My Trip to Germany

My journey to Europe began at the Cleveland Airport. I was glad that I got there two hours in advance because it took longer to get through the international check in process. I got to Newark, NJ without a problem. Once I got off of the plane I went to find my next flight. I had to get another ticket since I wasn't flying with Continental. However, all of the ticketing counters that I saw were only for Continental. In fact, all of the flight information and everything was for Continental. At last I thought that I would have to check in with Continental, but it didn't work. Therefore, I asked a janitor where United Airlines was and he informed me that I would have to get onto the Airtrain and ride it to another terminal. I then figured it out, and went to the Lufthansa ticketing counter, which was exactly what I needed. There I found my gate, and proceeded to a Samuel Adams Brewhouse. I had dinner, got online, made a few phone calls, and had a few beers. I downloaded a driver for a guy on his way to Stockholm, Switzerland. The flight to Frankfurt went very very well. I was impressed that they served us two good meals. In fact, they even served beer and wine without charge. The excitement did not begin until I reached the Frankfurt airport. When I got off of the plane I heard my next flight being called for boarding already, but there was a huge swarm of people waiting to have their passport stamped. A few people offered to let me in front of them when they saw my boarding time. I then had to go through security again. I showed a guy in a red suit my boarding time and he escorted me to the beginning of the line immediately. I was through there in a jiffy, and then I began to sprint. I didn't take the time to put on my belt, or anything. It was like going through a maze to find the gate. I had to get into an absolutely jam packed elevator one time. All along my flip flops made a particularly unpleasant flapping noise so everyone looked as I ran by. Finally, I was sweaty and out of breath as I reached the gate. The lady behind the counter informed me that my plane was long gone. She set me up on another plane that had a boarding time of 8:15 (original boarding time was 6:45). I then went to the proper gate and waited. Given my hunger and thirst I bought a Coca-Cola and a soft pretzel (not hot) with dollars, however my change was in Euros. This was my first possession of European money! It was cool to have a $2 coin. The flight turned out to be short and uneventful. There were mostly business people on the flight, most of whom spoke German. Upon my arrival in Dresden I was concerned because I had no way of contacting Klaus Gommlich, and I knew he had been on a tight schedule to pick me up. I felt a bit lost, but I sat down and attempted to get online even though I knew my laptop's battery was practically dead. I got online, but I didn’t have time to email or anything before my battery died. Therefore, I got up and started to walk back inside when a lady came towards me with a "Mr. Yoder" sign. What a welcome sight! She did not speak any English, but she had a note from Klaus Gommlich explaining where I would be going. We loaded my two suitcases into her small European car, and we were off. We made some conversation although it was then that I realized really how little that I knew the language. When you're in a classroom getting a B same as many other people you think you must be pretty good with the language. However, when you're trying to hold a conversation, and you can't understand each other you realize the need for more practice.