Trip to Vienna

Vienna - Day 1: Ah, my good intentions. I borrowed Steph and Jeremy's camera, took some good pics then realized that my computer reads SD cards and their camera uses XD cards. I'll have to post the pics when I get home.

The flight...SLC to Atlanta -- row 42 - last row of the plane. At least is wasn't a middle seat. The plane left about 40 minutes late and I had a tight connection in Atlanta. It took forever to deplane. I ran for my next gate....AND.....they hadn't started boarding for Vienna yet. Phew! Right when I get there I see someone that I work with. He said, "they just called your name at the desk." I think "Ah, my lucky day. Come to Poppa, you business class upgrade!" I tell the agent, "you called my name." "Oh yes, we just needed to be sure you were here." I respond with, "this is just a cruel airline trick to make me 'think' I'm getting an upgrade." He just smiled and went on with his work.

There ended up being four of us from i3 on the flight. Time to board...row 42, last row on the plane again. Did they flag my record because of the letters I wrote about last year's NYC trip? Is this their way of getting even? I am on the aisle on the two seat side of the plane. The door closes and there is an empty two seat row just ahead. I make my move. Nobody beside me. Nice. Plane is off for Vienna. I eat dinner then think I'll get some sleep. Earplugs in, three pillows, two blankets, propped up against the window, stretch across the other seat with my legs.... With one slight exception, the next thing I hear is the announcement that we've started our decent into Vienna. I slept almost 6 hours of the 9 hour flight! I will say I think that is the best sleep I've ever gotten on one of my long haul flights. EVER!

Got to the hotel Sunday morning. My room was ready. Took a shower and changed clothes. I headed to the church which is only about 2 miles away. I thought the cab driver was going to kill me. I think he had been waiting for quite a long time and I had a short trip. He was not happy and he let me know it. No tip for him!

I get to church a little after 12 and find out that there is an English speaking ward at 1 pm. I call one of the other co-workers, who is LDS, and he meets me there. Great meeting. Lots of diversity -- Austrians, Scotts, Phillipenos, and U.S (embassy people). We stayed for all three meetings (see Staples offspring -- that is allowed, they don't kick you out after Sacrament meeting:-). We then take the subway back and I walk from the stop to the hotel. And here I am.

Vienna is beautiful. The architecture is wonderful. Sorry I can't post the pics. Tomorrow I have a morning and afternoon meeting. So in the middle of the day, I should get to see some of the city.

I love you all and hope you have a wonderful Sabbath!