Started off the day working and trying to pack for today’s travels. I had both my office assistants for a while today.
They didn’t help much. But, I did get caught up on a lot of pending tasks, got a number of pricing projects completed, and tested some app issues.
Then it was time to head out for my train, plane, and automobile adventures. Jesse took me up to the trains station to catch the A-Line to the airport. From the house it takes me less than an hour to drop bags and get through security. Love this airport, I think it is one of the easiest airports I fly in and out of. One bag of tools, one bag of clothing, and the backpack for all of my technology and medications.
Got through the security mess and then did my usual walk over the skybridge to the A terminal, they always have neat displays along the way where the used to have the old security checkpoint. Today was no different and it was a display of old style ice cream carts. All hand painted by local vendors/artists.
My fitness for the day on airport days is to walk the total walk-able public areas of all 3 terminals. It comes to about 4.5 miles of concourse when I am done. Made my steps, did not make my heart rate levels because I was unable to get the pace I needed due to all the people who have no idea how to get out of my way! All good, I will hit up the hotel gym over the next few days to make up for it.
Oh, word for the wise…. don’t leave your bags unattended at Denver International, they pick it up, paint it, and make it part of their display…..
In case anyone was wondering today’s destination is Saint Louis, Missouri. I have two appointments there tomorrow and then I move onto my next stop, more on that in a few days. I am typing this at 34,000 Ft someplace near Kansas City, KS/MO and I try very hard to think of one appointment at a time. At least today is a nice smooth ride (so far).
Of course I forgot my iPhone, I usually don’t travel with it, everything is on my Samsung Galaxy Android phone, but occasionally I need to test bugs and reports of bugs in our Alpine Intel Diagnostic Wizard app on the iPhone. Since I was going to be gone a full week and we are going into a release cycle, I meant to grab my iPhone off my desk and bring with. Well….. I sort of figured this out after I was through security at the airport. Not much I could do about it at that point. I really need to find a way to test iOS apps on my Windows machine or on my Android. Crossing my fingers that I don’t end up with a major problem that needs my attention.
Anyways, arrived at a totally dead Saint Louis, MO (STL) airport. I mean even security was closed and it wasn’t that late. Baggage came pretty quickly, and I was able to get out to the rental car shuttle. Got over to the car lot and picked my car, I love the Executive Aisle at National Car Rental, almost got to the exit booth and I looked down at the gas tank and yup, it was on Empty. A manager came out to the booth and I stayed warm in the booth while he went and filled the car. Finally got out of there.
I decided to use the Homewood Suites on this trip, I have done the Double Tree here before and ended up with food poisoning from their restaurant that caused a 10 day hospital stay a few hears back, so not staying there again. Now, once again here is my pet peeve as a frequent traveler. I get to the hotel, the parking lot is not plowed and I finally find a space I can “slide” into. Make the trek up to the lobby and even though I have a digital key I stop by the front desk to get my free waters. OK, I am told the water is in my room. And, I need a parking pass (for 10.00 per night) that I have to put on my dashboard or get towed. So I trek back down to the car, leaving my luggage in the lobby by the desk, and put the piece of paper on the dashboard. For 10.00 per night I can’t help but wonder why they can’t plow the lot?
Get back up, go to my room. No water. What a shock. Go back down to the desk to get my water and got a bit of an attitude from the desk clerk. Also wanted to pick up some food from their little store. I used to be able to charge these purchases to my room. Nope, not anymore. You have to pay using a little kiosk off to the side. There are no more room charges, pay with your credit card. This is becoming more frequent, what is going on is they have franchised out the “shop” to an outside vendor. I am not sure what the incidentals deposit at the hotel is used for anymore. I am really starting to question my allegiance to the Hilton Chain. Sometimes I wonder if I would do better at some of the other chain properties.
Anyways, I am done of the night. I hope everyone has a good and peaceful overnight. See you tomorrow.
