We’ve officially embarked on our Italian Adventure. Thanks to an abundance of miles we were able to book this flight in and out of Santa Barbara. There is nothing sweeter than security at the SBA airport!
We left Santa Barbara around 11 a.m. and arrived Dallas at 4 p.m. Because we wanted the red eye to London, (if I’m going to be in the air for almost 10 hours I would like to SLEEP some of them without meal service, cabin lights, etc.) we had a 5 hour layover in Dallas.
Thanks to another perk, we had passes to the United Club at DFW. We were pleasantly surprised by how quiet the lounge was. With it’s comfortable seating, WiFi, power outlets and decent food (not to mention a full bar!) we settled in for a few relaxing hours. Touched base with girls, checked email, paid bills (ah, the wonders of online banking!) and imbibed in some bubbly 🥂.
We boarded our Boeing 777, with our several hundred other passengers, about 9:45 p.m. just prior to take off the pilot informed us that we would be delayed because there wasn’t enough food on board for all (OH NO!). About a half an hour later food issue was resolved and we were in the air. After a mediocre airplane meal and a final glass of wine, we settled in for our polar route to London.
Although the flight was brilliantly smooth, sleeping is always a challenge, even with the help of sleep aids! We arrived London only about 15 minutes behind schedule. We had a little over two hours to disembark, clear passport control and change terminals for our flight to Milan. Luckily our bags were checked through to Milan and we had one less thing to negotiate.
Last leg of of long day’s journey departed on time. An easy hour and forty minute flight over the English Channel, France and the Alps before landing in Milan. Effortless entry into the country, however, baggage claim was delayed by almost thirty minutes and we were more than ready to put this day ‘in the books’. But the bags arrived (always a miracle), and we navigated our way to the train that would carry us into Milan. An hour later we arrived at the stunning Milan Stazione Centrale!
We knew the apartment was only a short walk, but by then it was dark and we were beyond tired, so we hailed a cab. He was a little miffed when we gave him the address and said “it’s 300 meters”! We apologized, and because of one way streets he did have to drive a bit!
Access to the flat was straightforward and as described. With little fanfare, a face wash and a teeth brushing, we were off to bed.
¡Ciao Italia!
¡Ciao America! 