Etihad What?

Today is the day.  Took care of last minute things ... home, work, and then headed to the airport for my flight to Abu Dhabi on Etihad Airlines (What?) and then on to New Delhi.  I have my pillow, back pack, headphones, and my carbon activated face mask ready to deal with the world's worst air pollution in New Delhi : )

Boarding was relatively easy ... they do check bag weights like hawks, everything is meticulously weighted and measured .... go figure ... also, the plane was full of children and babies!   Interesting airline - the staff is from all over:  Tunisia, South Africa, Turkey, Germany.

Then, the fun began.  We left the gate an hour late ... time to roll on to the tarmac ... but wait ... the right engine does not want to start ... so back to the gate after 3 hours ... get all your luggage out ... go home.  It is 2am. Went home.

Next day is a brand new day, sunny, bright, and full of possibilities.

The check-in process this time was worse than the day before ... the plane wasn't fixed yet ... but they finally did.  Then a computer glitch ... while 300+ babies and children stand in line! ... and me : )

Through this ordeal, met a lot of great people from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kansas City, New Zealand.  Great bonding. Ate some very unique but delicious home made Indian food while waiting.

We are finally boarding!