Today is the day we leave. Our neighbor Courtney, who usually drives us to the airport, was unable to take us this time. Knowing this, I booked an airport shuttle last week. Uber doesn’t seem to like “hire ahead” anymore and was unable to use that. Normally I would use Uber for a trip like this but was unsure about the route to Grosse Ile. The Wayne County bridge is still closed and all of the traffic comes across the toll bridge. Not a problem until the bridge swings open and causes a huge backup.
I confirmed the shuttle on Friday. Warned them about the bridge closure. “Yes sir. No problem sir.” Wouldn’t you know they cancelled by email Saturday morning? Thankfully I rise quite early in the morning and was able to book another shuttle.
The driver arrived and there was no issue. We arrived well ahead, sat at the Margaritaville bar and had a nice lunch. There was a guy playing the steel drums along with a soundtrack. The heads of the pieces he chose were alright. His solos were not very well thought out. More melodic interest and less speed would be my advice. I gave him a 4 out of 10.
Our flight to Dulles was an hour and our connection started boarding an hour after we landed. We flew United. My few United trips always surprised me with the extra room each seat has front to back. It was the same on the domestic and international flight.
Masks were required in the airport and on the plane. We had to show our vaccine cards as well. In Dulles, out tickets were stamped after we showed that we did the PLF that Greece required. Constant reminders about keeping masks on at all times, including between bites of food and sips of a drink. One of the flight attendants woke me up in the middle of the night because my mask was down.
Some people went way beyond what was required. Maybe the woman in front of me should have stayed home? Hat, foam along brim, mask material hanging all of the way around, sunglasses, mask with slit for mouth, and face shield.
If were that concerned and couldn’t stay home, I would want at least an N95 mask.
In my case, I am neither concerned or staying home.
The people in the airport had various ways they wore the masks. Many employees had them around the chin. Many folks had them just under their noses. Mandating masks just does not work as this proves.
We were able to get some sleep as we had a row of three seats. Terri took the floor (her choice) and I curled up across the seats.
We landed, grabbed our luggage and met the HAL folks just past customs. 35 min shuttle to the airport. Stop one, the COVID waiting room. Mandatory temperature check. After five minutes here we went to the testing area. Mandatory swab test. Last time I had one of these I could feel the swab down to my toes. Not so much this time.
Another waiting room until our test showed negative. Maybe 15 minutes. We were then able to board the ship. We were received with applause. Crew and staff were so happy we were here and that the cruise line was up and running. This was the second cruise for them this year. 514 days without work.
Hand sanitizer was everywhere. Staff wiping everything down. I wouldn’t be surprised if the negative effect of all of this cleaning is an immune system that has been compromised. Many believe the Polio epidemics in the middle of the 20th century were caused by improved sanitation of waste and drinking water. Polio used to infect everyone when they were very young. They got a little sick and then recovered with antibodies to protect themselves. With improvements in the water, especially in affluent areas, no antibodies were being developed at a young age. When older children were finally exposed, they had devastating effects.
The ship was laid out just like the Amsterdam (world cruise). We had lunch on the Lido deck and then unpacked.
Tim and Kelley arrived right around dinner time and we were able to have dinner together. Afterward we watched the sunset and the moon rise over the Mediterranean.
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