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1 Mar 04-Travel Day 1
I arrived at the Valdosta airport at 5 p.m. after stopping at Subway for a foot-long sandwich. Jeff from work helped me wheel my two very heavy suitcases into the terminal and then said goodbye. At the check in counter, my bags were weighed and the larger of the two was 3 pounds overweight so I had to swap a few things out to make the 70 pound limit. No big deal and was all checked in with 2 hours to waste ahead of me. I decided to eat half my sandwich, some chips, and a diet drink from one of the vending machines--only 50 cents--what a bargain! After eating I went out for a smoke and started talking to another female sitting on the bench. She just happened to be a MSgt too. Her name is Terri and she works out at Moody too. In fact, I found out later that she works for Mary Touchton. Anyway, the time passed by quickly and so did the flight to Atlanta. She slept all the way and I of course didn't because I was wide awake with the excitement of traveling. I can only pray though that I can sleep on the way to Frankfurt or I'll be in a world of hurt by the time I get there.
Anyway, in Atlanta, we arrived shortly before 9 p.m., picked up our baggage and proceeded to the AMC (Air Mobility Command) ticket counter. It was supposed to be next to the Korean airline, but couldn't find it anywhere. Finally asked one of the security guards and find out that AMC shares a ticket counter with another airline and until it opens, it's not marked. It didn't help that we were the first military to arrive either, however, that turned into our favor as we were first in line and what a line it turned out to be. It was wrapped around the corner and clear down the walkway...about a couple football fields long or so it seemed. We waited in line nearly 4 hours until the ticket counter opened at 1 a.m.
2 Mar 04-Travel Day 2
Getting rid of the two very heavy bags felt like freedom...kind of like breaking free from a ball and chain. Good thing too because passing through the security checkpoint, we found out that the train doesn't run in the wee hours of the morning so had to walk all the way to Terminal E. Trust me, that's a long walk with a heavy backpack! But I survived and welcomed the sight of Gate E30 where we hung out for endless hours...8 to be exact. Luckily there was a smoker's area right next to the gate so it wasn't too painful for me :-) What was bad was that I couldn't sleep because the floor was too hard and the seats have those dang armrests in the way so as the 24 hour point of wakefulness approached so did the heavy weariness of travel--not good when you're just getting started.
Well, we were supposed to board at 0600 and then they made an announcement that we were going to delayed for awhile. I decided that I better call Germany to inquire on the effects a delayed arrival would have on the shuttle service I reserved to get me to Ramstein Air Base. I was told they would charge me $15 for every additional hour they waited. I said I understood and left the reservation as it was. Well, the plane was further delayed and the ETA to Frankfurt was unknown at this point so I called Germany again and it was decided that the best thing to do was to cancel the reservation (without penalty) and arrange transport once I arrived. That unnerved me to say the least, but it was the best decision, otherwise I took the chance of being charged $150 for nothing. I just prayed that a solution would unfold once I arrived and unfold it did. We departed at 0945 and after an 8 hour flight where I was able to take a couple naps, we landed in Frankfurt (on the military side) at about 12:15 a.m.
3 Mar 04-Travel Day 3
We were ushered off the plane and made to walk about a quarter mile in the cold due to other planes being on the tarmac, but actually it felt pretty good to walk after such a long flight. Oh yeah, I forgot to say that we (Terri and I) were given choice seat assignments. Yepper, first class seats, leg room, leg rests, etc. Of course, the military first class and the civilian first class are way different, but it was comfy just the same. It really helped that we were the first two to check in and that we were both Master Sergeants. Rank does have its privileges!
Anyway, said goodbye to my travel partner as she was headed to one of the "Stans" and found my way to the baggage claim area to retrieve my very heavy luggage and that's where I started my quest to find a way to Ramstein at one o'clock in the morning. Was I worried? You betcha I was, but I had to get there by 0500 or I was going to miss my next flight. I asked the other 9 people that got off the plane with me if they were going to Ramstein. Ramstein is about an hour and a half south of Frankfurt. I found 2 that were; however, they weren't deploying like me and they had people scheduled to pick them up. I let it be known that I needed a ride in case the people that were picking them up had large vehicles. I also looked around for any information that was posted on the walls, etc. Found little so retrieved my very heavy bags and went outside for a much needed smoke. Had 2 of them and then made my way to the main part of the terminal where I saw one of the two heading for Ramstein. I asked about a ride, but her car was only a Honda Civic and there was no way that my bags would fit. At least I tried and was rather proud of myself for reaching out to a stranger like that, but I knew I couldn't just sit there and do nothing. I then asked the young airman at the x-ray machine what one would do in my predicament and by golly he not only had an answer, he took care of the details too! He called a known taxi driver and hooked me up with a price deal as well. Only 150 Euro instead of over 200. Yeah, OUCH, but like I said before I had to get there by 0500 or miss my next flight. So about 2 a.m., this very long-haired German guy came in to pick me up and he proceeded to talk me nearly to death all the way to Ramstein. I think he was practicing his English. Not bad really although sometimes I would just nod my head even though I hadn't a clue as to what he had just said :-) Took a little less than an hour and a half and arrived at 0330 only to find that the Ramstein passenger terminal was closed and didn't open for another 30 minutes.
So I stood outside in 24 degree weather waiting for the doors to open. Luckily I had packed a sweatshirt and my gloves so that helped. I just kept moving so I didn't end up a frozen statue while waiting. Wasn't too bad and I was very thankful I had made it there in the first place. Well, the door finally opened and I made my way through security and then up to the Passenger Service Center check in counter only to be told that my flight had been cancelled. All that worry...all that money...all the freezing...yep, just part of the adventure. Hmmmmmmmmmm what to do now... get a room and sleep in a real bed? Hot shower? You betcha! I called the military lodging number I was given and was told there were no rooms available and that I could call back at 0730 and talk to the reservation clerk. 3 hours til I could call? Oh my oh my oh my...do I wait or do I find my way to a local hotel? I think I'll go have a smoke and think about it.
While having a smoke I ran into a guy who I had observed and overheard to have been very acquainted with the area so I asked him about the hotels in the area. Not only did he recommend one, he offered to drive me there too! I didn't feel any vibes telling me not to go with him so I took him up on his kind offer and by 6 a.m. I was checked into a very nice hotel that even included a scrumptious breakfast. Was the good Lord watching over me or what?
After breakfast I went up to my room and crawled into the most comfortable bed and fell instantly asleep. I slept about 5 hours then made myself get up. I figured I better get myself on a schedule for this time zone and that way once I get to Cyprus I won't be so weary. I showered, got dressed, and went exploring. The hotel had a mini-bar as well as a restaurant and promised myself a nice cold beer later on. I then went outside and looked around...to the right looked like a dead-end so I took off walking to the left. Passed by a car lot, rounded the corner and viola--a McDonalds! After walking a few more blocks nothing looked promising so I turned around and went back to McDonalds where I ordered a chicken salad and a Sprite. I only had 20 Euro left and that cost 4,50 Euro so I hope the taxi ride in the morning doesn't cost more than 15 Euro. I took my lunch back up to the room and relaxed for awhile. Watched one of the few stations that was in English, wrote in my journal, and then decided to go have that cold beer. Made my way back downstairs and found Doug Dancer, my rescuer from the morning, already at the bar so I joined him and even bought him a beer to show my appreciation for his help.
After 3 beers, I decided it was time to eat dinner so I slid off the bar stool and made my way into the adjoining restaurant where I ordered Jagersnitzel (sp?). Yum yum! After dinner I ordered a cup of coffee because I realized that I hadn't had my daily dose of caffeine and was getting a withdrawal headache and the last thing I needed was a dang headache. So there I sat, by myself, reflecting over my travel adventure thus far and realized I was only half way there.
3 Mar 04-Travel Day 3....continued
After dinner I went back up to my room and called Ramstein to check on my flight. The flight was still on with a 0500 report time. I then called a taxi to schedule a 0430 pickup. I didn't feel too confident about them remembering so when I checked out later I had them leave the phone on in case I had to call another taxi company. Doug, who is a frequent guest at the Hotel Merkur, agreed to pay any additional telephone charges. What a nice guy! Yes, there are still great people in this world we live in. I tried to give him $20 for all his kindness, but he flat out refused so I said the next best thing...thank you...and headed back up to my room and promptly fell asleep again. I awoke to the ringing of the phone signifying my 0330 wake up call.
4 Mar 04-Travel Day 4
Got dressed and finished packing by 0400 so I watched CNN and smoked a couple cigarettes. At 0415 I made my way downstairs with my bags and 0425 I stood outside in the cold waiting for the taxi. As luck would have it, the taxi didn't show. So at 0435 I made my way back upstairs and called another taxi company. Someone was there a few minutes later and by 0500 I was checking in at the passenger terminal...right on time :-)
After checking my bags I explored the terminal and purchased a couple bottles of water, coffee, and a breakfast sandwich. Stored the water in my backpack for the long plane trip, then sat down an ate my Subway breakfast sandwich and drank my coffee. Not bad for a precooked microwaved meal...that or I was really hungry. The coffee wasn't bad either.
The official boarding time was 0700 so I still had 30 minutes to kill. I went outside and had a couple smokes--my last for a good 5 hours. While I was out there, a van pulled up and about 6 soldiers and all their bags were dropped off. As they proceeded to the security checkpoint, I glanced at my watch and made a quick decision to enjoy another cigarette. Not a wise choice because they called the flight for boarding and I was stuck behind 3 of them still processing their bags through x-ray. I caught sight of the other traveler for my flight through the big plate-glassed window and signaled my predicament. Not that he could do anything, but at least he could notify the terminal people that I wasn't MIA. Finally got through and even had time for quick restroom break before loading up into the van that took the 2 of us out to the C-130. As we waiting to board it was mentioned how cold it could be while flying so I hurried up and pulled my Gortex jacket out of my suitcase. Good decision on my part as it was definitely cold when we boarded so was able to cover my legs with it.
The C-130 is a military cargo plane and it was pert near full of cargo, but with only 2 passengers we had plenty of room on the one section of web seats that was set up for us. We took off shortly after 0800 and even with having to wear ear plugs, I was pretty comfy. We were told that we would be flying to Siganella (Sicily) first, then on to Souda Bay (Greece) where we (the crew and I) would be staying overnight. That was a welcome surprise as I wasn't looking forward to spending a day and a half flying and I knew I wasn't expected to land in Cyprus until 1130 the next day. What an adventure this is turning out to be :-)
Speaking of adventures, I had to use the restroom while we were flying and the only thing available in the cargo plane for females was a bucket. A bucket! A bucket that was lined with a plastic garbage bag. To provide a little privacy, a makeshift tarp was put up around it. Well, when you gotta go, you gotta go and I managed it just fine, however, I think I'll hold it next time...thank you very much! Yep, what an adventure!
Flying time was about 3 1/2 hours to Siganella. Once we arrived the other passenger and I were ushered off the plane. This was his destination, but since I was continuing on, I was told to report back in an hour. So I took advantage of a real restroom, lunch at Burger King, and of course I had a couple smokes. At the appointed time, I returned to the terminal and then was transported by van back out to the plane. Once on board I was told that there was almost a problem with my flying as there were explosives on board and they (the country officials) said that no passengers could be on the plane. Come to find out, "space available" passengers were not allowed, but since I was "space required", then it was legal.
The flight to Souda Bay quickly passed by...only because I slept the whole way. Hopefully I'll be able to sleep tonight, but if not I'll have a couple hours' nap enroute to Cyprus the next day. Yes, I'll finally arrive at my destination tomorrow and then the real fun will begin. I say "fun" because I'm really looking forward to the challenge and the excitement of being a "one man" PERSCO team and, of course, the camaraderie that always occurs at an overseas location. Anyway, I'm getting ahead of myself--let's get back to Souda Bay Naval Air Station.
I was ushered off by a passenger terminal employee and taken to the lodging facility where I checked into a very nice apartment-style room. It had a kitchen, living room, and bedroom. I was told to report back to the terminal at 0800 for a 0900 departure. I think I'll play it safe and report at 0730. That way, I can hunt down a nice cup of coffee as the only thing here is one of those coffee singles that you dip into hot water.
After settling in, I took off on an exploration trip. Decided to just get a TV dinner from the store across the street...a beer...and a couple of sodas. So right now I'm relaxing in a recliner, drinking my beer, and writing in my journal.
5 Mar 04-Travel Day 5
Awoke at 0600, fixed a cup of coffee then strolled outdoors for a smoke. It was still overcast, sprinkling, and chilly just like it was when I arrived. Hopefully, it won't get worse as I have to walk to the passenger terminal. It didn't and after I showered, I checked out of the room and walked to the terminal. It was only 0715 and was told that the only coffee available was up the street a few blocks. Hmmmmmmm was a walk through the misty rain worth a nice hot cup of coffee? You would think, huh? Nope, I decided to stay put. Besides...I didn't want to use the dreaded bucket! I spent the next two hours reading a book. By this time "waiting" was second nature so the time went by quickly and soon I was in the air flying to Cyprus.
Landed in Cyprus at 1130...right on time... Yippee Yahoooooooo.... I made it... I survived!!! And from what I hear, after my 93 day vacation here, the trip back to the United States via London will be much smoother and there won't be any buckets!
Hope you enjoyed my reading about my travel adventure as much as I enjoyed experiencing it... I can say that now that it's over :-)
14 Mar 04
I'm off today (I get Sundays off) so did laundry then went for breakfast at the British Sergeant's Mess. It's just a cafeteria type line that you go through where servers serve you although today was the first time I experienced breakfast and you actually served yourself. There were scrambled eggs, yucky looking bacon, and these big sausages. Even though I love bacon, it just looked sick so I chose the sausage. It was tasty and so were the eggs so not bad for .54 Cypriot cents which is about about $1.10. Then you go sit at these big tables even if people are at the tables, it is polite to sit with them if there is room. That was strange for me, but I made it through :-) After breakfast, I went exploring and found these awesome cliffs, a lighthouse, and just the most gorgeous view of the ocean. I spent about an hour walking along the edge of the cliffs peering down when I could and found one particular spot where you could not only see the water crashing over the rocks, you could hear it too! I looked for a way down to the bottom, but didn't see a safe passage so opted to stay on top. I'll ask around though because I heard that you could. In other words, more adventures to come because I'll definitely be spending some Sundays there :-) Oh yeah, the weather is just perfect today too... blue skies and warm sunshine.
21 Mar 04
My second Sunday here ended up being spectacular! First I tried cooking eggs and bacon in the community kitchen. Ended up throwing the bacon out because after 2 minutes in the microwave it didn't even look like it was going to crisp. I guess it's not the same kind of bacon you get in the states :-) I'll try to cook it another way next time. The eggs turned out ok although I wanted an omelet and had to satisfy myself with scrambled eggs because the stove heats up weird and the skillet was too big, etc. Oh well...cooking and eating is an adventure in itself over here. After breakfast, I drove to the on base beach area called Dreamer's Bay. Pretty awesome. Here's a picture that someone else took...keep in mind it was a clear sunny day yesterday and not cloudy like this picture depicts... yeah the water wasn't as choppy either, but at least you get the drift of what kind of scenery is at my disposal. I also drove myself outside the main gate for the first time yesterday and saw some great scenery... drove through the mountains and could see the beaches and cliffs down below. Even a place where they hang-glide from up above to down on the beach. I'll definitely go back just to watch that or to sit on the beach or just to drive again :-)
29 Mar 04
I had a blast exploring the cliffs yesterday...spent over two hours trying to find a way down to the water, but never did. I did get about 50 mosquito bites though...grrrrrrrrrrrrrr Must find some bug spray before my next adventure...that's for sure!
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