Today's travels

Just returned home safe and sound, via my favorite airline, which this time disappointed me a bit. The aircraft used for the transatlantic flight was an old Boeing 767, packed to capacity, which I thought I left behind when I began to enjoy newer types  planes, such the 777 or the Airbusses.  The quality of  food, however, seems to be getting better, time after time, a consolation perhaps for other stressing conditions affecting today's travels. 

Going thru Vienna for a connection always works out smoothly due to the efficient operation of this hub, but, this time, arrival at JFK in New York offered a  shocking view.  The amount of passengers being processed was incredible. This, I was told, was caused by a variety of flights' schedule changes, involving, at the same time, both delays and even some early  arrivals. Unbelievable sights faced the passengers in passport processing and luggage retrieval!

  

The mammoth hall of arriving passengers  at  passport control was completely full, equivalent in size to a Times Square gathering!  All baggage carousels were in use, and, each one had luggage piled up to the tilt.  It was amazing to watch as the handlers actually had to dismount some carousels, lining up all bag on the floors, in order to recycle their use for the additional arrivals. In other words the luggage handling was quicker than the passport processing, so that passenger had to scramble in search of  their belongings on the floor.  

I consider myself extremely lucky due to the assistance I requested. I was out of the airport within an hour and at home after an additional 45 minutes, riding in a very cool and comfortable taxi, which was a blessing,  exhausted as I was.   My apartment is another story, of a different type....After a two months absence, everything in it needs to be taken care of, but,  within an hour I was able to restore at least needed utilities, and online connection! 

Found NY weather hot, but in the 80's F, which should be considered a relief after more than 3 weeks of African temperatures  that affected the entire Mediterranean areas.   As reported also online, Albania yesterday experienced in some areas 102F!  I don't remember in my lifetime having to endure heat such as I did during my stay there this trip.  A couple of times last week, while walking in Tirana, I had the frightening experience of coming very close to a sun stroke!! 

A last minute news also just read about Albania,  and its reverse role in the Balkans today,  can be read in this self-explanatory article:    http://greece.greekreporter.com/2012/07/11/albanians-used-to-come-to-greece-to-work-now-they-come-on-vacation/