September 28th - Dulles to Atlanta to Paris

A Paris interlude -

We figured that we'd journal our Paris trip mixed with news of the house. Phil and friends are going to take photos while we're gone so we'll all be up to date. They aren't going to sheetrock until we get home, so there won't be too much to report.

Some of you know that our trip had a "slight" glitch 5 days before we were due to leave because of the Air France strike. Through a stroke of luck, I had a fantastic AF/Delta rep on the phone who, with permission from her supervisor, told me that 20 minutes before my call she was told that the strike was continuing past our departure date and, maybe/maybe not. our flight would be cancelled 24 hours beforehand (and it was cancelled!). Her suggestion was to change airlines while there were still some seats available. As it turned out, to sit in the same row, we had to leave a day early on Delta. Many of the people we talked to on the flight were supposed to be AF passengers. So with little notice we changed reservations, added a night to our Paris hotel, left for Dulles a day early, and only mildly panicked.

Up at 6:30 (or so!) and, as usual, time went faster than what I had to do. Late, as usual, but because of Sunday traffic - or lack thereof - we were easily two hours ahead of schedule. Somehow we were/are assigned the TSA boarding so no hassle. Well, up until they found a paring knife in my carry on! Agent: “Do you have anything dangerous in your bag?” Me: “Not to my knowledge.” At that point he pulls out one of my very favorite paring knives - along with the cutting board we used on our last trip - in our plane! Damn. It was a great knife! 

Easy flight to Atlanta, a 2 hour stay in the Delta lounge in Atlanta, and an on-time departure to Paris. After the whole Air France strike debacle, we deserved this. We're not alone - we met a lovely woman on the same Dulles-Atlanta flight who is now on our flight - same problem with Delta. She's leaving a few days later because of the strike - that would be such a disappointment. 

We're trying to figure out what to do with your extra day(s) - any suggestions 
are appreciated. We're looking for something 'off the beaten path' because we will be doing the popular sites with the cruise company. When our friends from CA arrive, we're going on a bicycle tour that is supposed to cover the less known parts of the city. Keep in mind, when you make your suggestions, that we are not averse to renting a car for a day or two. 

Next chapter will be from Paris - au revoir until then!