I got before the crack of the dawn, did all my final backing and I was all set to leave home.
The flight time was 9.30 am and I was required at the airport 40 mins before the flight departure, but as typical Indians we started much ahead of time.
As I got into the car, I saw the morning was full of fog, it was quite dense and I somewhere, I was worried about the take off of the flight on the right time.
At the Elmira Airport, all seemed ok and security through smooth. All the passengers were greeted with snacks, munchies, drinks and coffee. Delta is really very warm towards its passengers sometimes I feel.
Flight was delayed by 1/2 hrs, though we boarded in time. Everything on the flight was as follows usual, biscotti and soft drinks were served. It was a 50 min duration flight, however the landing was noisy and a bit scary. Well, finally we did land at Detroit at gate no A 73.
My next connected flight was from Gate No A 75, so not much of walking. From here to Dallas.
The flight to my surprise was a very small one similar to out Elmira flights and many taking carry on luggage, the over head cabins got full. Somehow, managed to keep my bags.
Flight distance was 2 hrs and as usual the attendant served a snack and a drink. I didnot have one, just plain water. Interestingly, I had carried ' paratha and lonache' and had a portion of it at the airport. :) without feeling ashamed, it's a previlage to be on your own otherwise with Vilas not possible. His time the landing was quite smooth and the temperatures outside was warm and sunny. I could see all greenery from the window with nice College like building s and instant warmth swept in me. Milind stays here and maybe that huge building is his College. Affection is one such thing, it has no boundaries and is like wild fire, catches from one corner to the other engulfing the whole terrain.
At Dallas, the gate I came out from, had characters from some TV show, they were warm and welcoming the passengers. I took a photo with them, it was fun and all cheered and laughed in their company.
Here, the lay over there is almost 3 hrs and I wished to spend some time with Milind my cousin, but he replied saying he had an appointment with his son Keshav's School. :( no meeting. My San Francisco flight was at Gate E 9, so started walking towards it.
On the way, I saw an entrance to the skyline train and through the glass window could see flights taking off and landing. Indeed a beautiful scene. Took pictures and a video here.
Here I have gone 1 hour behind to my EST zone and waiting for my flight UA 5834.
Boarded the flight and much to my amazement, the flight size is pretty much the same and to add more, in all my 3 flights I was allowed an ayle seat. I love clicking photos during take off and landing, but hard luck this time.
Flight took off the right time, but it's 4 hr journey and boring with only beverages served twice and snack just once, which is just a handful.
Dallas seemed very green from the flight, looks like they get lots of Sun round the year. Loved it from top especially, some known persons like Milind and Shekhar lives. Vilas reminded me, Sudha could have come to meet, if I had to inform her. Anyway, people are too busy these days and find it difficult to meet or see in person. My grand mother would narrate his in just one saying, ' drusti chi Maya ani patra chi bhook'.
San Francisco is 3 hrs behind our timing, cannot wait to alight and see the magic of this city. SFO to be enjoyed and explored in 6 days, with old friends Andrea and Anna. Anna is finally coming to pick me at the airport, will have to wait for her.
Our flight pilot declared, we will be landing shortly and I was excited. Somehow peeping through the windows, trying to take the glimpse of SFO from air. I could see water all around, small hills and land with greenery. Our plane started a decline and could see just water below, it was flying so low, that I was wondering, if it is landing on the water and suddenly I got a bump, confirming we hit the land, aaha!
I opened my mobile network and saw Andreas message, I am at the gate with my cousin Paulo, to receive you. Just rushed through and came out, got into the car, they were to drive me to Anna's home. We chatted on the way. The drive was scenic with the sun setting in the background.
With the road work, finding Anna's home became difficult, so we called her at a particular gas station, she came and finally we all 3 met.
After a brief chat, Andrea and Paulo left and we two went to a Thai restaurant. Has a sumtuous dinner of veg rice, eggplant veg sizzler and a speciality fried banana with ice cream dessert. Drived home, it took good 1/2 hr to get back and no wonder we could locate her home. Since it was late, we said good night.
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