Day 1: Cincinnati/Houston
After 6 hours of sleep, I woke up early to go through my long list of stuff to do before the trip, including stops at the lawyer's office, my insurance agency, the bank, the grocery store and downtown to drop off Blake's Christmas presents.

At 1:00, I found my way to Paul's house where my Jeep would remain for some time. He immediately took me to the airport. Then I realized. Today is the day I leave.

I arrived at CVG a good 1.5 hours before my flight and it was nice to not be in such a rush for a change.

I approached the Continental counter and attempted one of the automated check in machines. No dice.

So, I solicited the help of "Fred," an older tall black gentlemen who was behind the counter.

Fred wasn't having the best of days. He struggled with understanding "my deal," where I was going, etc. He stuffed some paperwork into a folder and handed it to me, without saying anything. He went about doing something else.

"Uhh... Am I all set?" I asked.

"Yes," he said and I was on my way to the gates.

I had gotten down two escalators when the following rang through the intercom:

"ATTENTION PASSENGER VANT, PLEASE REPORT TO THE CONTINENTAL COUNTER TO RETRIEVE A MISPACED ITEM. PASSENGER VANT TO THE CONTINENTAL TICKET COUNTER PLEASE"

OK. I know I am forgetful. I just am. I can admit it. But I was curious to know what I had forgotten. I had my ticket folder and my passport.

I went up the stairs and waited in line for Fred.

He told me that he had forgotten to give me all of the paperwork that the printer had printed.

Without meaning to be mean, I asked "Didn't I ask you if I had everything?" My tone was not a mad one, just more curious.

He explained that I was his first customer of the day and that he was on "cold medicine." Can cold medicine cause brain damage?

I took the tickets and headed to the gate. I hadn't trusted Fred with knowing which gate the plane was leaving from, so I went to the one on the screen, which was wrong. The gate on the ticket was correct.

The next couple of hours were uneventful.

The flight from Cincinnati to Houston was a breeze. For distraction, I brought the first season of the show "Arrested Development." I love the show. It's very well, written. A lot of very good one liners. It's got a kind of dumb slapstick that I love. Quirky characters. They will do anything for a laugh. Sometimes, it's a bit heartfelt. I love Jason Bateman. His personality is adorable and caring. He is one beautiful individual.

ARRIVAL IN HOUSTON

In enjoyed walking around the Houston airport. I really like the architectural elements which were futuristic-in the 1980s.



I arrived at the gate for the next flight to Paris. They were accepting volunteers to go the following day. The incentive was $500 is credits with Continental (and free room and board for the next 24 hours._) I pondered the idea. I didn't have to be with the Balke's the following day. I could call them and everything would be cool.

I called Chase and he told me that it was a relatively low amount. He suggested I ask them if I could fly business class the following day.

I wasn't all that excited about spending the evening in Houston. I didn't know anybody.

When the guy behind the desk was unable to meet my request to fly business class the following day, I got back in line and boarded the plane.

I sat with 2 very friendly, pretty French women who were in academia. We talked quite a bit. I loved how the one woman said "ouais" (i.e. yes) while intaking air. This is something that only French woman can do.

We talked everything from universities in the US and in France, to RENT to gay adoption.

"Is it illegal to adopt in US? It is in France."

Hmm, I don't know about that, toots. Discouraged, yes. Illegal, I don't know. But you are the French one, not me.

I was fortunate to have been able to have slept about 4 hours.

(Note: 95% of the discussions today were in either French or German; For simplicity sake, I'll just translate any dialogs.)
- posted by Matt @ 4:10 AM