Mokulele Airlines: Honolulu International, Honolulu Oahu HI (HNL) to Kona International, Kona Big island HI (KOA)

YV1016 22NOV08 Honolulu International, Honolulu Hawaii (HNL) to Kona International, Kona Big Island HI (KOA) 3:35p 4:15p CRJ N27318

Flight Time: 0:35
Seat Map

We all walked out to the waiting plane. As we did so, I was able to photograph an Island Air flight.

There were two go! CRJ-200s waiting in the distance for us.

I did also notices a Mokulele ERJ-170 heading out to the runway; I think that is the flight that does the Kona turn :-(.

There was also a third go! CRJ off in the distance and three Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 717s and a Boeing 767-300.


There was a sign on the stairs leading to the plane to help us along, it said "Kona Big Island."


We all boarded and took any open seat. The first empty window was in row three, so I settled in.

The Captain came on and apologized for the delay, saying that there was bad weather all around the Hawaiian Islands today as the culprit. He also said that it was 75F on Kona and that the weather there was a little better than Honolulu. The flight time will be 0:35 he concluded.

We waited to depart. Announcements were made for a party of four and eventually all that was rectified. In the meantime, another passenger boarded. The Captain then came on the PA once more and apologized saying that they were initially waiting for more passengers, but were now ready to go and was just waiting for paperwork. Good grief, I thought, are we ever going to get out of here?

The flight attendant did go through the plane and take drink orders after stating the prices. The prices ranges from $1.50 (water, soda, juice), $2.50 (beer, Starbucks coffee drink) to $3.50 (mixed drinks). No drinks were complimentary. She referred us to page 58 of the iflygo inflight magazine for more details.

Eventually, at 3:50p, the door closed and we pushed back as the lone flight attendant gave the manual safety demo. Soon, the engines started and we headed for the runway. On the way out, I did see a Aloha Airlines Cargo Boeing 737-200. Earlier this year Aloha Airlines had gone out of business, only the cargo airline survived.

We stopped short of the runway as we had to wait for a Hawaiian Air Boeing 717 to land followed by a Twin Otter from one of the many airlines based here in Hawaii. I missed getting a picture of the Twin Otter.


We then took to the runway and was airborne in no time. Based on my calculations, we should be at the gate at about 4:45p or so hence missing the Mokulele flight at 4:35p unless that too is delayed, which is my hope.

After takeoff, the beverages that were ordered were served. The lone flight attendant did ask folks to ensure they had exact change. I think, only the guy next to me ordered anything, a Heineken beer which he had with a bagel with cream cheese.

We started our descent at 4:17p after climbing for about 17 minutes. The Captain then came on the PA and announced that we've started our descent and advised the flight attendant to prepare the cabin for landing.

She then came on the PA and advised us to power stuff off and stow stuff followed by her collecting thrash.

Mokulele Airlines: Arriving in Honolulu International, Honolulu Oahu HI (HNL) from Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)

22NOV08 Honolulu International, Honolulu HI (HNL)

It was raining lightly as we touched down at 1:50p. We taxied into the gate arriving a few minutes later at 1:57p.

I deplaned and headed for the Presidents Club which was actually right across from my arrival gate. I got online right away checked the Kona flights on Mokulele Airlines and realized that the fare for the one I wanted was sold out. So I decided to re-do my travel plans and take go! operated by Mesa Airlines to Kona and then Mokulele back. I checked both their web sites and there was availability for the Internet fares ($45 on Mokulele and $64 on go!). I booked them right away and then headed upstairs for the Wiki Wiki; the inter-terminal train.

When I got there, I had just missed one so I started to look around. I was the only one waiting. I took a picture of our arriving airplane as well as the Continental 757-200 that had arrived from Los Angeles, CA (LAX) and which would more than likely be my ride home later. There was also an American Airlines Boeing 767-300 there as well as another American Airlines airplane.


I then looked at the Flight Information Display and every flight was showign delayed. But these were the morning flights. Once the Wiki Wiki arrived, the driver told me how to get to go! and we also chatted a bit.

One in the inter-island terminal, I followed signs to gate 62 for go!. This is really a ratty area of the airport with holes in the tarp covered walkway they've prepared. The floor was also wet.


Once at gate 62, there was no agent there, just a security guard. I asked him what do I do now and he said to wait and an agent will arrive soon. I also watched other passengers who had a similar experience as I did and looking equally frustrated.

In a few minutes though, an agent appeared and advised that we should follow him. He took us out the door marked 64 along the tarmac past the baggage carousel and then back into the terminal at gate 72. He pointed to the go! check-in counter. Odd, I thought...

At the counter, we waited a bit for an agent to show. It was not long before someone did and she checked us in expeditiously. A lady showed up, cut in line and said she was there before and started talking me to death. I hope we are not on the same flight.

Finally, I got my boarding pass which was devoid of a seat number and had the letters "OPN" on it. I have a 20 minutes connection in Kona, so I hope I can just get off and get on the next flight. With the weather the way it is and the fact that I don't see a plane outside, except for one CRJ-200 and that it is 3:16p as I type this, I am pretty sure that the 3:35p to Kona is delayed...I hope the Mokulele flight is delayed as well.

I saw some passengers arrive at 3:19p so I am going to assume that they just came on a plane but they were standing around so I doubt it; I think they are waiting for a flight just as we are.

The board showed that we were boarding, but no announcement were made...

At 3:25p, boarding commenced with those who need extra time first.

Mokulele Airlines: Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH) to Honolulu International, Honolulu HI (HNL)

CO1 22NOV Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH) to Honolulu International, Honolulu HI (HNL) 9:35a 2:05p 764 N??063

Flight Time: 8:06
Seat Map (20/236)

I walked through the Economy class cabin taking a glance backwards at the 2-1-2 configured BusinessFirst cabin. The Economy class is in a typical 767 configuration of 2-3-2. I found my seat, got in and settled down. The lady next to me moved to another aisle seat, which turned out to be her original seat as I guess she thought the middle would be empty. Another guy came and sat at the now empty aisle seat next to me, but had to move as it actually belonged to the couple behind me who had a toddler.

Eventually, we closed the door and pushed back with the safety video going as we did so. I could not really see outside as almost all the windows were closed :-(. There was one window open through which i was able to see a EVA Airlines Cargo Boeing 747-400 that took off on the parallel runway to our right just before we did.

After takeoff, the flight attendant explained the service which started soon after. We were served a hot pizza, a salad and potato chips along with beverage of choice.

There was a charge for alcoholic drinks and the cost of a headset was 1 USD. Each seat has an individual in-seat video and there were 9 video channels, 10 games and 20 music channels to keep us occupied for the next 8 hours or so.

I looked through it all and settled on "Journey to the Center of the Earth" with Brandon Fraser. I watched most of it through lunch, but fell asleep as it was close to the ending. I awoke later and ended up watching the rest of it.

Oh, agricultural forms were passed out for each person who was staying on the islands. Once filled out the flight attendants will pick them up before we landed.

With 1:12 to go, there was a turbulence warning by the flight crew. An arrival meal service started shortly after.

On the overheads, one could see the Hawaiian Islands in sight; we were at 28,000'.

The meal was a turkey sandwich served with potato chips, M&Ms.

Soon, it was time for landing so we got the cabin ready. It was pretty cloudy outside as it was raining below.

Mokulele Airlines: Arriving in Houston Intercontinental from downtown Houston, TX

Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)

I made my way through security which was slow as molasses and then to ticket office as I needed to get some tickets for the trip next week to Cayenne, French Guiana (CAY). I met a colleague there and then we both went to the Presidents Club.

I had a breakfast of a banana and a toasted bagel with cream cheese, then about 9:05a, headed for gate E-4. This flight was not looking too good and had changed overnight.

At the last minute, they only had one seat and there was a party of three, so I got on in a middle seat, but I was thankful.

Mokulele Airlines: Leaving downtown Houston, TX

Leaving Downtown Houston, TX

It was 5:05a when my alarm clock went off. I got my act together and headed for the shower leaving the house at about 6:14a as I was trying to catch the 6:22a. it was rather chilly out so I had donned a long sleeve short as well as my scarp and sweat shirt complete with gloves.

The bus came promptly at 6:22a and I was able to connect with the 102 at 6:54a as advertised. By 8:05a, I arrived at Terminal C after a few catnaps on the way there.

London Nov. 14, 2008: London Heathrow

16NOV08 London Heathrow, London England (LHR)

I checked in without any issues and cleared the security area in no time as there was only one other person in the entire security area.

I then headed for the Holideck as I had a bunch of online work I needed to do. Once there, I got settled in and powered up. Unfortunately, I could not connect to the Internet despite many tries. I asked a few others and they had the same issues.

I spoke to the Agent and he plugged in and out the router, but no luck. I asked him to call the IT guy like he had done the last time, but no go.

At 10:45a, and annoyed, I left the Lounge and headed for gate 2 where I collected my boarding pass for my Economy class window seat.

London Nov 14, 2008: In Central London

16NOV08 Central London

I awoke at about 6:00a to the sound of my alarm clock on the G1. Grrr...I was still tired. I looked outside and it was still dark.

It was 8:15a when I got on the road and headed for the tube station. It was 9:38a when I pulled into Terminal 4 compliments of the Picadilly Line.

Chicago Nov. 2008: Arriving in Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH) from Chicago O'Hare, Chicago IL (ORD)

We touched down safely and made our way to the gate. I was still sleeping as we did so. At the gate, I continued to sleep as I was in the back of the plane and had to wait quite a long time for everyone to get out.

Eventually, I made it to the front of the plane, being almost the last one off.

At 4:55p, I called the Metro bus and found out that the next bus was due right now. I looked out the window ans saw the bus coming. I tried to run for it, but I was delayed as the escalator was packed with travelers.

By the time I made it to the bus, it was leaving. I had all but given up, when I saw a guy running to catch it and the door opened for him. I ran as fast as I could, but the doors closed before I got there. I banged on the side of the bus and the door as the driver was waiting to pull out and he opened the door for me. Yes! The next bus was 30 minutes away.

As it turns out one of my colleagues was also on the same bus.

Chicago Nov. 2008: Chicago O'Hare International, Chicago, IL (ORD) to Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)

CO547 9NOV08 Chicago O'Hare International, Chicago IL (ORD) to Houston-Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH) 2:00p 4:46p 733 N??356

Flight Time: 2:15
Seat Map

I boarded and said hello to the flight attendants in the galley. I made my way past the First class cabin with its twelve leather seats in a 2-2 configuration. The Economy class section followed with cloth seats in a 3-3 configuration (112 seats).

I made my way to my seat finding a place for my bag and jacket in the overhead. The flight attendant was telling passengers to put their coats up only after the large bags have been placed. After the bags were placed, she then walked back through the cabin asking for coats and placing them in the overhead bins.

Soon everyone was onboard and we were ready to go.

The manual flight attendant PA commenced and was soon followed by our push back at 1:59p. I could not really see outside well as the lady at the window had one closed and the other about 1/4 closed.

We took to the runway quickly and were airborne in no time.

Soon after takeoff, we were each served a pack of pretzel. Beverages followed later. While I ate, I watched an episode of Merlin, a British TV show. This aircraft has no entertainment system, so you have to find other ways of entertaining yourself.

A lady moved to the empty seat behind me as something had happened at her seat. I was not sure what the situation was, but I think two people were making out next to her.

After that I started to watch another show, but fell asleep, so I stopped the play. I heard myself snoring, so I awoke and then went back to sleep. Before I know it, it was time to put our stuff together and prepare for landing.

Chicago Nov. 2008: Chicago O'Hare International, Chicago, IL

At the gate, it was not long before I got a seat, albeit a middle one. As it was my turn to board, I did so.

Chicago Nov. 2008: Arriving in Chicago O'Hare International, Chicago IL (ORD) from downtown Chicago

The airport was a mess with really long lines. Eventually, I navigated my way through and headed for the shared Northwest Airlines/Continental Airlines Presidents Club.

It was a bit crowded as people waited for their flight. I could see the airplane taxiing into the gate, having just landed. There was also a US Airways Airbus A320 parked at the gate.

I settled in and waited for the flight to start boarding.

Chicago Nov. 2008: Leaving downton Chicago, IL

I was up at about 10:00a and at 11:30a, two of my friends came by to pick me up and show me their new place.

It is a really nice two bedroom condo near the Lake. After that we left and headed for the airport arriving at 12:38p. Way before my planned 1:00p arrival.

Chicago Nov. 2008: Arriving in Chicago O'Hare International, Chicago IL (ORD) from Houston Intercontinental (IAH)

We landed and taxied into the gate arriving at 10:28p, nineteen minutes off the mark. As we taxied in, it was actually doing some kind of precipitation as there was water on the windows.

I noticed that the ground staff was on the plane cleaning it as I deplaned. This only meant that the airplane was going back to Houston. Odd I thought, as we were not that delayed. Once outside, I noticed that the 7:30p to Houston was delayed and the airplane I had brought in was going to make up the return flight.

I then made my way to the Baggage Claim area after checking to see if the Presidents Club was open; it closed at 7:30p.

In the Baggage Claim area, I checked the price of the door to door van service and the price was $28.00. I decided against it and followed the signs to the Blue Line train.

Chicago Nov. 2008: Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH) to Chicago O'Hare International, Chicago, IL (ORD)

CO346 7NOV08 Houston-Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH) to Chicago O'Hare International, Chicago IL (ORD) to 7:25p 10:09p 735 N??602

Flight Time: 2:01
Seat Map

I boarded this 2-2 configured airplane with its eight leather seats in First Class making my way to my Economy class middle seat.

I did find some place for my bag and coat so that was great as they were already checking bags. I settled in and waited for us to leave.

The Captain came on the PA at 7:19p and advised that the flight time is 2:01 and he was expecting snow flurries on arrival.

It was 7:23p when we pushed, the manual safety demo started soon after. As we made it to the runway, the pilot advised that we had a 15 minute hold due to the Chicago weather. When that time had passed, we had yet another 15 minute delay. Soon, it was our time and we took off.

We were served two packs of peanuts after takeoff and then some beverages. As there is no entertainment on this aircraft, I watched two episodes of Merlin that I had downloaded from the BBC on my last trip to the U.K. The guy next to me was actually watching the show with me as well as it has closed caption.

I even had time for a cat nap before we started our descent into the Chicago area.

Chicago Nov. 2008: Arriving in Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH) from downtown Hosuton, TX

I used my new G1 phone to show the TSA agent my boarding pass. It worked, so I was happy about that. The security line was actually a bit slow indeed.

I looked at the board and noticed that the 5:45p flight was at gate E-8 and was delayed until 6:45p. I quickly made my way there, but the agent said they were full. I then headed towards C-30 and the Presidents Club.

I had a beverage and some cheese and crackers, then headed to my gate, stopping to chat with two work colleagues who were heading to Baltimore, MD (BWI).

Soon, I got a middle, thanked the agent and boarded.

Chicago Nov. 2008: Leaving downtown Houston

A group of friends are meeting in Chicago, so I have to go see them this weekend.

I took the 5:06p 102 bus from downtown and headed to the airport arriving at 6:10p as planned.

amsterdam/london: airplanes at London-Heathrow, England (LHR)

bmi's (BD) Airbus A330, taxies to the runway.

bmi's (BD) Airbus A330, taxies to the runway.

A close up of the nose. You can see Terminal 5 in the background.

Virgin Atlantic's (VS) Airbus A340-600 waits it turn for takeoff.

A DHL Airbus A300-600 is seen at the Cargo area.

Qantas (QF) Boeing 747-400 Long Reach taxies into the gate.

Delta's (DL) Habitat for Humanity painted Boeing 767-300 taxies into the gates

A Northwest Airlines (NW) Airbus A330-200 reaches for the skies as it departs LHR.

A Northwest Airlines (NW) Airbus A330-200 takes off at LHR.

An Austrian Airlines (OS) Airbus A321 taxies to the runway.

A Continental Airlines (CO) Boeing 777-200ER taxies across the runway.

A Virgin Atlantic (VS) Boeing 747-400 takes to the skies.




Gulf Air's (GF) Airbus A330 takes off.


Kenya Airways (KQ) Boeing 777-200 is at the hard stand. It will make a flight to Nairobi, Kenya (NBO) later.

A bmi Airbus A320 takes off.

amsterdam/london: Amsterdam schipol International, Amsterdam Netherlands (AMS) to London-Heathrow International, London England (LHR)

BA431 2NOV08 Amsterdam schipol International, Amsterdam Netherlands (AMS) to London-Heathrow International, London England (LHR) 11:40a 12:10p 321 G-EUXC

Flight Time: 0:45
Seat Map [No seat map for the Airbus A321, but here is a link to the other Euro Traveller planes] http://www.britishairways.com/travel/eurotr/public/en_gb

At the aircraft door, she presented me to the flight crew and advised them that she had to write my seat number on the boarding pass. I waited to move down the aisle as there was a line.

The first four rows of the aircraft is called the Club Europe section in a 2-3 configuration. I always wonder about that though. It must suck for the guy who gets the middle seat. Although I've been that guy a few times.

I made my way to my seat in Economy class with its 3-3 leather seat configuration and eventually found a place for my bag. I was actually behind the guy who was at the aisle seat, so I waited for him to get his stuff settled before taking my seat.

The Captain came on the PA and said good morning and introduced his crew. He also gave us the weather report for London and it did not include any rain. Although it was cloudy and cold. He anticipated no delays and said that we would pushback shortly.

Sure enough we did at 11:40a. Some passengers were still getting seated. The manual safety demo commenced as the engines started and we made our way out to the runway. There was a Suriname Airways Boeing 747-300 ahead of us as well as an easyJet Boeing 737-300. it was amazing to see the effect of the engines of the Boeing 747-300 on the water on the runway; quite spectacular. This was the same jet I had seen at the gate when I arrived the previous day.

It was now our turn, and we took to the air very quickly.

Almost immediately after takeoff, the flight attendant said welcome and explained the service. Soon, a ham and double cheese sandwich was presented, but vegetarian (cheese) was also available. You could also get whatever beverage you wanted.

I read the High Life magazine as well as the inflight magazine, plus the Wall Street Journal Europe that I'd picked up at the gate. I then read the e-mails I had downloaded in the KLM Crown Lounge. I wanted to write some more, but the guy next to me kept reading my stuff, so I closed the laptop in disgust and dozed off.

I awoke to get my seat ready for landing, but went back to sleep again.

amsterdam/london: arriving in London-Heathrow (LHR) from Amsterdam Schipol International, Amsterdam Netherlands (AMS)

2NOV08 London-Heathrow International, London England (LHR)

We touched down smoothly although I awoke as the rhythm was different. It was a short taxi to Terminal 5 where I disembarked momentarily.

This terminal is really nice and quite large. There is a huge area for Flight Connections for Terminal 5 as well as a UK Border control area.

I made my way to the IRIS automated Immigration barrier and waited. There was a guy in front of me who had issues with the machine, so it caused the queue to back up with about three persons ahead of me. Two decided to use a different method as the line were not too long. The lady at the head of the queue tried and it worked almost instantly for her. The guy tried again and then it worked. I tried and after two tries it worked properly.

I then made my way downstairs to the Baggage Re-claim area and exited thorough the EU Arrivals Exit. I followed the signs to the Underground, but somehow missed the actual sign pointing it out. I backtracked and saw it, then took the escalators down to it.

By 12:14a, I was on the way to Central London.

amsterdam/london: arriving in Amsterdam Schipol International, Amsterdam Netherlands (AMS) from Central Amsterdam

2NOV08 Amsterdam schipol International, Amsterdam Netherlands (AMS)

I arrived at 9:59a and made my way to the Flight Information Displays. I checked and the next flight for London Heathrow was leaving at 10:40a on British Airways from D8. I made my way to Terminal 3, checked in for the 11:40a departure, thinking that I can get to the gate and get on the earlier flight.

The Immigration lines were quite lengthy in Terminal 3, so I headed to Terminal 2 where the line was not long at all. A few moments later, I made it to D8, cleared security, checked with the agent, but was advised that the flight was closed. Bummer.

I did think of trying for the bmi flight at 11:45a, but there was no one at the T5 Transfer area, so I did not bother. I did also notice there was a KLM flight at 10:25a, but it was not that time, so that would not have been possible.

I then went off to the KLM Crown Lounge where I had breakfast and checked e-mail, etc. Soon, it was time to head out to D16 for the British Airways flight. There was a long line at security, but once I cleared it, I soon got a middle seat in Economy class on this Airbus A321. The printer was not working, so the agent escorted me down to the airplane as she had to write my seat number on the boarding pass.

amsterdam/london: Departing Central Amsterdam

2NOV08 Amsterdam, Netherlands

It was 8:15a, when the alarm sounded. I kept touching it a few times until about 9:00a when I got ready and headed out. At Central Station, the next train to Schipol was at 9:41a; I had two minutes.

I ran to platform 14a, up the stairs and boarded the train, verifying with conductor as I did so. It was strange as usually, they say where the train is stopping on the displays, but Schipol was not mentioned. The lady at the information counter had a pre-marked sign with "Schipol 14A" printed on it. I hardly needed to ask, before I noticed the sign. At exactly 9:41a, we pulled out of the station.

amsterdam/london: arriving in Amsterdam Schipol International, Amsterdam Netherlands (AMS) from Houston Intercontinental. Houston TX (IAH)

1NOV08 Amsterdam Schipol International, Amsterdam, Netherlands (AMS)

We touched down at about 10:30a and then taxied into the gate. It was not too long of a taxi, but long enough. We basically taxied from Terminal B to G, almost the length of the airport.

It was great as I got a chance to see a few airplanes:

Singapore Airlines (SQ) Boeing 777

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KL) Boeing 777


openskies (operated by British Airways)


Continental Airlines (CO) Boeing 767-400ER



At the gate, I disembarked and waited for my colleagues, but I must have missed them as everyone was off the plane and I had not seen them at all. I left and headed for the Immigration area near Terminal F.

When I got there, I saw them in the line. They went through security before me, so I missed them again. I did see them again though at the train ticket counter. I got my ticket into the city for 6.40 EUR for a Weekend return (it used to be 5.60 EUR), bade them goodbye and headed to the ticket counter to get an airline ticket for my journey to London tomorrow. Once I was done with that, I then headed back to the train station for the next train to Schipol which was waiting on the track. In a minute, it departed.

amsterdam/london: At Houston Intercontinental. Houston TX (IAH)

At the airport, I proceeded through security and as the TSA agent as not paying attention, my computer fell to the floor. I called it to their attention and one agent claimed it was my fault. of course I was angry about it, but remained calm. The drop had pulled the battery cover over and now it was hanging by one screw.

After a long talk, they gave me a card so I can email the TSA. I will wait until I am more calm to do so. I then proceed to the Presidents Club where a beverage calmed me down.

I will get to the gate in a bit.

amsterdam/london: driving to the airport

We left work about 4:40p and headed to the airport. Traffic was pretty bad as we headed out, but as we too the HOV lane we had no issues arriving at the airport at about 5:45p.

Where to go this weekend?

Well, I have a few choices this weekend, Sweden/London or Amsterdam/London or Houston/London.

Looks like Amsterdam/London has won out.

Kiev, Ukraine Oct. 2008: Munich International, Munich Germany (MUC) to London-Heathrow International, London England (LHR)

LH3233 26OCT08 Munich International, Munich Germany (MUC) to London-Heathrow International, London England (LHR) 9:15a 10:25a 321 D-AISG

Flight Time: 1:30
Seat Map

By the time we boarded it was about 8:55a. We had to go down the stairs to a waiting bus. When I got there, the driver closed the door and advised that I had to wait for the next bus. There were now about 7 of us left; we were the last 7 passengers.

In a few minutes, another bus arrived and we were on our way. eventually, we got to the hardstand and walked up the steps to the waiting Airbus A321-200.

The flight attendant said "good morning' in German and I replied in English and walked past the two rows of Business Class seats which held eight passengers. A curtain separated them from the Economy class in a 3-3 configuration. The cabin before the Exit door and mid-cabin lavatory had five rows with the lst row on the right having only two seats. The normal aisle seat is replaced by a backward facing flight attendant jumpseat.

We settled in and the main door soon closed at about 9:12a. A minute later, the Captain came on the PA and was saying something lengthy in German. I turned to my colleague and told him that this does not sound good at all. Also, i am sure that the Captain's English version will be uber short.

Well, I was right. The English version said that we were delayed for 13 minutes due to fog and his speech lasted only a few minutes.

At 9:30a, we pushed back and just before that the flight attendants did the demo manually as this aircraft does not have any entertainment system.

Our taxi out to the runway started at 9:37a. Once at the threshold for runway 26R, we waited. On my right, I could also see a Lufthansa Regional CRJ-900 waiting its turn. In a few minutes, it left and then we waited.

It was 9:51a when we made it to runway 26R and took to the skies.

It was nice as we broke through the fog and the clouds and could see the mountains off in the distance and part of the fog/clouds allowing a smoke stack through. I tried to take a picture, but to no avail.

At 10:02a, the meal service commenced with a ham sandwich and a chocolate bar. You can have whatever beverage you desired; alcohol or otherwise.

At about 10:14a, we leveled off at our cruisin' altitude.

I just realized that I am heading for the U.K. and have a bit of time there and did not bring my U.K. plug.

This means I cannot charge my devices while we wait for the next flight in the U.K. And British Airways does not have outlets onboard so I can charge during the flight, that is a bummer.

I was really tired so I fell asleep. I awoke when we were already descending into Heathrow.

Kiev, Ukraine Oct. 2008: Arriving in Munich International, Munich Germany (MUC) from Kiev

26OCT08 Munich International, Munich Germany (MUC)

We touched down softly at 7:50a (Munich is 1 hour behind Kiev) and I was awoken to see whiteout through the window. Thank God for instrument landing systems. You literally could not see anything outside. In a few minutes, we made it to our gate miraculously and parked at about 7:57a.

We disembarked and made our way to gate G-41 which was actually behind a security area. As we made our way through security, the guy in front of us told the agent that he had some alcohol that he had just bought in

Kiev at the duty free place. The agent looked at the sealed bag and asked where he was going. He said he was

going to Canada. She then left adn when she came back, she told him that he canot take it with him as Kiev

was not a part of the European Union. Annoyed, he told them to thrash it as he would have to check his bag by first entering the country and going outside to the check-in counter.

Finally, we got through security only to be stalled again by another guy who had a knife in his bag. His kids also had after shave which turned out to be O.K. as they had them in the approved bag.

Once the line started to roll again, I took up my stuff and went downstairs to the gates. The agent told us to wait a bit for our seat so we did.

The boarding process started at about 8:38a with a group of young girls.

Once everyone had boarded, we were told to board as we had been cleared. We did and got two seats next to each other.

Kiev, Ukraine Oct. 2008: Arriving in Amsterdam Schipol International Amsterdam Netherlands (AMS) from Houston, TX (IAH)

25OCT08 Amsterdam Schipol International, Amsterdam Netherlands (AMS)

We touched down at about 11:23a on the Center runway. Excellent, as now we don't have far to go to our gate. In no time, we were at gate G4. We disembarked, checked the gate and headed to D5.

On our way there, I ran into my colleague who was on the original trip with us to Kiev. He had flown into London-Gatwick on the last Continental flight the day before. He then took a British Airways (BA) flight to Amsterdam. He hang out with us for a bit.

At the gate, there was a line so we went back to the Transfer Desk to check-in in. After a while we used the kiosk to do so and then headed back to the gate. Since it was only about noon, we headed to the KLM Crown Lounge. As our colleague did not have a Presidents Club card and we were not allowed any guests, he waited for us outside. We hung out there for a bit having a little breakfast.

We then headed back to the gate, got our boarding passes, bade goodbye to our colleague and boarded.

Kiev, Ukraine Oct. 2008: Arriving in Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)

Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)

By 5:49p, we were through security and headed for Presidents Club for a relaxed after beverage. Our colleague was going to London on the 6:25p, so she bade us goodbye and headed for gate E-4.

My other colleague and I hung out in the Club for a while longer as our flight was not until 7:10p. We chatted, I updated the blog and in no time, it was 6:40p so we headed out to gate E-20 for our flight.

When we got to the gate, we waited a bit and secured two seats together in the Economy class cabin. We boarded right away.

Kiev, Ukraine Oct. 2008: Leaving downtown Houston

Downtown Houston, TX

It was 4:46p when we all met up downstairs. In no time, we were battling traffic on I-45 heading for I-10.

It is always difficult to get across I-10 quickly enough so that we can make the US59 exit on the left. No one wants to let us in at all.

Eventually we made our way over passing those same drivers who would not let us in. Amazing huh?

We arrived at the airport parking facility at 5:25p and Terminal E at 5:40p.

Kiev, Ukraine Oct. 2008

A few months back, we tried to get to Ukraine, but that fell through as we had arrived late in Paris and missed the flight.

So now we are going to try to do this again starting tomorrow via Amsterdam as the flights out of Paris are quite full. Coming back will be interesting as well since we have to go either through Frankfurt, Germany (FRA) with Lufthansa or via Munich, Germany (MUC) then to London and then to Houston on British Airways (BA).

Only two from the original three will make the attempt this time around.

Looking at maps.google.com, we noticed that there is actually no street maps of Kiev available. Last time this happened was when I was looking at map information for Tel Aviv, Israel.

A possible trip to Chihuahua, Mexico (CUU)

I was going to see my friend Alexis who was in Chihuahua, Mexico (CUU) for a meeting. I had decided it was not possible as the flight would arrive back in Houston at 9:02a this morning giving me no time to get to work ontime.

Well, it rained like crazy last night and when I got to work a friend told me that the outbound flight was actually canceled. So I would not have been able to go anyways.

I'll have to plan on doing CUU at another time.