Mission to Romania, Day 1, from Denny Nutter

From Denny Nutter, OAMC singer
Received Tue, Apr 14, 2009 at 1:13 PM Pacific

Day 1, April 12/13

The group that left on Sunday, the 12th, met at the Sunnyside Church and surprised the group leaders by actually showing up at the appointed time. Suitcases were weighed, passports confirmed, CDs and equipment added to suitcases that had weight to spare, and Romanian currency distributed. After the luggage was loaded on a truck, two PAA buses were waiting for passengers for the trip to the airport. Each passenger chose an airport and trip buddy to keep track of until arrival in Bucharest.

Things were well organized for the group to proceed through the lines to check baggage and obtain boarding passes. Once through security, the group met again and then proceeded to the gate. Several group photos were taken as the enthusiastic group sang Power in the Blood and then began boarding the plane.

The plane took the polar cap route across the tip of Iceland to Amsterdam, where we changed planes for the final leg to Bucharest. The first leg was a long flight (10 hours) with several meals served in flight. Some of group paced the isles and visited; others slept or watched movies, some tried to sleep but were frustrated with their attempts. Most of us were impressed with the good service and friendliness of the flight attendants, despite the challenges the variety of menu selections gave them.

It was a good thing that we had the time available to make the second flight! Those on the earlier flight out of Amsterdam had the gate changed three times as they proceeded through the airport. Oh well, our legs and brains needed the exercise.

Again, the staff did an excellent job informing the gang of each step from plane, to baggage claim, to customs, and out to the bus and luggage truck. Once on the bus, Edie Ciobanu gave a wonderful description of buildings and landmarks as we made our way to our hotel. Upon arrival, we were greeted warmly by the advance group. Once hotels were assigned, many were only too glad to find their room and attempt to catch up on sleep.