Travel Diary

Snoopy, Come Home!

That's me. I'm Snoopy. I’m coming home (from what once was my home).

I woke up plenty early since I'd gotten to bed early, and actually thought about doing a quick jog, but I was sore and really had no desire to do any more running for the trip. I also craved a bagel from Noah’s Bagels, but that would mean two Uber trips, and I didn't want to waste such money. The carbs could wait. However, I did go down to finally try the free hotel breakfast, which I had skipped the first few days from either oversleeping, or just not really wanting anything from it, as I find the food usually isn’t anything special. But I did try some of the eggs which seemed artificial, but still fairly tasty (as well as the bacon). I also asked if I could extend my checkout time to 12 noon and they were fine with that, so hurray! Extra time. There was no need to get to the airport too early.

Back in the room, I made a few final videos. I also reviewed the room which was really good for the money, but definitely not a three or four-star place. It was just the little things that could've been improved. But again, it was very affordable, and that's what I was putting first and foremost. At noon, I checked out and went back to Burger King one last time for lunch, saving one chicken wrap for the airport. I moved slowly as I was sore, but I also didn't want to get to the airport too early. Still, I wasn't sure how bad security would be, and I'd heard stories about the security line being long in Oakland (though I've never found that to be the case).

After my lunch, I summoned Uber and headed out to the Oakland airport, where I found the security line to be pretty much empty. Hmm. Good to know for the future. I also got the first notice that my flight was delayed. There would be a few of those. Seems to be a trend with Oakland Airport and Alaska Airlines. Sadly, there's no Alaska lounge, so I couldn't even take refuge there. I just found empty areas of the airport and worked on my Spanish.

The flight was delayed another couple of times, but finally we got to board. Oh, and I didn't get an upgrade to first class this time which was disappointing. Somehow, at the last moment, three or four open first class seats either got sold or something. I was second in line for upgrading, so I don't think anyone else got the upgrade ahead of me. (I would hope not!) I suppose some people just shelled out the extra money. Adding to that, while I was in premium economy, the row was full so I didn't get the extra elbow either. Oh the hardships we must endure! Do you feel my pain? It’s like you went running with me. Well, different kind of pain I guess.

We got onto the tarmac and we were close to taking off when they announced that we would have to go back to the gate because a family in the back could not get their child to wear a seatbelt. Yup. The joys of airline travel. People were not really happy with this, but most were civil about it, except for one person who let the family know his pleasure as they were exiting. It was just an unfortunate situation. Didn’t seem to be any reason to make it worse.

Finally, we were departing about two hours behind schedule, though it was a nice flight to Seattle despite the weather getting worse as we flew north. Since I wasn’t in first, I didn't get a hot meal, but I did get a cold meal kit for free, and a chocolate bar, and pretzels, and a scotch – so I still get plenty of food no matter where I’m seated. MVP has its privileges.

In Seattle, my neighbor had offered to give me a ride home, which allowed me to avoid taking the train or Uber. I mean I paid her $40, but it was still worth it. Once back home, the first thing I did was get some rest. My vacation and work trip were over.

Last Entry