Danube River Cruise - 5/10/14

Up at 4:45 and packing for departure.  Quick breakfast at the Sofitel and then on to the Budapest Airport. Boarding passes were not available for printing last night, so a bit of a kerfuffle at the airport to get all their assignments. All worked out except I forgot to empty the coins Deb was telling me to leave all morning; hence I set off the alarm which resulted in a full pat-down. Gary suffered the same fate due to a money clip, Deb, too, due to a stainless steel knee.  Beware of petty bureaucrats anywhere in the world; their need to exhibit their power over the masses is universal.

Out of Budapest on time and landed at Frankfurt, also on time.  Through passport control and on to the boarding gate.  Very intense questioning of passengers as we arrived at the gate; there may be an increased security alert in progress.  A full 747, but Deb and I got lucky with an empty seat between us!  Excellent meal (chicken) and a chance to watch the Lego movie.  Amazingly funny, even if it is a one hour, 44 minute advertisement masquerading as a movie.

Flight was scheduled for eight plus hours. We arrived in Chicago early.  With a three hour layover, negotiating immigration and customs is a piece of cake.  Bags back on the conveyor to the Omaha flight and us up through security and on to our gate.  A last round of drinks in the bar (and an ice cream at McDonald's for some) to cap off the day.  Our flight leaves on time and we are home at 7:35 PM. Children and grandchildren to pick us up and home we go, exhausted, much more knowledgeable about the Danube and Central Europe, and hoping we retain enough memories to be able to pass on to others. A very long day of travel, 25 hours from rising to putting the head back down on the pillow at home, but, all in all, a great experience.