I always hate the end of a trip. Once you start for home you are just ready to be there however this time I am flying business class so I am excited about the trip.

First we got to the import super early because of the new electronic system for customs. There really were not any lines so no need to be so early but oh well. The new system worked for everyone but me. I tried several scanners but none worked. They just kept telling me to try another one that the newer ones would work. Sadly that was not the case and I finally got to go to through the old fashioned way with someone looking at my passport. I can’t say they actually looked but did open it and give me a stamp so likely my last stamp for my passport since that will likely be a thing of the past.

We hung out in the vista lounge so being early wasn’t that bad. We had one last Aperol Spritz and yes it is 10 on the morning but flight days don’t count and you can drink whenever.

Our flight was a little late but not bad and soon we were boarding. I wish I could say the seat was not worth it but it was. I loved it. Plenty of room for all your stuff. A large screen to watch the movies on and great headphones. I didn’t use the cushion to make it into a bed but I did lay it down and sleep for a while. It was a little over 9 hours and I watched 3 movies and had two meals. The first was the best airplane food I have ever had served on a real plate with actual utensils. Desert was an ice cream sundae that I could have the toppings I wanted. There was no warm cookie snack and I was a little sad about that. In fact I was a little disappointed in the snacks. They didn’t offer anything between the meals and the second meal was more snack with a bunch of Mediterranean things on a plate which I didn’t enjoy. But the seat was still nice and I wish I could do it every flight.

We landed with plenty of time to make our connecting fight in Philly if our bags had come out in a reasonable amount of time. We waited 45 minutes for our bags which were some of the last ones to come out. Not sure why they bother with the priority tag in the bags they clearly don’t mean anything to the guys that load the luggage. We were early to the airport so our bags got in the plane early and therefore last to come off.

We did make it to our gate right as they started boarding. No time for any stops. The airport had been miserably warm and the flight from Philly was warm. I was miserable in my sweatshirt that I had worn to save room in the suitcase. I will never again make that mistake. I can always add a jacket but I was stuck with what I chose and miserable for it.

The flight wasn’t long comparatively but too long for how hot and no screen. American has moved to feee WiFi for movie purposes but I didn’t want to hold my iPad and my phone was out of charge so I couldn’t use it. I finally found the plug so I was at least able to edit photos while I sweated.

We finally landed in Austin about 30 minutes early. This time our bags were off in early. More to do with being late than the priority tag I am sure. The uber ride was good. The driver was a little creepy but he had the air on blowing full blast so at least I was no longer hot.

It was a great trip. We saw a lot, are a lot of really good food and basically drank our way through Italy. I think ever had a good time and feel enough in love with Italy to want to go again. I for one can’t wait to go back.

Sadly it is off to work tomorrow. My not retiring retirement trip was a huge success in that it showed me I really am ready to be retired so that I can travel more often and take longer trips.

Until my next adventure in Wales when I really will be retired…