They will be more back to back than I intended, as we are stranded in Chicago. Air India decided to hold the plane in London (we didn't even know we were going to London) for 19 people coming from Delhi. They said 20 minutes. Then the people came in like 45 minutes. We thought we were leaving, and they said they had not got the bags down. We waited another hour and a half and they shut the cargo door.

Our flight was to leave O'Hare for Houston at 7:55. We got in at that time and got our bags well after 8. Nobody would talk to us at United, and Air India was nowhere to be found, no reps at their desk.

We went upstairs, as we were told, and the Air India people said we should be downstairs. This happened to many people. Anyway, then ALL the Delhi people were in line as not one bag from Delhi was on the plane after making over 40 people miss their connections.

They were going to put us on American tomorrow but could not confirm the seats because the American people closed right as we got to the front of the line (though we had been first in line when nobody was at AI).

We are on a 6:45 a.m. flight, so we have to pay for our own cab tomorrow. It is 20 degrees here. We have no coat. We took the blankets from the plane and took turns standing in the freezing cold waiting for the shuttle. Of course it will be too early for the free breakfast.

It was 10:45 when they got us all over here. We got $12.50 for vouchers and bought everything in sight from the $3 happy hour menu and are having our Silversea welcome champagne that we never got around to drinking. We have pizza, chicken fingers, etc.

PLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSEEEEEEEEee be careful of Air India. If you take them, get trip interruption insurance and also expect no help, no direction, etc.

On the plus, they have limitless drink service (unlike Delta that lies about it) and all the wierd food you can eat. If you think you have had authentic Indian food...fly Air India.

So we have 5 hours here in the hotel. Whoopie! The plus, I would recommend this as a park n fly. Free internet on two pcs in the lobby, and if you have your own laptop, the internet works free anywhere in the hotel on a fast wireless.

The room is decent. We have a really nice recliner and ottoman and a big bed and TV and a very comfortable desk and chair setup. The shuttle driver was the nicest driver I have ever encountered.

They have an indoor pool.

They also tried to send us to Hobby instead of Intercontinental.

On the 2nd flight (from London), we had 7 seats (2 sections) to ourselves. Todd slept most of the flight (first time ever), and I slept about 3 hours. He is supposed to work tomorrow.

Anne, feel free to discuss this itinerary with me at any time. As you can see, I have many thoughts.

There is snow on the ground here in Chicago. I had clients delayed getting in here yesterday, so I guess it could have been worse.