Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas Markets) 2019: Day 1- Departure, December 18, 2019

I was a German teacher for many years. When a video of the Christmas markets in Germany became available, I bought it and showed it to my students every year. I always got the same question every year from a German I student: Had I ever been to a German Christmas market? No, of course I hadn't.  I was always standing in front of students during the time of the markets. I always said that that was one of the things I was going to do, when I retired.
In June of 2019, I had been retired for four years. However, my husband K is still a college professor and he plays at Epcot on various dates from Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve. So, it is still a problem. My older daughter J had always been game to go, but K really wanted to go, too. In the spring of 2019, he said, that we should go this year. I chose December 18 as our starting date, because that was the date that J usually came home from D.C. for Christmas and this way, she wouldn't have to take more time off.  I figured, the three of us could fly home together the 23rd and still be home for Christmas. So, when Disney asked for my husband's availability, he blocked out those dates. They scheduled him on the 17th and not again until the 27th. Perfect!
I planned the trip so that Munich would be our base and we'd take the train to three other cities during our stay. No car would be needed. K even used Hilton points to get us two rooms for all but one of the nights. Paying for the other night just got him more points.
When it came time to look for flights, J did it from her computer, while I was on our computer in Florida. We found that the best rates were on Icelandair and they had flights from both D.C. and Orlando to Munich. As we were picking seats, I began to think that we were in first class or Saga Class as they called it. But, that seemed impossible, as they were the cheapest seats on the flight. We'd just have to see, when we boarded the plane.
As the time approached for the trip, I just couldn't believe that I was going to finally get to go on this trip of a lifetime. I'd bought snow boots at the end of the season and in the fall, I bought a big new parka-type coat. When it got cooler in December, I started wearing them both for evening walks to look at Christmas lights, so as to get used to them.
Packing was not going to be a big problem, since we would be gone so short a time. I was disappointed, when it snowed in Bavaria the week before the trip and then started to warm up. I still packed my new wool scarf from Scotland, my driving gloves, and a pair of wool gloves I got in Ireland years ago, when I didn't pack gloves for a November trip there. Besides, a knit cap, I packed an umbrella for the predicted rain.
I didn't bother to try to move my body clock as I usually do for a trip to Europe. The trip was too short and we'd be back in the US before I could get used to being there.
Finally, it was December 18 and we left the house at 2:26. K had made a reservation at Fast Park near Orlando International Airport. When we arrived at 3:01, we were told our parking space number, which was under a roof. We parked and quickly got the luggage out, because the shuttle bus pulled up at 3:03. That was quick!
We were dropped off at 3:12 at what turned out to be the wrong end of the terminal. It was quite a walk down to the Icelandair desk, but we were finished checking in at 3:12.
Then, it was off to my least favorite part of going to the airport, the TSA check. We both paid for TSAPreCheck a couple of years ago and it is a huge help. Next time, we're going to get the one for the world, to make coming back even easier. We got in the line at 3:28 and were finished at 3:32 without any frustrating questions about my CPAP machine.
At Icelandair, we'd both been given slips directing us to the United Club near Gate 43. Our gate, however, was 17. Before boarding the tram, I noted that we could go out to 43 and back and take the adjoining tram to 17, without having to deal with security. So, we headed off to our first experience with an airline club.
The United Club was upstairs, and, while my knees weren't thrilled about it, I opted to climb up, when we got there at 3:45. We turned in our slips at the desk and the receptionist told us to help ourselves. There were various configurations of comfortable chairs, most next to receptacles and USB ports. I secured two seats near a window and K went off to get us some of the food. He came back with a nice plate, as well as a coffee for him and a hot chocolate for me. From the window near us, I could see construction on the new South Terminal C that is being added to the airport.

Before we left, I made a pit stop at their restroom and was delighted to see a bowl of candy canes outside the door.
When we had to leave, K noted that there was an elevator and I decided that was a good idea. On our way to the tram, I took a photo of the nice Christmas tree in the central part of this terminal. When we got to the tram, I noticed the cool overlays on the tram tube that Disney had obviously paid for to advertise their new Star Wars Galaxy's Edge area. How neat! I'd have to make sure J saw these, when we came back.

We got to Gate 17 at 4:45, but there was no plane yet. It arrived around 5, but the crew didn't arrive until 5:40. So, our flight, which was to have taken off at 5:45 was pushed back to 6:15. However, this was booked as a flight to Munich, with a stop in Iceland. So, it was their problem.

 At 5:55, we found ourselves in the spacious seats 2 A and B on flight 688 to Reykjavik . There was a large console between us with an area to put things. We found dock kits in our seats with little lotions and such. Wow! We had blankets and pillows, of course, but also foot rests!

The plane was by no means full. A stewardess came around offering  a glass of Canella Prosecco Spumante Doc. It was good.
The plane pushed back at 6:14 and took off at 6:27. Soon, we had a lovely view of the lights below. As the evening wore on, I saw one area where a light pierced up through a cloud from a bright spot on the ground. So many lovely stars, too.

K usually conks out in his window seat shortly after takeoff on a transatlantic flight, but tonight, he felt too awake. They came around and gave us a lengthy menu with lots of beverages and food. He chose an Icelandic beer called Egels Gull and I got a hot chocolate. They were delivered with a somewhat spicy snack mix.

I started watching Tolkien and they brought the meals we had been instructed to order shortly after booking our flights. K got fish, which was salmon and he loved it. My chicken was quite good. I guess people in Iceland like salmon, because there was a side plate with smoked salmon on it. K didn't mind polishing off mine. Oh, and, real silverware!

I did manage to sleep some after the movie, which is unusual for me on a plane. I may never be able to fly anything but first class to Europe again!
What a great way to start the trip!