Today has been a long day of travel. I started out at home where friends picked me up to take me to the BART station.

I then took the train to the airport, which included making a transfer at a different station than usual because of track maintenance. Then it was time for check in at the airport. It has been years since I have had to brave the regular economy lines at the airport, but since I didn’t travel much last year I have lost all my priority. Oh well, just have to adapt. Then it was off to wait for my flight and then try and sneak on the plane early than my called section :-). Which I did.

The flight to Mexico City was not the typical International flight, since United treats it as a domestic flight, so no free meal. I had snacks with me, so wasn’t too bad as it was just a four hour flight.

We actually arrived early, and then the fun began. It took me more than an hour and a half to get from the plane to the exit. At least I didn’t have to wait for my bag. It took more than 80 minutes to get through immigration. I have not seen anything even close to how disorganized and slow they were in all of my many travels. Well, maybe I am blocking out some memories :-), but this was pathetic. I am sure though that some people were really happy as they would zip through when they would redirect people from the back of the foreigner lines, when the resident lines would dry up. Those of us slowly working our way through the long snakes of ropes could only watch and seethe.

Finally it was through the customs area and I was met by my colleague. We stopped at the hotel to drop off my bags and then went and had a nice dinner.

The restaurant that we ate at had a medieval theme to the decor. Pictures of castles, knights and maidens on the walls and vaulted ceilings. I forgot my camera, but did get a couple phone pics.

After a nice bowl of chicken soup, I had some nice spicy chicken with potato puffs and salad. A nice end to the day.

Now to get a good night of sleep and get up two hours early because of the time change.

I may not have too much to share this week as I will be in the classroom all day, but I do have a good weekend to look forward to. They have some nice things planned for me. Don’t tune out till the weekend though. Even if I don’t get many pictures during the week, I have some old ones to share.

Steven