All went smoothly as far as connections were concerned. Alitalia charged us 750 Euro for the excess bags. We checked 9 bags and according to what we understood from the Delta website rules, we should have had 6 free for International Business class travel, so Alitalia charged us for 5 instead of 3. I tried to discuss with the Alitalia agent but she was not budging and I would miss my flight, so I paid in and will deal with the issue later.
Customs and Immigration in Atlanta was a breeze. People tell you horror stories and I am sure there are some but we had no problems. We had wine, vinegar, pasta, candy, oatmeal and coffee and listed it but they didn't ask about how much. The only thing they were concerned about was fresh fruits, vegetables or fresh meat.
Arriving in KC late due to de-icing in Atlanta before we left, and then 60 mph head winds. After getting our car, loading all 9 of our bags, and getting to the hotel, we are bushed! The Best Western KC Speedway is nice and our room is comfortable. The beds are soft and the shower is large and water is hot! Yea!
Precious time in KC
With a couple days to recuperate from the travel and time changes, we welcomed the arrival of family and friends on Friday. The Best Western at the KC Speedway is a new hotel and a great place for a gathering like this. It is located in the area with the Cabelas, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Legends Mall, and several other attractions. In summer there is a giant water park nearby in addition to the KC Speedway, of course, and a cinema and a new sports arena that hasn't quite opened yet. All this makes for a great spot where people can meet but also during the day go off in different directions as they like.
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| Gabriella, Andy, Kyleigh, Michael, Stephanie and Johnnie outside the T Rex restaurant |
We went to Nebraska Furniture Mart and shopped on Friday and then again a bit Saturday as well as to the Legends Mall. Johnnie must have gone to Cabelas almost every day scoping out how to spend his gift card. I had a great time shopping for flooring for the house in Everett. At one point in the day, the sales person was helping me and Charna look at wood floor and tile, then Michelle shows up with Ronita and they have an opinion, then Stephanie comes over and adds her opinion. Pretty soon he asked me "how many family members do you have?" We got a good laugh out of that.
Then in the evening, we hung out and visited and the kids swam in the pool.
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| Jarric, Ronnie and Michelle |
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| Ronnie and Michelle |
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| Stephanie |
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| Kyleigh |
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| Gabriella after many trips down the slide |
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| Michael |
Wish I would have taken more photos of the rest of our gang. Jarric's parents and siblings, Charna and Bruce, and Jordan all came to KC as well but somehow managed to avoid my camera! We shared several great meals together, lots of hanging out and loving on each other, and great pizza together on Saturday night.
Seattle Bound
After a great weekend with family and friends, we loaded up our bags one more time. We were able to condense our suitcases down to 6 very large and heavy ones. When it was all said and done, the ones that latest the best through all our travels were the old fashioned hard-side cases we got at the thrift store! Alaska Airlines also charged us for extra bags, this time only 1 each. No one seems to be honoring the Silver Medallion status of Delta and what is clearly labeled on their website. This is going to be a battle come expense report time.
Our flight from KC to Seattle was smooth and we arrived at SeaTac, rented a minivan and drove to our apartment in Mukilteo. It feels good to be back in WA and near home, if not exactly "at home".
