Back in San Diego
So, we made it back (FYI: we did upload the pictures of the weird baby food, so check them out below, in the previous posts). The trip back went well, all considering. Having both of us available to entertain the little guy made it easier, especially because, traveling back to the US you have an extra 3/4 hours of traveling time (blame it on the winds). The first flight was almost 11 hours (versus the 8.5 hours going there), but it was actually easier. Once again we were able to get the car seat on board, and this time we sat in the bulkhead seats, the three of us. This meant lots more space for all our stuff, and for stretching out. Keegan took a couple of naps, and walks on the airplane, but we were able to watch , on and off, three movies. So between feeding him, playing with him, watching the movies, and walking him up and down the aisles, time went by.
The layover was basically spent passing customs and immigration and getting our bags, AND another security screening: why in the world we have to re-screen if we were just off an airplane it is a total, infuriating mystery to me. It is totally stupid as well. We could notice immediately we were not in Italy anymore: security people over there were absolutely fantastic, nice and helpful. In Atlanta we had a bunch of arrogant jerks, that made that process even more frustrating. The people at the gate were not much better: they were arrogant, gave us attitude and were not helpful AT ALL.
We were not seated together, and so we had to ask someone to switch seats, and he fortunately accepted. We couldn’t bring the car seat on board, even if there were some empty seats. The plane had videos in the headsets, but the Entertainment system was not working, so we had nothing to do for 4 hours, which royally sucked, because Keegan slept for almost two, sprawl on our lap, so we would had the time to watch movies. To top it off, there is not ONE changing table in any restroom on this plane. So we had to change poopie diapers on the seat, precariously positioned, hoping to avoid turbulence. Delta SUCKS!!!!! Add to this no free food, $7.00 alcoholic drinks, no blankets or pillow and a basically non existent and and friendly staff. The only positive was that the flight landed on time, and our bags also arrived early. Unfortunately there are very few options left if you want to travel to Italy, so we don’t really have much choice.
We are now settling back into our San Diego life. Tizi misses everyone already, but she is looking forward to her sister’s visit at Christmas, and possibly her parents as well. The weather is very beautiful and extremely hot: quite a change from the already fall-like weather in Italy. We are already enjoying this late summer. Keegan is still adjusting to this new change. The past two nights had been a little challenging, as he has been waking up every couple of hours. it is a lot better than Italy though, as he sleeps in his crib, and usually falls back asleep by himself. We are hoping to be back to normal in a couple of days. He started daycare and he is having a good time, playing with all his friends and teachers. This is great news, especially for Tizi that needs those free hours to get everything done. She will be back to work next week.
So we are slowly getting back into our routine. We got some pictures from Tizi’s friend Loredana, so we decided to post them. A couple are from our trip to the Castle (castello Sforzesco) and a nice image of the “adults only” day at the Navigli, an ancient system of waterways, where we had a wonderful lunch. We also made it to the Triennale to see an exhibition on italian design. Looking at these images is not helping how homesick Tizi is feeling, but it is a nice memory nonetheless.
nice tourist shot in front of the castle
lunch in the Castle’s courtyard
Tizi and Loredana at the Navigli
