Packed and loaded we reached the airport and to my surprise there was no line at the check-in counters. Nikhil, as usual, had about 1001 questions just at the check-in counter and he kept the folks at the counter busy, thinking about the answers to his questions and answering them. One thing never left his mind and I could see it in his eyes is the excitement about watching planes, land and take off and flying to India in a Jumbo Jet. Like the attention span of a 5 year old, he got quickly distracted by many things he saw at the airport, the shops, the walkway, the huge international gates at PHL and floor to ceiling glass walls through which he could see "his" plane that is he going to board and he planted himself right behind the glass watching the plane. He didn't want to move from there coz he is a professional vacationer and professionals don't take their eyes away from the airplane they are going to board to avoid issues in case the plane takes off without us boarding.
Had to persuade him with a bucket of Chickie's and Pete's Fries to go to on a Duty-free spending rampage. Bought a couple of bottles of McCallen's 15 yr olds and got a free flask and couple of shot glasses. Yes, the only reason I spent $100 is to get the free flask. Temptations, temptations with these free stuffs that they give out....
It was boarding time and Nikhil already decided what he was going to do, put his belt on, take his shoes off, monkey neck roll around his neck and McQueen blanket covering him....and he did exactly that within 2 minutes of finding his seat. I noticed the twinkle in his eyes waiting for the plane to take off and the journey was worth it...
Frankfurt, Germany airport had to take a bus from the plane to the terminal and the thrill that N experienced had no bounds.
The three hour wait at Frankfurt felt like it was 10 minutes, read Nikhil a couple of books, got food at McDonald's (yeah, sorry I know), looked for Imodium (TMI) and all set for the next leg.
Landed at Blore airport and was amazed at the new airport. I guess not visiting my country for 4 years does that to you...keeps you amazed...in a good way this time. Drive from the airport to home was amazing as well...and the amazement lasted for about 30 minutes when we started arriving at the locality that we live. That place didn't change much...and that was amazing as well.
All in all, the journey was good, although I was a little skeptical on how N would do especially being sick just the day before the journey. More...tomorrow.
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