vagabondgourmet's Blog

She's quit her cool job with a major league baseball team; sublet he apartment and gave her car (with bitch on board sign) to a friend. Her parents think she's nuts, and her friends are green with envy. Follow our Vagabond Katie (aka potato peeler) as she trails a professional chef and culinary tour guide around Europe this summer. First stop: Tuscany!
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CHICAGO TO ZURICH (May 29-30):
My Vagabond summer begins Saturday, but I decided to arrive Wednesday to give myself a few days to acclimate. Only the guests should have jetlag hangovers!

I wasn’t sure if flying business class was worth the $185 I spent to upgrade my ticket. Sure enough, I hadn’t even put my bag down when the flight attendant asks if I’d like a glass of champagne. Poor thing didn’t know who she’s dealing with. YES I want a glass, and keep ‘em coming until I don’t look petrified. The flight was bumpier than I’d like; then again, anyone who’s flown with me knows a kitten’s sneeze is too bumpy. It calmed down after a few hours, and I managed to sleep for a while, in my head thanking the airline gods for the free champagne buzz.

There’s a 12-year-old girl across the aisle flying to see her aunt in Zurich. It’s her first time on a plane, AND she’s alone. For 10 hours. That girl has kahunas.

Miles traveled: 4435
Persons arrested for falsifying personal info to steal my seat: 1; bags confiscated: 2
Total weight of my baggage: 40 out of allowable 100 lbs
Non-nervous 12-year-olds who slept so soundly they had to be awoken upon landing: 1
Gratis champagnes enjoyed (by me, NOT the 12-year-old): 2. Okay 3. Who’s counting? Best money I’ve ever spent: $185 business class upgrade

ZURICH TO ROME (May 30): Skinny jeans and cigarettes
My layover in Zurich was harmless, minus my heartfelt concern for European men and their equally unnatural affinities for skinny jeans and cigarettes. Swiss Air asked for one volunteer to be downgraded from business class to coach – for 320 francs – for the non-grueling 50-minute flight. That might be a dollar in American money, but I took it. Let’s see if I can actually turn this monopoly money into a night on the town!!

Miles traveled: 435
Bucks gained: 320 f
Obvious honeymoon couples on my flight: 3 (doesn’t anyone go to Hawaii anymore?)

Next stop:  Driving to Florence

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