13 June 2000

Preface to today's journal entry:  one of the things we have actually planned to do in London is to see the Counting Crows, one of Callie's favorite bands, at Wembley Arena.

* * * *

We got to IAH, which is extremely busy, and check our luggage.  Our agent was very friendly, but also very slow, and didn't even ask the standard security questions about packing the bags (Yes, I did it; No, Osama Bin Laden did not ask me to carry along a peculiar looking camera full of explosives for him).  He did tell us that our flight was overbooked and we should be open to the possibility of volunteering for another flight.

We went off to the terminal for some people watching.  About an hour before boarding, Callie asks me if I have the Crows tickets.  OOPS!  At this point, it's rush hour and no chance to get to my apartment to get to them.   We're resigned to buying more tickets from a scalper.

And then, the Continental agent announces they are overbooked and would like volunteers to fly to Cleveland the same night, stay overnight at Continental's expense meals included, then fly to Gatwick from Cleveland -- and get a $400 travel certificate each in the process.  We looked at each other and jumped up to volunteer. 

The notion was great:  time to get the tickets, see a new city, and get to London without too much of a change in plans.  As we were waiting, we noted many unruly and annoyed customers.  The Continental representative did an amazing of handling them.  She took care of us as well.  I told her she was outstanding and that it's always nice to see someone doing her job well.   And then the adventure began!

We went back, got the tickets, sent Kellas an email about our new arrival info, and went back to IAH.  The flight to Cleveland was uneventful.  We slept through much of it.  Arrival was interesting.  There was no uniformed Continental representative waiting, as has been promised.  Granted, it was 1 am or so!  The Continental Baggage Service office was open.   They seemed quite confused, but did manage to get us a room and meal vouchers.   The shuttle had stopped running, so they also issued us a taxi voucher.

Turns out it was our cabby's first night.  She didn't know where we were going and got lost.  She stopped to ask directions at a convenience store, figured out where to go, and was headed down a shortcut when a cop stopped her to check us out because she was driving "left of center."  Whatever. Dumbass.  At this point, what should have taken ten minutes was up to thirty.  But we finally have arrived.   Time to crash in boring Strongsville.