Smooth travels on both legs, the night flight from Philadelphia to Frankfurt was easy. Zipped thru security in Philly. The airport in Frankfurt is modeled after the Mall of America, every shop imaginable including Porsche and Kia. We came into Frankfurt at terminal A and left thru Terminal B, there were 2 passport checks and an additional security screening. The flight from Frankfurt to Budapest was a little different, small plane, a menagerie of passengers, crying babies, left 45 min late and didn't make up any time. Budapest airport was a breeze, no one asked for our passports, no one asked why we were here or how long we were staying. Lisa had her Fulbright credentials ready and I think a brief speech but she'll save it for later. Our bags arrived smoothly, we went up the stairs and there was Armand and his sign. I had been dreading the taxi ride, I envisioned a Soviet era Fiat like the one they always have on "The Amazing Race," tires bald, clutch slipping, leaking radiators but no...a brand new Mercedes Benz. Smooth check in at the hotel, good internet, going to rest a bit and then go look for a dinner spot.
Photo is view from our room...Danube and Buda Castle.
More later.
This one seems a bit long.
Glad to see you made it safe and sound. Cant wait to hear more.
ReplyDeleteDear Dependent: great blog, read all entries! Dear Lisa: happy to have You safely on board at Mercure. I will call You this evening and hope to see You tomorrow evening, after a visit with Your Ambassador.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Andrea, ex Fulbrighter, now host to Lisa