Italy 2017 Day 1: A long long day of transit

Today is a long day, with a 4:30AM wake up for work, then a 4:50PM flight out to meet my mommy in Atlanta for our late late, incredibly late flight to Paris overnight.  We both worked today, but we decided a few months ago that it would be worth having the extra day on the trip.

Having recovered slightly from my pet problems, I'm ready to embark on vacation with an open mind and an excited outlook. We're sitting here in the Atlanta terminal waiting for boarding to begin. As usual, the flight has been overbooked, but I'm hopeful no issues will arise. Boarding is supposed to begin in another half hour or so and all I can think is how adorable the tiny French person sitting behind me speaking tiny French is. He's probably 7 or 8 years old and listening to his French is making me smile. My French really sucks. 

Enjoying a toasted almond at South Bend airport eagerly awaiting meeting up with my mother

I do recommend Duolingo for learning other languages. I ordinarily swear by Mango, but I've tried Duolingo this time. I think I prefer Mango. Either way, any practice you can get with the language of your choice is better than nothing. People are filing into the gate now and we're all playing the waiting game. 

When I landed, waiting on my mom, I tested out the lounge here in Atlanta in Concourse F. I gotta say... not too shabby. Free food, free Wi-Fi, free booze, that was the way to go. They had showers and bathrooms away from the rabid crowd and even a nice view of the runway. Entrance was courtesy of my Chase Sapphire Reserve membership and was a unique experience. I'd never been in an airport lounge before. 

I found her! mom and I are busting through the airport to find our gate. Had to stop for a reunion selfie.

Now, we've boarded and despite having to stash luggage further back then we are currently sitting (which I hate), all has gone well. Dinner will be served in a bit and breakfast in the morning. Mom and I are both exhausted, so dinner and wine and sleep! Tomorrow we wake in Paris.

Thanks, y'all!