It took me 27 hours to get to Denmark!!! I was delayed out of Boston, missed my connection in Frankfurt and had to wait 9 hours for the next one, which was also delayed. Thankfully, I was able to hang out in the Star Alliance Gold Lounge. But, the wifi service wouldn’t take my credit cards, so no internet for me! After about 2 hours, I’d read all of the English newspapers, and I had to entertain myself for the next 7+ hours with people watching and German TV (no subtitles!). That got old fast!
Lufthansa staff weren’t the friendliest people I’ve ever encountered, so during my Frankfurt detainment, I had no idea where Opie was, and no one was in a hurry to help me find him. So much for Gold status and a Premium Class ticket! Unless it’s an emergency, I will never fly Lufthansa again.
When I finally arrived in Denmark, an empty cat carrier with my name on it came through the oversized baggage claim. I immediately thought the worst, but a nice woman calmed me down and soon reunited me with my orange angel who was sitting calmly in his carrier, no doubt freaked out by his transatlantic trek. I still have no idea why there was a second carrier. I suspect they temporarily moved him because the layover was so long, but I don’t have a theory as to why they shipped the extra carrier from Frankfurt.
When Passport Control asked how long I was staying, it felt strange to say, “I live here.” But I do, and now we’re here waiting to move into our new place, and for our stuff to make it over on the slow boat from New Jersey.
The hardest parts are over. Let the adventure begin…
Fran says
Welcome to Europe! I hope you enjoy yourself and quickly settle in to your new life.
dimpleddarlin' says
Glad you made it safely with Opie! Can’t wait to hear all about it over there! I do have to ask though… Why did you have an empty cat carrier, Where had Opie been? I would have gone hysterical at that point with having 2 dogs that are so dear and not knowing where they are in the yard sometimes let a lone an airport and airplane. Good luck with getting settled.
Sage says
Thank you, Fran :)
dimpleddarlin’: I have no idea! I think they might have moved him temporarily to a larger carrier during the layover, but I don’t know why they would’ve shipped the empty carrier from Frankfurt.
stephanie says
What a nightmare in Frankfurt. You must have been so worried about him. I’m glad he’s ok and that you two are safe and sound in your new home. We have to celebrate the next time I’m out!!! :)
Barbarahp says
So glad you and Opie made it okay! I definitely would’ve freaked seeing the empty carrier.
Smilingsurfer says
Tough journey for you and Opie. So happy to hear that your cat survived the ordeal.
How can they call it a Gold Lounge with no free wi-fi? With the language barrier and no wifi, I would have felt like a stranger in a strange land. After 27 hours with little sleep, I would have freaked out at the sight of that empty pet carrier.
I hope that you have a few days to relax with Opie. Please give Opie a hug and a special treat for me.
Enjoy your adventures with Opie :)
DragonflyC says
Glad to hear of your safe arrival!
–Cari
Sage says
Steph: We’re totally celebrating, after you pay me in Svanen waffles ;)
Smilingsurfer: I thought they were kidding when they told me there was no wifi! There were however plenty of free hot dogs…. blech! Opie is being well spoiled by his foster Dad, he’ll be more of a handful than usual when I finally move to my place.
~ Sage
mandy says
I’m so glad kitty got there OK. I would have been freaking out. How is he now you have to let me know. :)