Planes, Trains, and Automobiles... and a Gondola

In the past month we have used all forms of transportation on our wonderful European adventure. We flew on multiple airlines, rode trains, took a bus or two, rode trams and metros, drove a car, and took a gondola ride. We covered a lot of ground. Luckily, our travels were smooth, but getting from point A to point B, especially on an airplane, is not as easy as it used to be.

I don't enjoy taking a good majority of my clothes off in an airport, especially my shoes. Regardless of what I remove I always seem to be singled out for an additional search. I find it hard to fit my toiletries in a quart-size Ziploc. My hair products alone could fill more than that. But I suppose bad hair and a little discomfort is a small price to pay for security. Minor annoyances aside, I marvel at the transportation systems in Europe. Whether on a train, tram, bus, or metro getting around is easy and efficient.

We were on a train from Budapest to Vienna that had to be rerouted because of flooding in Central Europe. For our safety, midway through our train ride everyone was put on a bus and driven to another town to board a different train to continue on our journey. The detour added about an hour to our trip, but we were well informed and safe. Compared to those suffering from the flooding it was just a small inconvenience.

While the good old days of flying are gone - think Pan Am, china, silver, and real linens, some airlines still get it right. Part of our journey was on Airberlin. They realize a well-fed crowd is a happy, sleepy lot and more likely to stay content during the long flight over the pond. Airline food has never been 'fine dining', but the quality has improved greatly. It felt like they fed us every few hours. They also distributed a little travel pack for our comfort which included socks, sleep mask, toothbrush and toothpaste, and the all important earplugs to block out any unpleasant noise.

We each had our own private television screens to watch an endless array of complimentary movies and television shows. If that wasn't enough just when boredom was about to set in there was another snack delivered with a clever cocktail napkin showing us how to make a flower, just in case we weren't sufficiently entertained.

My attempt at making the rose was not the best, but it did keep me occupied. All this fine treatment was in Economy Class. It made me wonder what was going on in First Class? A+ Airberlin keep up the good work.