August 11 and 12, 2011
I got up and packed my things and then went for my last walk through Chelsea. It was the perfect summer day, not too hot, not too humid and a nice breeze blowing. While growing up in the Northeast, we dreamed of these days while we froze through the winter or melted in the humidity. When there are so few of them, you really appreciate them.
I was not going to leave NYC with having a slice of pizza. I picked up a couple and them for lunch and it was time for the car to pick us up and head out to JFK. Having earned Gold Star Alliance status does have it perks – checking and boarding was quick and easy.
I have never flown Austrian airlines and my initial reaction was, this is by far with no close second place the ugliest color scheme on any airplane of all time. I assumed that this was inspired by some little girl’s Christmas fantasy but could not find any explanation for it. The flight attendants wore Christmas red suits, the women wore red skirts with red stockings. The seats were fir green with various colored headrest colors.
I had entered Santa’s village and was going to spend the next 9 or so hours being served by Santa’s helpers. As disturbing as the color scheme were, it didn’t take long to realize that US-based airlines could take a lesson or two in service. The Flight Attendants looked like they were actually enjoying what they were doing. I will jump at the chance again to fly Austrian Airlines again.
I transferred in Vienna and arrived in Kiev mid-afternoon and was transferred to the Viking River cruise ship. I had some lunch, took a nap, went to learn about all the optional tours and then dinner. Viking prides themselves on good food and good service. They did not disappoint.
With nothing to do that evening, I attended the orientation a second time but in German. I didn’t learn anything new so I started my informal study on Ukrainian Vodka. The have 9 different Vodkas on the ship.
I didn’t see much of anything but had a good day of travelling. The tour starts tomorrow.
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