Time to leave Norway

Yes, as always happens it is time to travel home. First flight is scheduled to depart at 17:50, so a taxi was requested for 1600 to go to the airport. Things are not starting out on a good foot, the cab was sent to the wrong Hotel. After a phone call the taxi showed up 15 min late. Ride to the airport went without problems. Checked in at ticket counter and walked through security in a very short time.

Just as I was thinking things are working out well and it will not be a long wait, it was announced that the flight would be delayed for one hour due to technical problems. Oh well now I have time to find something to eat and look around.

Once the flight was boarded it was once again delayed, this time due to passengers coming on late. Now this confused me, the flight was already late, the airport is very small, so how could anyone not know it was ready. It took 30 more min. before the door was closed and we departed. This flight was not a fun flight for me, I was in the middle seat in the only row on the plane with a full row. Now I am sure someone is thinking why not change seats? AH, all the other rows had two people each and the only seats available were the middle seats. LOL.... Joke was on me for this flight, thankfully it was not a long flight. WOW!!!! the pilot must have had a hot date... Flight time was cut to 35 min from 65, waiting for bags 45 min after takeoff. Not bad.

After collecting bags it was a three min. walk to my Hotel for the night. The Radisson SAS Airport Hotel in Oslo is overpriced in my opinion, for one person it cost over $300 USD. This does NOT include Internet, or any movie channels. Have stayed in better rooms at Best Westerns in the states for less then a third of the cost. Yes!, it was just as close to the airport. I am very glad this is a company trip and I can get "most" of my money back.

Next day after breakfast and checking out of the hotel, it is time to get the tickets for the next flight. After getting the tickets I head to security and my flight. Just as I finish putting myself back together after the normal security check I get a tap on the shoulder telling me I have been chosen for a random check. Now I have to remove my shoes, belt, watch, etc... again, get picked for random check, have all my bags checked, power up computer and camera, and answer some basic questions, and show the passport for the 3rd time. Okay that is done, get dressed and head for gate, but first go through customs. Show the passport answer some questions and on my way... AT least you are not required to undress at customs yet! :) Made it to the gate only 45 min until schedule departure, OOPS just been chosen for a random check again. Same drill, only this time I have to remind myself to be nice so I do not say something that could cause myself problems... Should be used to this by now, seems like I am pick at least once every time I fly. Record so far for one trip is six random checks, three on the way out and three on the way back. LOL....

The flight itself returning to the states was great!!! Only one minor delay with a cargo door, landed in the states only 15 min. late. Going through US customs was a surprise, for the first time ( at least for me ) USA passport holders had a separate line and it only took a few min. to get done. One hour after arriving I was already at the gate for the next and last flight. The last flight of this trip was the hands down best. Departed on time, given early clearance, and arrived at my home airport an hour early. Just to top it off my bags were on the bag belt when I arrived, never had that happen before... WOW!!!!

LOL... Shame I still had to wait for my ride, who showed up at the scheduled arrival time. :(