Our friendly, but chatty driver had us to the airport in record time, just a little over an hour. It was a treat for us to get to see the Christmas decorations and festive lights all the way. Even the airport was decked out for the occasion as their full-grown evergreen trees were lit up as we entered the arrival area. And not simply red and green lights, but all the colors of the rainbow. Very impressive.
Another nice surprise was getting the TSA-free symbol on our boarding passes. This last year, we have lucked out in getting this speedy process. So far, this airline had the most efficient scanning. Took about 10 minutes.
The non-stop flight was due to leave around 8:30am, allowing us plenty of time for a relaxing breakfast in the new American terminal. While we enjoyed the hot coffee, all of the restaurant's festive decorations were being removed. Then the "fun" began. Shortly after arriving to gate 57, it was announced that something had gone wrong with the plane's air-conditioning. That can be bad, because you can't open a window. Ha-ha. Within minutes, we witnessed a crew bringing a huge exhaust hose to take the hot air out of the plane's cavity. Maybe that was a good move, since it might help remove any lingering viruses as well. Always better to look at it in a positive way, except for those folks that had connecting flights to the Caribbean. All were reassured that no one would miss a connection, even though we would be running one hour late.
One other thing that worked out well was the fact that the flight was not completely full. At least we would be assured that the overhead bins would not be crammed full of over-sized bags. Boarding went quickly, and we were off and running after 9:30am. And the fun part was that we all had interactive TV's in the back of the seat in front of us. One of us watched sitcoms and movies, while the other played games all the way to Florida. Think we landed in Miami about 5:45pm, just as darkness was beginning to creep in.
Miami's airport is huge, or so it seemed so, because we walked a long way to the baggage area. Expecting to see our two pieces of luggage coming on the belt last (since we checked in very early), it ended up coming almost first. No complaints here. Even better, two HAL reps were waiting at the carousel to greet us. Looked like they both had had a very long day, and were ready to go home. Not the happiest of fellows, we suspect they get burned out. We were simply happy to find our full-size bus, which we shared with two other guests. They were dropped off at the Marriott near the beach, and we went on to the Renaissance Plantation.
Took less than an hour to get to Ft. Lauderdale. Again, we were greeted with warm and breezy weather. No rain. Check-in took all of five minutes, mostly due to the fact that we had thought to call ahead and make our room requests a few days ago. Our room is up high, with a view of the lake and surrounding grounds. Perfect. Hungry and tired, we stashed our important things in the room safe, and headed to a nearby sport's restaurant, a short walk away from the hotel. We both ordered chicken Caesar salads, sodas, and shared a warm chocolate-chip cookie/vanilla gelato dessert. Well, at least half the meal was light. We have three days to walk off the calories while here, that is, if the reports of rain tomorrow turn out to be wrong. Umbrellas might be on our "to-buy" list, as ours on in our shipped luggage, waiting for us at the pier.
It's almost midnight here, although, we are still feeling like we are on Pacific time (9pm). Will take a few days to adjust….that's why we always leave early.
Again, happy and healthy New Year! We're off to a good start………….
Bill & Mary Ann
Holiday decorations in the Renaissance lobby
Classy hotel
Inviting pool
The lake near the hotel
Lighted bridge crosses the lake
Walk to the restaurant
Crescent moon over Ft.Lauderdale
Christmas tree at Bokamper's
Ice cold soda
Dinner at the sport's bar
