business class lounge, whiling away the time until our long haul flight at 2:10p. Delicious food; beverages plentiful and varied. The lounge definitely lives up to all the hype.

    Fingers crossed for an on time departure and smooth flight to Houston, Texas.

    More later …
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  • Welcome to Houston

    May 9, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 81 °F

    Day 1 of our travels back to the US is now completed. We’ve checked in and settled into our room at the Marriott IAH … connected to George Bush Intercontinental Airport via a subway. Easy peasy.

    TK33 from IST to IAH was uneventful. We had a five minute delay leaving the gate at IST, but were on the ground at IAH 15-20 minutes early. It’s nice to see that the service in the business class cabin is back to its pre-pandemic levels. Mui, as he often does, slept between the two meal services … I watched a couple of movies, did a bit of journaling and reading, and tried to nap to no avail. No matter, the flight went by fast.

    Immigration was easy. IAH has biometric recognition at the Global Entry kiosks, so we were through in no time at all. Unlike in December, when our bags took forever to come onto the luggage carousel, this time we were lugging our bags out within minutes of arriving at baggage claim. A couple of escalators down and right onto a subway car. Perfect timing.

    The plan is to stay up at least until 9:00p to minimize the effects of jet lag after losing 9 hours in the span of a 12-hour flight. Our flight home tomorrow is not until noon, so we should get a good night’s rest.
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  • Travel Day 2 … Onward to COS

    May 10, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 81 °F

    We’ve checked out of the Marriott and are on our way home … should be pulling into the driveway by 2:30p if all goes as scheduled.

    Normally, we walk the underground pedestrian path from the hotel to the terminal. But the path is carpeted and the wheels on one of the bags have gone askew and aren’t rolling well. So, the subway it was today.

    More later ...
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  • Home Sweet Home

    May 10, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    We’re back home! As much as we love traveling to lands distant and near, it’s always a delight to return home.

    Our flight from IAH to COS was on time and uneventful … but it sure was cold on the aircraft. The flight attendant had an ingenious method to help me stay warm. She filled a plastic water bottle with hot water, put a latex glove over it to create an extra layer of heat protection, and put the bottle in a paper cup so I could hold it without burning myself.

    Once we landed at 1:30p and collected our bags, an Uber whisked us home.

    Thus our 53-day trip has drawn to a close. We had a wonderful time … both on the cruise and with family in Turkey. Now, to get settled and plan for our next trip.
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