The views expressed in this blog are personal and not representative of the U.S. Government, etc etc etc.
Read at your own risk.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Still in Athens

This morning, after a rough start to the night - Sophia would wake up crying, I would calm her down and go back to sleep, Edwin would wake up crying, I would calm him down and go back to sleep, then Sophia would start it over again 20 minutes later - we all woke up feeling much better around 8:45.

We had some people on our flight that scheduled outbound flights for this morning at 6:10 and so were thinking of spending the night in the airport with their children.  I was happy to sleep in my down bed with down pillows and a down comforter and have a leisurely breakfast with fresh-squeezed orange juice, exotic fruits, delicious pastries surrounded by a family of embassy people who were doing the same thing.

Evacuation is rough, but embassy Athens has done a marvelous job of softening the landing.  I confess this is the first time I've stayed in a hotel as nice as the Sofitel.  I don't intend to make a habit of being evacuated so I can stay at nice hotels, however.

The children are waking up from their long, long naps that were long enough for me to get a nap also.  I nap every day, but despite being quite tired, I had a hard time falling asleep - too much going through my mind.

We're going to go swimming, and then play with some friends while their mother volunteered to watch the kids for my massage.  I think my day tomorrow will go better if I can get yesterday worked out of my back and shoulders.

Our flight tomorrow was booked through JFK, and then over breakfast, I heard the first of the snowstorms blanketing a lot of the US.  With a silent prayer of gratitude for those who knew about the storm and told me, I called the embassy and they got me through to Carlson Wagonlit.  They were happy to reroute me through Dulles, and we'll even be coming home a little earlier, although we will be leaving earlier too.  A small sacrifice to avoid being stuck in the JFK airport for who knows how long.  There's no ACS and CLO there to set me up with a very nice hotel, baby formula, diapers, and whatever else I might need.

7 comments:

Laura said...

Yay for getting the massage! (And for staying at a fancy hotel. Although in really crummy circumstances. . .)

I am so glad you guys got some sleep. I'm thinking of you.

PaulaJean said...

i'm happy that my tax dollars can make your stressful trip more enjoyable. Really. I'm not being sarcastic!

Tyler and Rachael said...

we've been checking your blog everyday to see how you are doing. so glad to know that you are safe. good luck with all of the travels. keep us posted.

bestgrandkidsever said...

Ditto what your mom said! You've been in our prayers and we'll continue to pray for a safe trip home with very cooperative children!

Myrna said...

Really silly of me, but the last post of yours I read before this revolution began was the one about you shopping for the rug, and the thought keeps running through my mind, "Oh,no! what if Ashley never gets her rug!" I'm glad you and the kids are safely out until things settle down--time enough for a rug later! with love from Nancy's mom.

Becky said...

I am so glad that you have at least landed softly. (Good work Athens.) I agree, get a massage, take care of yourself, do whatever it takes to be okay. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Shirlee said...

You're a trooper. Hang in there. You will never be so grateful to hear a Brooklyn accent.