Let the Adventure Begin

I want to thank everyone involved in this Adventure! Everyone who helped the beginning of this blog site and for planning the Fantastic Celebration Party at the Dortmund Hilton!

As "surprise" parties go, yours truly, was genuinely surprised. As I look back on the week preceeding the party, there were several clues - but you were all on your toes and covered your tracks oh so creatively!

Patrick took his sweet old time to pick me up. He then made a few "wrong" turns on the way - on purpose of course - just to make sure I did not arrive too early!

When I first walked in, who should I see? Bob of course - the brains behind the plan and the one who said he would not be in Dortmund to watch the BVB game because his wife "committed" him to going to a "party". That was my first "slap" into reality. But as my field of vision widened and I saw the rest of the crowd - over 30 guests all watching my surprised face - I was amazed beyond belief.

So to all - A very heartfelt THANK YOU!

But - let me begin by telling one story. One of my latest Adventures in Travelling

(Erik - you are not to BLAME for this - but I sincerely thank you for allowing me to have all the adventures I have experienced. When my book is completed, you will receive the first autographed copy.)

So - on to the story:

It was Saturday morning in Boise, Idaho. I was visiting with Paul at the front desk of the Hilton Garden Inn waiting for my shuttle ride to the airport. He introduced me to Ryan, someone I had not met before, who would be taking me to the airport. As always, after my bags are loaded in the back of the van, I climb into the front passenger seat. It is much easier to visit that way. And that is what we did. Ryan and I talked all the way to the airport. He asked questions about what I do in Germany and Europe and I asked about his life as a college student.

When we arrived at the terminal, I looked at Ryan and said "Well, let the Adventure begin" and we both opened our doors and got out shutting them behind us. That is when we both heard the loud "Click". The doors locked behind us, the engine still running with the keys locked inside - and also my luggage. Ryan was not in sight as he was on the other side of the van, but I knew something was not right. He was already on his cell phone calling the hotel to find out if there was another set of keys.

Ryan was visibly shaken and worried. He asked me what I had said when I got out of the van and "Let the Adventure begin" reverberated around us. I explained that every trip I take is an adventure - that something unique happens along the way and I had grown to anticipate and welcomed the adventure. I told him not to worry, that I had time to wait for the driver bringing the second set of keys. So we visited some more. When the driver pulled up and gave Ryan the keys - I went to the back of the van as Ryan headed off to the driver side door.

Oh was he gone a long time and only when I peered around the van did I see him back on his cell phone. You see, the driver did not have the right set of keys! Now is when I realized I may not make my flight!

As he discussed "Plan B" I headed off to the United counter to inform them of my dilemma. They were kind enough to make provisions to have someone wait for my luggage to carry it to the plane - but also told me there were no other flights that could get me to my connection in San Francisco in time. As we waited for the second driver to show, Ryan was sweating bullets.

As it turned out, the driver was in time and Ryan took my luggage to the counter and I headed off to security. The United agent had already printed my claim ticket so we saved time. Boise security was its usual speedy event and I found myself for the first time in my travels to be the VERY LAST passenger to board the plane.

To all the followers on this blog - let the Adventure begin! I know many of you will enjoy what will be coming.