I don't know where I'm going

But, here are two options so far:

London, England
Luxembourg, Luxembourg (LUX) via Amsterdam or Paris.

Montego Bay May 2008: Arriving in Houston, TX (IAH) from Killeen, TX (GRK)

12MAY08 Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)

We landed so smoothly that I did not even realize it. In a few minutes the flight attendant announced that it was 6:06a and welcome to Houston, etc. The lady next to me turned and said that she could not understand the flight attendant as she could not tell if she was talking Spanish or English. Indeed, she was heavily accented, but I understood her. I told the lady that she just has to listen carefully. I think she was still mad about not getting a blanket during the flight.

We had a short taxi into the gate passing two Northwest Airlines (NW) Airbus A319s, one in the old colors and the other in the new colors.

At the hard stand, we all disembarked into a waiting bus that was headed for all terminals the driver announced. It seemed like it was taking forever, but I eventually arrived at Terminal C at 6:21a.

After a quick stop in the Presidents Club for a banana, some muffins and the morning newspapers (The Financial Times, USA Today and The Wall Street Journal), I headed for the bus stop to catch the 6:35a to downtown Houston.

Montego Bay May 2008: Killeen, TX (GRK) to Houston, TX (IAH)

CO9579 12MAY08 Killeen Ft. Hood Regional, Killeen Texas (GRK) to Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH) 5:15a 5:22a SF3 N198CJ operated by Colgan Air dba Continental Connection Flying Time: 0:37
Seat Map

It was a long walk down the jetway to the waiting Saab 340. It was nice to be able to walk right onto the plane as I was a bit chilly out. I greeted the lone flight attendant as I did so.

This aircraft has 34 leather seats in a 1-2 configuration with a lavatory just behind the cockpit on the right. It has really tin overhead bins, so usually you have to gate check your bags as I was requested to do and I complied.

I got settled and in a bit the flight came by and was telling a passenger in the Exit row that he would have to stow his backpack somewhere other than at his feet. The guy was really tall and was kind of folded up at the seat. She moved his bag to an open seat behind him.

The Captain came on the PA and welcomed us onboard, stated the 0:37 flying time and added that as a fuel conservation measure, the engine run ups would be done with us on board. He says that in the past they would have done that prior to us arriving. He then explained what would happen and that it was all normal so no need to worry if the airplane sounds and feels funny.

I looked off to my right and saw the American Eagle Bombardier CRJ-700 (N523AE) at the gate with the gate pulled away. The Continental Express Embraer ERJ-135 on which I flew in last night was on the other side at another gate.

It was 5:02a, when the flight attendant closed the door. A minute later, the right engine started as did the manual safety demo. The pilot was going through the checks he had mentioned earlier. At 5:06a, the left engine started as he had to wait for the jetway to be pulled back clear of the aircraft left wing.

At 5:13a, after watching the propeller do its routine and the lights going on and off once or twice, we pulled forward and headed out to the runway. The Captain came on the PA as we neared the end of the runway and said we were #1 for departure, “duh,” I tough smiling to myself. In three minutes time, we were airborne and headed for Houston, TX in the cold and dark morning skies.

The lady next to me had a short conversation with the flight attendant as she came by with juices.

I actually though that she want to have something hot as I saw the flight attendant shake her head in the negative. I took the last cup of Apple juice as the flight attendant left.

The lady turned to me and said, “how come they don’t have any blankets?” I told her I did not know, but agreed to myself that there should be blankets and pillows especially on this flight. The aircraft was not cold, but your body temperature does fall when you sleep and of course everyone is different. She then shifted around so she could be more comfortable.

I finished my juice and went off to sleep leaving the empty cup on my computer. When I awoke later, I saw that the cup was no longer there as the flight attendant had picked it up while I slept.

A few minutes later, the Captain came on the PA and announced that we had 15 minutes left of flying and we had started our descent. He also added that the local temperature was 60F and clear. I guess a cold front had moved in over the weekend. I slumped off to sleep once more. I agree, I could do with a blanket and a pillow.

Montego Bay May 2008: Departing Killeen, TX (GRK) for Houston, TX (IAH)

12MAY08 Killeen Ft. Hood Regional, Killeen Texas (GRK)

I parked the car in the same slot that I picked it up only a few hours before. The airport was very quiet and looked deserted except for a two trucks that were parked in front.

I made my way to the check-in counter and checked myself in using the lone no bags kiosk. I got my standby boarding pass and then just milled around for a bit, dropping off the car rental key in the process.

I then took a few pictures noting that there were customers waiting for Delta and American to open for check-in. The American flight was at 7:00a and there were people queuing up at 4:00a which I think is bizarre as this airport is so small and it is only a 70-seater. It was good to see Delta here as the last time I was here they had no flights. It looks like they have two a day now.

I also saw a display that noted that the Continental Express flight was operated by Colgan which is not exactly correct.

I also looked around the airport some more noting the FIDS as well as the decor.

I was keeping an eye upstairs as I know that this airport usually don’t open the TSA counter until about 4:30a or so. Soon they did and I went upstairs. I did stop and take a picture of the American Eagle Bombardier CRJ-700 at the gate.

As I went through security, the agent looked through my stuff twice. My mom had given me a carrot pudding foil and it had triggered the X-ray machine. Eventually, the lady found it and let me go. Not before chastising me for not putting all my liquids into the plastic bag.

The agent arrived at the gate at 4:48p and signed into her computer.

A boarding announcement was made at 4:50a. Everyone got up and headed for the open door; it looked like a full load this morning.

After everyone had boarded except one later arriving passenger, the agent gave me a seat assignment by writing the seat number on my existing standby boarding pass. I boarded immediately.

Montego Bay May 2008: Leaving Killeen, TX (GRK)

12MAY08 Killeen Texas

It was 3:00a, when my phone alarmed. It seems like I had just gone to bed because I had les than three hours ago. I snoozed for a few minutes, took a shower, woke my mom, chatted for a bit and then headed out.

It was actually quite chilly (I later found out it was 57F), brrrr…I navigated my way out of the suburbs and onto the highway arriving at the airport at 4:08p.

Montego Bay May 2008: Arriving in Killeen, TX (GRK) from Houston, TX (IAH)

11MAY08 Killeen Ft. Hood Regional, Killeen Texas (GRK)

My guess was that the pilots wanted to take the first turn off, hence the massive braking when we landed. It did not seem that we made it at all as we made the right turn and taxied back to the terminal.

Once at the gate, I deplaned, made a quick restroom stop, then darted for the Enterprise car rental counter. Within 15 minutes or so, I was behind the wheel heading into town. It was funny as the gu gave me a map, I looked at it and then asked for a more detailed one, he laughed at me and said I was looking it...

Montego Bay May 2008: Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH) to Killeen Ft. Hood Regional, Killeen Texas (GRK)

CO2530 11MAY08 Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH) to Killeen Ft. Hood Regional, Killeen Texas (GRK) 7:45p 842p ERJ-135 N??5?? operated by ExpressJet Airlines, Inc. dba Continental Express

Flying Time: 0:37
Seat Map

Boarding was expeditious on this 37-seater 1-2 single aisled leather seat Embraer regional jet. There was someone sitting in my seat and after some jockeying, we were all settled in. the pilot came on the PA and announced that the flying time was 0:37 and that our cruisin’ altitude was 14,000’ for the trip. He said there may be a few bumps so he may keep the seatbelt signs on all the time. The local temperature was 73F with clear skies and the conditions was the same as here.

The doors closed at 7:52p and push back and the manual flight attendant safety demo started at 7:54p. With one engine started, we headed out towards runway 33R-15L, this meant that we had to taxi almost the full length of the runway and then turn around.

I could see a line of 10 airplanes waiting to take off on runway 15L. at 8:03, the Captain said we were number two for departure behind a Continental Boeing 737-300. At 8:04p, we took to runway 33R and took off before those 10 waiting airplanes on 15L.

As we went down the runway, the lavatory door opened and the guy sitting next just in front of it, tried to close it, but to no avail.

After takeoff, the flight attendant made a welcome on board announcement and advised not to use any forbidden electronic devices. She also talked about joining the OnePass program. She also made an announcement that there will have a limited beverage service and water will be offered, but if anyone has specific requests and time permits she will try to take care of it.

The water service started at 8:12p and shortly after that she came through and collected what little trash remained from the service. She returned to her seat or the rest of the quite short flight. I fell asleep for a bit too.

Our bumpy descent started at 8:28p. We touched down with vengeance at about 8:50 and then taxied up to the gate.

Montego Bay May 2008: Arriving in Houston, TX (IAH) from Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ)

11MAY08 Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)

We touched down at 4:34p and taxied for Terminal E. Once there, we all deplaned and headed for the Immigration area. On our way there, we had our forms and passports checked by Immigration Officials, then sent on our way.

It was not an issue for two of us to clear Immigration, but the third person in our party had to go through secondary screening. About twenty minutes later, he was cleared and off we went. He mentioned it was quite full; standing room only and it would have been an hour long wait had they not just taken care of the simple cases.

He was going home, while the other guy was heading to Atlanta, GA (ATL) and I to Killeen, TX (GRK) to see mom and my sister. We said our goodbyes and then the two of us headed for the security area upstairs.

Once clear of the security area, we headed for the Presidents Club in Terminal E. I had some eats and took some pictures as well.

Continental's Boeing 737-700 is at the gate.

After a short visit, it was time to make our way to our respective gates. I was B69, my friend was C39.

I arrived at the gate for my flight to Killeen at 7:20p. I noticed that there was no aircraft at the gate and we were not showing a delayed departure time. There was also no gate agent in sight. I went back and checked the Flight Information Display and still no posted delay. I then looked around and saw the agent at the gate. I asked about standbys and he produced a waiting boarding pass.

It was 7:28p, when he announced that the inbound aircraft was on the ground and headed for the gate. Once here, it will take a few minutes to have the passengers deplane, clean the aircraft and then have everyone board. The aircraft showed up at 7:30p.

People started to get antsy at about 7:38p, so at 7:41p, the agent gave an announcement that boarding will start soon so please remain comfortably seated. I looked at the departure time and it got updated to 8:00p.

Courtesy boarding stared at 7:43p.

Montego Bay May 2008: Leaving Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ) for Houston, TX (IAH)

12MAY08 Montego Bay Jamaica

We departed the hotel at 11:30a, fifteen minutes behind schedule. We had wanted to go see the gold courses on the hill, but decided against that as we really did not have time.

We stopped and put gas in the car to the tune of JMD 1,375. The lady was telling us that this was her first day on the job and she had not eaten all morning, so we gave her some extra dollars.
We then headed for the airport stopping at the Domestic Terminal before returning the car; this time without incident...


We had a few Jamaica patties, then went and checked in paying our 42 USD departure tax before getting some local far at the Island Grill.

We then headed for the security area where a lady was arguing with the agents as she had two bottles of Jamaican red rum (150% proof) and she had to throw them away as she could not bring them through security. One of my friend tried to take sides with her and I advised him against it.

We all cleared Immigration without problems and then headed for the security areas. I went through without beeping, but I was still wanded by a female officer. As a matter of fact, all the workers were female.

We then went shopping for some alcohol. I had to remind one of my friends about the amount of alcohol that you can bring into the country. You can familiarize yourself with information here.

You can find a PDF doocument as well with the information.

We collected our boarding passes at the gate just before departure and then it was soon time to board so we did.

Montego Bay May 2008: Arriving in Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ) from Houston, TX (IAH)

11MAY08 Donald Sangster International, Montego Bay Jamaica (MBJ)

We had a smooth touchdown in this airport that is named after a previous Prime Minister, and headed for the gate area. There were a few Air Jamaica airplanes at the gate, but the onslaught of the flights from the U.S. was just starting and we were the first to arrive.

As we rounded the corner for our gate, I saw a Jetairfly's Boeing 767-300ER at the gate. Chances are it came from somewhere in the U.K.

We deplaned and took the long walk to Immigration. On my way, I was able to take this picture:

There was quite a line at the Immigration counter as two other flights had arrived just about the same time. It took about 30 minutes to clear it all, then we cleared Customs pretty quickly and made our way to Avis.

In about another 20 minutes, we got our car, some local currency and were on our way.

Montego Bay May 2008: It is time to go

I was up at the crack of dawn and just before I jumped into the shower, my phone rang. It was my friend from Atlanta saying that his flight is delayed and he does not think he will make it. He mentioned that the flying time was 1:48 and looking at the clock I realized that he would be fine. He called 10 minutes later to say they were departing.

I got ready and left making my way to the airport gingerly due to road closures as there was an apparent race in town.

It was not an issue arriving at the airport and a bus to the terminals came in no time. Clearing security was not an issue then we headed for the Presidents Club for some much needed breakfast and to await a seat on the flight.

The Plan

O.K., so I will head out tomorrow morning to Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ), then come back on Sunday and head to Killeen, TX (GRK) spend the night and head back on Monday morning for work at 9:00a.

My friend from Georgia called and I told him so he may join me along with another friend of mine.

Decisions, decisions

So, it is Thursday and a decision should be made about the weekend events. It is Mothers' Day weekend so a visit to see my mom is in order.

Also, my grand aunt turns 99 (I like how that looks) on Sunday, May 11, 2008. Can you imagine being born in 1909? Amazing I think.

Plus, my aunt called me twice today and I've just had a chance to get back to her and she needs my help, so I have to go see her.

Oh, lest I forget, it is my sister's 1st. wedding anniversary on Monday, so I need to see her and get her wedding pictures to her. O.K., it is a long story, that if I ever meet you we can talk about over a beer. She is also a mom of two young boys as well.

A few local friends I've known for a long time are having a party locally to celebrate great milestones. I really should be there to cheer them on.

So what to do? How about do them all or as much of them as is humanly possible.

This will be tricky though as my family stresses me out immensely, so stay tuned.

Eindhoven Netherlands: Arriving in Houston, TX (IAH) from Amsterdam, Netherlands (AMS)

04MAY08 Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)


We touched down on runway 26L just before 5:00 p.m. and headed for Terminal E. The Emirates flight was the only one at Terminal D at this time as we taxied by.

The Emirates (EK) Boeing 777-200ER at the gate in Terminal D.


An unusual sight at Terminal D; a Continental Boeing 777-200ER, I guess Terminal E was full.

As we blocked in at Terminal E, I got my stuff together and headed for the Immigration area. The Immigration guy asked me why I was out of the country for one day, I told him I needed a beer.

Once I cleared Customs, I then headed over to Terminal C by taking the slow train. Since the bus was not going to arrive for another 30 minutes, I plugged in just inside of the Baggage Claim waiting area and caught up for a bit and then proceeded to the bus stop.

It was unusual as there were a lot of people heading downtown with at least one piece of luggage. Of course the driver did not advise us to place our bags in the hold below as the CEO of Metro told me when I talked to him on their blog a few weeks back. Instead, we placed them on the seat or between the two seats. Luckily the bus was not full.

Finally, we headed downtown.

Eindhoven Netherlands: Leaving Amsterdam Schipol International, Amsterdam Netherlands (AMS)

04May08 Amsterdam Schipol International, Amsterdam Netherlands (AMS)

It was 1:17p when the train pulled into Schipol. I alighted and made a beeline for the Flight Information Displays. I had to make sure the flight to Houston, TX was still ontime. Of course it was. I needed to get to the airplane store to get a book, but I had no time.

I raced up the moving walkway and through the airport agents asking for a boarding pass. I started to take it out and just continued as they were really wasting my time. I had the boarding pass and passport ready for the Immigration agent. I cleared there with a stamp from the Officer and proceeded to Concourse F.

Schipol gets really empty in the afternoon, so it was not an issue to get to the gate efficiently.

Once there, I cleared security as my name was being called for a seat. I then paid my departure taxes of 38 USD or 25 EUR, then got my aisle seat assignment and boarded (actually, I paid $40 as I had no change and was $2 short. I told the guy that next time he will owe me $2 and he said he would remember me). I asked if it was the bulkhead and it was, but the agent told me that the flight was open and that there were two other seats located further forwarded that were still open. It was 1:31p when I boarded the aircraft to Houston, TX.

Eindhoven Netherlands: Leaving Eindhoven

05MAY08 Eindhoven, Netherlands

I had not decided whether or not I’d go to London, Bristol or back to Houston so I just let it all play put naturally. I figure I would try to get back to Schipol for the Houston flight at 1:55p, but if for some reason I did not make it, I would go to London Heathrow and take the 4:00p flight to Newark Liberty (EWR), then the last flight into Houston. This option would make for a very long day. Alternatively, I could just stay in London or still get to Bristol.

One other thought was to fly out of Eindhoven airport (EIN), but I had already logged it so I decided against doing that.

I ensured that I checked in online and a rarity for me, I printed my boarding pass. This way, I could make my way down to the gate since I figured I would arrive at Schipol within an hour of my scheduled departure time.

After having breakfast, I got on the 11:47a train to Schipol which would arrive at 1:15p, just in time for the 1:55p flight to Houston, TX.

Eindhoven Netherlands: Arriving in Asmterdam Schipol International, Amsterdam Netherlands (AMS)

03MAY08 Amsterdam Schipol International, Amsterdam Netherlands (AMS)

We touched down on that far runway at 12:30p. This sucks as it means that it will take another 10 minutes t make it to the gate. I am kind of confused as to why we arrived so late since we only left about 30 minutes late. Maybe flying around that storm ate up a lot of our time. Back in Houston, we were even expedited to the runway.

Anyways, it was a beautiful morning and it was great to see plane spotters all along the length of the runway. Some were even sitting on benches that had obviously been placed there for this purpose. I never see that many people in Houston at Lee Road.

It was 12:41p when we made it into our gate. I got off quickly joining my other colleague as we headed for Immigration. He had to go change, so I left him and headed out. On my way, I saw a Delta Air Lines (DL) Boeing 757-200 with winglets being pushbacked. It was nice to see one of these as this was my first time seeing one of them. Something tells me they are running thin on airplanes. I am assuming that the proposed merger should help this a bit.

Immigration was a breeze as I was the second person in line of a total of three persons in all. I hurried through Customs and headed straight for the ticket counter. The next train was at 1:14p and it was now 12:50p. I paused for a moment to catch my breath before purchasing my return train ticket to my next destination.

Eindhoven, Netherlands: A massive storm

Eindhoven Netherlands: Arriving in Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)

2MAY08 Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)

It was not an issue clearing security, but the TSA closed one of their two security gates just as I arrived. This actually caused a delay as now everyone was in the line I was in.

Once we cleared security, I went towards Terminal E and my other colleagues went the other way towards his gate. We wanted to hang out in the Presidents Club for a bit, but that was not going to happen today.

I headed for the ticket office as I needed to get a few tickets for the journey once I arrived in Amsterdam. Thirty minutes later, I had tickets for Amsterdam, Netherlands (AMS) to Bristol, England (BRS) and Amsterdam, Netherlands (AMS) to Paris, France (CDG) to Bristol, England (BRS). I met a few of my colleagues in the ticket office as well. One of which was trying to get to Omaha, NE (OMA) without initial success. It did look like he would make the last flight of the day though.

While there, my colleague who was also going to Amsterdam showed up. As I was still waiting to get my tickets, he left with another of my colleagues for the Presidents Club. I followed moments later picking up two magazines and the Financial Times.

I made my way to the gate as it was running late. It was now 6:40p. on my way there, I saw two of my colleagues heading to Cleveland, OH (CLE). I said a quick hello and then headed for my gate. Once there, I said hello to the agent apologizing for arriving late. She said it was O.K. as we were slightly delayed. Another agent recognized me and said hello. I got my boarding pass and was lucky to get a window seat in BusinessFirst. I noticed that the barriers were still drawn and asked what was going on. She said they had not started boarding. I looked around and saw all the passengers still waiting, oops…

I then went back to Cleveland gate to continue chatting with my friends there. They stared boarding so I left. I then saw my friend who was on my flight again and we sat down and waited for the flight to board. We wanted to get seats together, but that was not going to be possible today.

A friend had lent me his phone, but the battery was not working as it was not holding the charge. I looked around for a plug and found one among two guys who were charging their phones and a computer; I plugged in.

It was time to board soon at 7:08p.

Eindhoven Netherlands: Leaving downtown Houston

02MAY08 Houston, TX

As previously arranged, I met my colleague in the lobby at 5:10p. my other colleague was missing and I had no idea why. I had called him before I left my desk, but no answer. We tried again and no go. As time was going, we decided to get going.

Traffic was unusually light and we arrived at the airport in no time and parked at Terminal C.