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| Goofy picture I just took with my Webcam here at the airport - don't expect the same quality in photos for these blog postings on the fly |
Here I sit at the Philly International airport waiting for my flight to Buffalo, New York. In Buffalo my Canadian friend Pat will pick me up and we're off to Niagara Falls, Canada for a night's stay.
My friend Larry couldn't pick me up for my ride to the airport from my home in Sussex County, Delaware because he is in the hospital with a medical emergency. I just found out that information yesterday so I had to do some quick action to get a ride to the airport. I posted a query to our local neighborhood website for a one way ride to the airport (I pay $125). Lucky for me I got three replies. I choose the first reply which was a neighbor of mine on the same street. In fact is only five houses up. Lucky Ron!
He picked me up at 8:15 AM. Traffic was light for the two plus hour drive to the airport and I got here at 9:30 AM. Plenty of time for my 12:07 PM flight to Buffalo.
Of course I got confused where to go once I was here. But I found the right directed to go for TSA Security after asking one of the many uniformed airport employees lingering around.
Much to my surprise there wasn't anybody in the TSA line. In previous flights I've taken were much earlier. I thought I would avoid the crowds but I didn't. At 6:30 AM in the morning the airport is bustling. Today, nary a soul in that line.
This time I didn't have to take my shoes off but I did have to have my luggage examined. That was a first. Yes, I was pulled aside but all the TSA employees were very nice and respectful. Maybe I'll get the airport routine down yet.
So there I was, with my baggage unzipped and my unmentionables (tight whities) exposed for the young lady TSA inspector. I suspect this isn't the first time she's seen men's underwear while inspecting luggage.
The only glitch I had was my tar shampoo. I had it in a container larger than three ounces. I had less than three ounces in the container but I didn't want to put it in any other container because when I did that before it leaked all over my shirt. I explained this to her. I told her it was so hard to get that shampoo (MG-217) and I absolutely needed it (which I do for my scalp). She checked with a co-worker and fortunately for me (I tried to look as innocent as possible when he looked at me), he said "Okay, but next time put it in a small container." Yes sir!
Then I was clear! I called Pat to let him know I'm at the airport and ready for departure. I also called Bill to let him know. Travel is complicated.
Oh, I did have a momentary scare, I looked at the departure schedules and didn't see my flight for Toronto. Oh no! Panic! I checked the information desk and gave him my flight number. He looked it up and said "The flight to Buffalo leaves at Gate F-11". Buffalo! Oh yes, I'm going to Buffalo first then Toronto.
Now to get my light jacket because it's chilly here at the airport. I knew I should have brought my hoodie with me.