We started our trip home 20 hours ago. We just cleared customs in LA and are in the middle of a 7 hour layover. Then it's a 3 hour flight to San Antonio. Add another hour for the drive home and our return trip will stretch over 30 hours. But it'll be nice to finally sleep in our own beds.
It's good to be back in the land of the big PX, but I must say that LAX is the pits. Exiting the international terminal into the waiting area is like entering a third world country. It's crowded, loud, dirty, and everyone's speaking Spanish. The terminal workers are indifferent to the point of rudeness. Quite a contrast to the warm, courteous, and helpful folks Down Under. I'm embarrassed that this is the first impression many visitors get to the U.S.
But right now I'm too tired and hungry to care. I managed to finagle a set of day passes for the family to the United VIP lounge. Comfortable padded chairs, along with free food and drink, will improve my mood.
Stay tuned for the forthcoming battle to reset my body clock...
I’m Talking Whores, People.
4 hours ago
6 comments:
Heh, I finally found mine, it was sitting on the beach in San Diego drinking margaritas... and concur on LAX, travel safe!
Glad you are almost home safe. I hate LAX for all the reasons you mentioned, and then some.
It will be better when you get back to Texas. Except for that summer heat and drought thing. But, hey! We have Shiner.
Happy to have you all back in one piece, (mentally as well as physically). One thing that stood out about your homecoming post was the first time visitors experience of LAX. What a black eye for our country. Sad state of affairs I must say.
Never had the dubious NON-pleasure of LAX. Spent one hot July day in LA central and that was enough for me. I got out pronto.
I've flown from San Diego. That's not a bad airport. Kinda small and compact. But it was a night flight so I can't really comment on what it's like during the day.
Anyway welcome back to the United States. It has its faults, and collecting more every day. Sure NZ & Australia looked good for your visit. But in the long term, like anything else the many disparities between cultures would become evident.
Ireland looked great for my several visits. Then I was compelled to live here for an extended period. (knocked up a local in the early 90's).
Now my DEROS is 24 Sept. and I can't wait to get back to MY country despite all its warts and such.
God Bless America!
NFO - that sounds damn good! Can mine join yours?
Harper - we arrived at the San Antonio airport around 3:00 in the morning. It was 88 degrees and humid. I almost turned around and got back on the plane. But the Shiner helps.
Jeff - I don't think it's just LAX. I've heard similar comments about JFK, Newark, and others. It is sad that that is the first impression many travelers get about the US.
Toejam - you're a two-digit midget. Crossing off the days on your short-timers calendar?
I think I remember you saying something about settling in North Caroline...?
You betcha CTT.
Up in the Smokies with nothin but beer, bear, butterflies and Bushmasters (AR's, not snakes).
I can't wait, but in the meantime I got more than one seabag to pack and a lot of stuff to deep-six.
That'll keep me busy for a while.
remember, after I get settled in I'm headed to Texas for a few "Shiners".
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