So, here we are at day 28, and I finally get to put a word in edgewise. So far, I have only been valuable for typo-checking and fact-quibbling. (Bob has been known to exaggerate, you see.) We were awake before the call, and very ready to leave our Comfort Inn room. For those of you who frequent this chain in the States, you should know that in France, these are old run-down hotel/motels at the edge of sketchy neighborhoods, with tiny rooms, and minimal cleanliness. They are dead cheap, especially compared to the other hotel chains around airports.

Our last contact with France, confirming Bob’s convictions: The taxi, a Mercedes, had a 5 euro drop charge on it when we got in. The trip took five minutes (we walked it in 15 minutes yesterday). The meter said 7.50, but the driver demanded 10.00 in a barrage of French (I think he pointed to the bags—which were not heavy). Oh, and he left us by a door that was not yet unlocked at the terminal. Can’t say we will miss him.

Lufthansa is in another league from United. In Bordeaux, Embraer170 has wide seats, good legroom. For the 6:55-8:45 flight, we got coffee, juice, water, and a delicious ham sandwich on a crusty roll with butter, tomato, and lettuce—no charge.

On our flight out of Frankfurt: a long walk to transfer to the most distant gate in a different terminal. After a layover of 90 minutes, we walked down two flights of stairs—no offer of an elevator—then sat or stood on a crowded bus, rode out to the plane, and climbed stairs to get on board. No consideration for disabilities, even though in France and Germany we have seen extensive accommodations. Frankfurt airport is overwhelmed—our plane (a big Airbus) was parked in the cargo area, even though the bay by our waiting gate was open!

On the flight, great seats with good legroom, adjustable head rest, tilting screen, and an interactive on demand TV/Movie menu. (You pick what to see, and when to start it!). There was even a cup-holder up by the screen, so you could shut the tray and still drink.

We were served beverages within an hour, wine and beer gratis, with pretzel crackers. An hour later, hot washcloths, then another beverage run, then a delicious hot meal. Only the entrée was hot, so the salad, dessert, butter and cheese were cold! Real silverware! More beverages. With 4.5 hours to go, Toblerone bars and another beverage service. Still another hot meal just an hour before landing. Lufthansa is in the Star Alliance with United, who should be ashamed of itself. From now on, we will avoid United at all costs! (This will serve as a substitute for Bob’s daily rant)