A few minutes ago, we snagged Biz (SAA & Lufthansa) for four of the six segments (the important long ones). We'll keep trying to get Biz on the domestic United legs but will manage if those don't come through. At least we have the Economy Plus seats available for the United legs. Thank god (and the pathetic Regent loyalty program) for that free hour of phone time, most of which I used over the last couple of days talking to nice United agents in India to get the seats. If I hear "Have I met your traveling needs today?" or "I'm sorry that I have not met your traveling needs today." one more time, I will have to throw myself in front of the nearest bartender and guzzle a bottle or two of single malt scotch. (Oh yeah, as I recall, that's what I did last night here on Voyager!!) This all-inclusive deal is quite pleasant. Now I can enjoy the rest of CROSS without having to make calls to United twice a day trying to get seats to South Africa. It's been a real nuisance having to stay sober enough to understand the Indian agents' accents. I was so happy to get the seats today that I allowed the lady to go through her whole script about the restrictions, etc. without telling her to wrap it up. They get quite disconcerted when one does not wish to hear the script concerning baggage limitations, fees for routing changes, weather in Bombay (oops, Mumbai), and whether I want to rent a car from Hertz while I am moving from one game park to the other. Enough of this drivel for now - cocktails in the Observation Lounge await. After dinner tonite, we're back into Barcelona with Kathy & Frank to see flamenco. With my mind happily filled with thoughts of CapeTown & cheetahs and (for tonight) castanets and clicking flamenco heels, I close. Cheers, Fred
