The Invisible Line and Other Challenges

Well, three connections later I'm finally in Stuttgart. It was a fairly uneventful journey really. First I got yelled at by this rude lady at the United counter. Apparently I scan my own passport at check in, who knew! I mean really, who'd want any human interaction at that point. Once United Rude was sufficiently peeved at me I put my first piece of luggage on the scale and about blew the numbers off the charts...hehe, not really but I had to make some adjustments before BOTH bags were underweight. Packing light?! NOPE!
Onto my first flight. I was in the aisle seat next to a man with endless elbows and knees. Excuse me, sir! There is an invisible line there don't know you know, don't cross into my personal 'air space'. Don't people know that United thrives on the misery of the economy class? Adjust your personal space bubble settings and move over!
In Denver I faced two challenges. The first being (reminiscent of my last European trip) getting myself and ALL of my carry-ons into a bathroom stall. It ain't easy! Basically I back into position...haha. The second was getting a much needed cup of coffee and while fixing the lid etc the inevitable 'bag slips off one shoulder' scenario happened. Spilled coffee everywhere. It was fun. I laughed...through my tears.

Back to space bubbles...At least on the international flight there is a teensy bit more room, otherwise how would you cut your chicken like substance while not giving your neighbor a black eye? I've come up with a useful strategy for eating meals on those flights. Its all about the planning. Before you eat anything you must first arrange your items in useful ways. Place your frozen butter on your hot entree to soften while you move dessert to the back and open your utensils, place garbage under the tray so you don't eat bits of it later. I find its easier to tackle one thing at a time, the roll gets butter demolished then placed in the middle, thats handy in case the entree is weird tasting. My meal was a strange orangey color. I wasn't very confident in finishing my weird goo and then not gurgling the rest of the way so I ate lite. After dinner and salad get eaten you move your little puzzle pieces around so that dessert is nearest and then enjoy!. Viola!

After  I got through customs in Germany I waited for a my checked bags inside a security barrier so Oli wasn't able to come help me with my mountain of luggage. I therefore had to stack it up and drag it out the security door butt first...you're welcome Stuttgart. (and yes I heard giggles but I just took that to mean, 'look at the awesome American woman with those neatly stacked bags and flip flops')

It was snowing when I arrived in Stu so I had to unpack my shoes and socks and find my coat, Oh which by the way I left on the airplane! But not to worry I discovered that oversight and Oli turned around and we went to Lost and Found. I couldn't believe it! After a whole winter of dealing with lost and found I had to go there and beg for mercy. They had my coat though so that was good news!

I'll put up some photos of Esslingen. It was so pretty there yesterday.