Last Day of Travel - Home at Last

The United flight from Quito to Houston was uneventful. We arrived in plenty of time and worked our way quickly through to the waiting area. Of course they take all liquids away from you so once you get in you are forced to pay $2.50 for a bottle of water again. Ahh, security. But at least there was wifi.

Quito airport waiting area before boarding

They started out by passing out the US entry declaration forms. Don't even bother looking at it if you are going to Canada. The United ap showed this information about our flight although the direction was backwards.

When arriving in Houston they ignore the immigration paper and make you fill in the information on a touch screen. It even takes your picture that likely goes into a database somewhere. Then you progress further where you are allowed some kind of access to the US. 

Then you proceed to pick up your luggage unless it is checked through to a later airport. We were continuing with United so just after entry we veered right and went up an escalator to the reentry inspection and scanning. Now if you would like to have your lower half rubbed securely by a burly person wearing a uniform, just leave a Kleenex or your passport in your pocket. Kaboom you have been selected.

Houston Skyway trains between terminals

After passing through we needed to ride the train to move to a different area of the airport where our gate was located. But the wireless at this end was broken or useless. Nothing. Further down the hall was a Wendy's restaurant and that internet worked for a while before it shut off too.

The flight from Houston to Calgary left on time. We were told we were going to arrive about 20 minutes ahead of schedule. Food consisted of one thin cookie with a waffle texture. Any further food required a purchase by credit card.

Calgary airport has a large bronze of wild horses in the lobby

Check in at the Calgary airport was very quick as we were nearly the only flight. I had some leftover jam that I brought home and that meant that I had to check that I was importing something from a long list of restricted items. But that only meant an extra couple of minutes in another lineup to explain why I had checked that column. All the bags arrived without any inspection problems. 

Our ride home arrived soon after and we were off on the hour drive home.

Flight From Houston to Quito

The day began with an AirCanada flight from Calgary to Houston.

I don't fly perfectly well so I began with a third of a pill of gravol. One would put me into a super groggy daze for at least 3 hours.

Fortunately for me I arrived in Houston this time without throwing up or passing out. That gives me a few hours to calm down, have something to eat and get ready for the next flight.

Which I did. I also ate at a Chinese fast food place called Panda Express. I thought the food was quite good and was planning to go back there on the return flight but did not see it in the section of airport where we were. I did not even get to use my "one free entre" coupon that I had received.

 I traveled back and forth on the connector train between airports just because I could. No charge and I wanted to take some pictures and video of the commute. A bit like going to Toronto and using the connector train there. Totally confusing for new travelers but second nature if you have been there before.

Flight 1035 got off the ground on time. We left the Houston at 5:56 pm and very soon after the sky to the west was just a red sunset. Very shortly the United crew began serving drinks and an hour after that was the meal.

The choice of entrees ran out by row 20 so I had a choice of pasta. Bad choice. This was a pumpkin base pasta with beets, greens of some kind and even the pumpkin seeds. Maybe the seeds were in error. I usually eat everything airlines give me as I cannot predict my next meal. Nope. Not his time. I couldn't do it. Not even after pouring on all the salt and pepper. The salad was a few leaves of baby Romaine lettuce and a quinoa salad. Now I am not a quinoa fan at all but it was actually cooked and had small amounts of veggies and some vinegar. It was the best part of the meal. Well maybe not quite. I asked for another bun and more butter. The crew was good about coming around again and offering more drinks. I should be fairly well hydrated and with my new bladder not knowing how to stretch, the lav visit ought to be frequent. Should be the only time the aisle seat in row 21 pays off.

4.6 km walking today