Travel Update - San Francisco Layover

Ok, here's the story - the Albany shuttle flight to Chicago didn't make the connection to San Francisco. The next flight to Sydney leaves about 11pm today (it's currently 1:15am here in SF). I chose to fly on to San Francisco and try and sort it out here (my reasoning was, that if I stayed in Chicago, that it was possible to still miss a connection from thefre - in SF I only have ONE FLIGHT left to get back home). I was told by UNITED staff back in Albany that I'd have 20-30 minutes to connect, but what I wasn't told was that I needed at least 50 minutes to guarantee that. The result is that the airline wouldn't pay for my hotel here because the cause of the delay was listed as "Air Traffic Control Problems"!!!!!

I did a reverse charge phone to Kathryn from Chicago to see if she could phone Susan who might post a note to the WOMBAT mailing list, but no one showed at the Airport, so I assume that nothing came of that.

So, once I discovered that my ANZ ATM card does work here, I booked a room at the BEST WESTERN GROVENOR for the night (I've got a recept, and will bill/complain to the Airline back in Australia). Just got here, and am in room 414. After this posting I'm e-mailing my brothers and Cathryn and then catching some sleep.

miss_judith- I will be a day late! See you then.

Layover update

My reasons for coming to San Francisco (rather than staying at Chicago) seem to have been proven right - the weather channel showed heaver rain and thunderstorms between Chicago and San Francisco today.

Had about 5-6 hours of good sleep. Have showered and breakfasted here at the hotel, which seems to be good value for money. I also met Joan, who's travelling along the same route (Albany NY to Sydney NSW) to visit her son in Pymble, and had the same problems as me. It helps having a friendly face around.

The Goddess hasn't forgotten me on this trip. I feel a little tired, but emotionally I feel great. Staying at the hotel was the right thing to do. Not only did I get a free breakfast, but the "work room" here features free net access, so I can keep people up to date.

Thank you Mother.

Not sure what I might do after checking out of here at Noon. The free shuttle will take me back to the airport where I can get more money from the ATM. I might do some sight seeing. Joan's going back there as well, so I might see what she's doing.

When I get back to Sydney, I might take the train all the way to Newcastle (and then back to Wickham) instead of to Cardiff - that way I can go directly to 2nd Life Bookshop. It'll be Thursday, and even if I have no clients I can at least sit down and unwind, and even buy some pet food from Bi-Lo! Then, I go home (gasp).

Thoughts about my earlier collapse

I've finally put my thoughts about my ealier collapse over in Rainbow's End.