Dover, England

Well normally I board the silver tube and go right to the back of the plane.  I was happy to be on a Boeing 777-200LR, because Airbuses make strange noises at different times.  Sorry it is an American thing.  My escort “handler” escorts me to my seat” like I paid $7,000.00 for the ticket.

Normally, I get on the plane and go to the back and promptly order three Jack Daniels and wait for dinner and pray to fall asleep for the entire trip.  At some point an over an overcooked chicken in tin foil arrives.  I eat it and never sleep. 

Now, before the plane has closed the door and crossed-checked I have had three glasses of champagne.  The steward asks if I would like to eat or sleep.  Well now I want to eat.

Air France serves 5 courses.  Later after having sampled Bordeaux, Sauternes, cheese and a multi-desert course they want to serve more under silver “cloches,” not the normal tin foil.

Now, thanks to Bernard’s free ticket, I am full and sleepy.  I go change into my Gautier pajamas and they make my bed.  I go to sleep to be awoken for breakfast.

I was told it was the roughest flight they have had in years: broken china, chaos in the cabin and the like.  I awoke totally refreshed.  I could get used to this. 

My escort called my name at the cabin door to pass me to the front of the immigration line.  This time 500 people gave me the evil eye, but I was in the car and on the way to Dover in 15 minutes.

So far, I have gained 10 pounds.

Muriel made a great dinner and I am off to bed.