  Back from New Orleans. Once again the Big Easy did me in. However, this time it wasn't the hurricanes. Instead it was the 90 some degree weather and the remmains of a stomach bug from last weekend. I made it to three dinners, a music in the park, an IMAX showing of Harry Potter, and the botanical gardens. I missed Marsha Ball at the House of Blues, and shopping on Magazine St.
I will just have to go back later...either when it is cooler or I become smart enough to avoid touring the botanical gardens at noon on a day that could fry small children in cars. Today I did have quite the adventure at the airport. When I arrived to catch the plane to New Orleans I found a parking spot right next to the shuttle pickup as the shuttle to BWI was approaching. I flew through e-ticket check in and had a new security line opened up for me when I was stuck behind a very large tour group. The total time from my car to my gate was about 20 minutes or so. I was then asked to fill out a marketing survey for the airports service from parking to the gate.
Granted, they got flying reviews. "How long did you wait for security? " "I didn't. " "How long did you wait for the shuttle? " "I didn't. " Today, however, when I got off the plane (mind you I was sick and dizzy and hurt) I found my bag and promptly got on the wrong shuttle.
At the AMTRAK station the driver realized I was lost and tried to help me figure out which shuttle I should get on when we returned to the terminal. He asked "Long term parking A or B? " "There is more than one lot? " I replied. He sighed and went back to driving. He let me off at the terminal.
I got off, went back to a bus stop, only to realize I didn't have my bags. So I found security, who found me a transportation person, who found me a courtesy phone, whose operator told me to find the shuttle and retrieve my bags. Duh. I finally found my driver who was not as helpful this time, found my bags, and found a bus to long term lot A. I found my car and drove the hour home. What an adventure! Now I want the marketing lady from BWI to ask me about my trip.
While I am quite aware this whole mix up was 100% my fault, I would enjoy blaming it on the airport. I think Gabe is out negotiating for my new car today. I hope it ends up being something lovely. I may be getting a Subaru sedan instead of an SUV. I don't know if that makes me happy because I associate SUVs with middle aged conservative white guys, or unhappy because I will soon be living in the one place on the planet where an SUV could be considered sensible. I will ponder that tonight. 
