We've actually arrived at the hotel and I finally have a moment to breathe. It's been a hectic two days, between late planes to scares about luggage to an incredibly long plane flight. Starting at the beginning...
After I said goodbye to Mom at the airport, we went upstairs to security. Everyone in line was being told to take their shoes off so we loaded everything on the weighing machine and got through fine. Went to the gate, at which point we realized there had been no problems and we had two hours to wait before boarding. Oh, well. Passed the time talking with people and getting to know everyone, getting wished Happy Birthday by lots of people and playing a very large game of UNO.
Finally boarded the plane on time. Due to delays, probably caused by our luggage, we took off nearly 40 minutes late. We weren't really worried about the plane in Dallas leaving without us, since we number 26. But the luggage situation was worrisome. Flight uneventful except for a screaming baby at the back of the plane. Got to Dallas and RAN to the other gate where the flight attendant hurried us on claiming we were about to take off. Predictably, we sat for another 45 minutes before moving.
Finally took off (I was lucky enough to have an aisle seat) and had the usual bad dinner etc. They started to air a movie but there was a problem as both channels were in Spanish. I tried to sleep for the rest of the flight but basically cat-napped. Finally (11-hour flight!) We got to Buenos Aires, went through customs which was depressingly easy and headed down to wait for our bags. They finally appeared in one big pile. Relief! Bus to the hotel, learned a little about the city and security hints. Headed up to our room only to discover that the twin beds had been pushed together and joined. Oops. Still waiting on room service for that one... After short debate headed out for some lunch.
So - - we're in Buenos Aires, the heart of South America. Where do you go for lunch? La Madeleine, of course! Was actually very different. We puzzled out the menu and I decided "when in Rome" so ordered empenades. Ended up with 5, ate 3 - they were delicious. The total bill for the four of us was 48.50 which is actually US $16. I paid $4 for a fantastic lunch - pretty good deal. Walked around for a little while then headed back to shower and rest before the first class meeting tonight.