Our journey begins...

When I left Europe 2 years ago, I never suspected that I’d be headed back so soon. But when Kyle started making plans and needed a travel partner, I couldn’t resist. So, here I am in lovely Detroit, waiting for a connecting flight to London.

            Maria (AKA “Mom”) dropped us off at Akron/Canton airport at about 10:30 this morning. With over an hour before the flight was scheduled to leave, we had plenty of time. Right? We didn’t count, however, on getting poor frazzled check-in man-child. This young man was manning three stations, none of which seemed to be functioning properly, with the frazzled look of a frightened gazelle. Kyle started using the automatic check-in, and, when prompted, accepted the 50 dollar baggage fee, as per frazzled man-child’s directions. After ½ hour, we finally made it through. Remember frazzled guy. He will reappear in the story later.

            We went through security where a grizzled old biker with a helmet reading “Raisin’ Hell” decided to befriend me (Kyle quote: Good thing he had that helmet. You never know when you might need to ride a Harley. Through an airport.). We also got a complimentary PDA from the TSA as Kyle’s thigh was stroked and my hair lovingly patted.

            After waiting for no more than a few minutes, we boarded our flight to Detroit. Almost immediately, we were informed that some of the seats were inoperational and the air conditioning for the ground was malfunctioning, therefore making us feel very safe…not (Kyle insisted on the “not” joke).

            The plane being quite small was still not enough to make me uninterested in the miracle of flight (amendment: I am now over this). And with Kyle in a semi comatose state brought on by using the wrong type of tissue, the dichotomy was apparent and hilarious. Ann: Squee! We’re up in the air! (takes 10 pictures). Kyle:….

            The flight was uneventful except for the guy in front of me ripping one out right when we landed (which Kyle was oblivious to). The flight attendant asked everyone to close their shades to cool the cabin down. We taxied to the airport, disembarked, and our Detroit adventure began.