We got to the airport on time to witness some drama. The police held the traffic up for awhile as it seemed that there was an unattended baggage left at the curb. The taxi guy explained that the bomb squad was probably called in to do something about it. Then all traffic was cleared and we arrived at our departure gate.
Taxi guy then tried to rip us off when we paid him the amount we calculated was right. He argued that it was not eighteen per person but eighty nett. We think he pretended not to hear when we asked to confirm eighteen per person earlier. Anyway, phone calls ensued, curses could be heard and angry faces shown. In the end, taxi guy asked for another ten to settle amicably which the hubby gave in to but the sibling disagreed. He also apologized and wish us well after pocketing that ten. Hypocrite or hospitality? Hmm.
We got into the line to check in. And another slow process. Now it seemed that the baggage conveyor belt was down and everyone has to pushed their luggages to another area once the check in process was complete. This must be because CDG is under renovation.
Every step along the way was slow. Going through immigration and the scanning. I was made to remove my boots.
The walk to Gate 38 was forever as it was the furthest in one of the off terminal pods.
Boarding was late and haphazard. There was no orderly line and rather disorganized. But we took it in stride, after all, we are going home. But as if our shopping earlier was not enough, the hubby bought a bottle of duty free whiskey.
The sales lady said it was a good choice as Japan has been prohibited from making more of it for the next 50 years after the earthquake caused the nuclear plant to leak. Wow. Upon hearing that, my sibling bought two bottles! I rolled my eyes and thought, let the men up each other, either way, I get to drink for free! Heheh.
Soon all travelers were settled in and getting restless and boisterous. We departed CDG half an hour late. At this point, I thought I should jot down my musings.
Two hours into our flight, we were served dinner. By now, I am feeling very sleepy. Tired from the 9500 steps and 3.3km shopping marathon, it is inevitable tiredness kicks in. I am envisioning a soothing massage come Saturday. Hopefully it will materialize but as our Saturdays are usually packed with ferrying M2 for her extra classes at school and tuition, the want continues to be wishful thinking.
I chose a red wine to pair with the beef offering that I had no choice but to take. The chicken and the basmati rice were all gone by the time the stewards came to us. Sigh… rice intake will have to defer another day. So with a slight buzz, I hope to doze off.
The sleep or the attempt to do so was just so uncomfortable. Every angle that I turned was just not right. There was not enough leg room. Before I know it, I slept through breakfast and woke up. We are descending into Abu Dhabi soon! Gosh. Didn’t I actually sleep?
The A340-300 landed at 6.45am Abu Dhabi time. Another twelve hours or so to go and we will be finally home.
Tags: Abu Dhabi, Air France, Airbus A340, Duty-free shop, Etihad, Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant, Japan Earthquake 2011, Paris
Angieneering 
Remarks