I miss those North American breakfasts, skip London in summer, AC's new honcho and Chicago prices

Generally, I prefer most things in Europe to North America - architecture, scenery transit and food. But one thing I constantly miss when away is the good old North American breakfast. It’s not to say I dislike Euro breakfasts with their protein bias of cold cuts and cheeses, occasionally punctuated with a hard-boiled egg. And yes, scrambled eggs and hot bacon and sausages are making inroads. As for the traditional “Full English” breakfast, raved about of course in jolly old England, I’ll take half of it, or less. The eggs and – maybe- the tomato part, and the bangers or rashes, but count me out of the baked beans and mushrooms. Of course, in continental Europe many hotels ape the Full English as decidedly non-continental and still serve it. Which brings me back to yearning for home. Because in Canada and the US you can walk into pretty much any diner and order eggs any way you want, bacon and/or sausages, toast, French Toast or pancakes - with generous portions. And did I mention unlimited coffee? This is one aspect of N America I’d like Europe to import from the colonies.

Speaking of London, now in its third heat wave of the summer, it’s a place to skip during the warm season. I was there late May when the first wave struck and it was horrid in this city with chockablock terrace houses, miniature or no lawns and rather unending brick and concrete. Simply, London wasn’t built for the summer. It’s a three-season town and that’s when I try to visit. But I’ve been caught out in late May and early September as part of wider spring and fall visits and couldn’t wait for the traditional British rain and cool sogginess to return. 

Air Canada has hired Scandinavian Air Services (SAS) chief Anko Van der Werff as its new honcho replacing retiring Michael Rousseau who among other things found it hard to speak in French even if he’s just reading it – and he lives in Montreal! My concern is SAS. I flew two years ago Copenhagen-Toronto on the carrier and was quite disappointed by the service. Unlike Air Canada you had to pay for booze – on a long-haul fight! – and the back seat entertainment system offered a fraction of AC's choices. 

Finally, checking accommodation in Chicago, I was astounded by the prices of hotels, even Airbnb’s. Hotels commonly began at $300US and well over $1000 for apts. anywhere close to the central city. Then I thought: Super 8 by Wyndham. Sure, it’s a stereotype low end chain. But my recent experience travelling to Florida (see Feb. 17 post) found a refreshed property which was clean and spacious and another that I couldn’t complain about. As for Chicago, the price was just $244.08US all-in for three nights. It has a minifridge and microwave, HDTV, WiFi and light breakfast. It’s in a distant suburb called South Holland but on a bus route and close to a Metra suburban train station. And I’m a train freak.

Travel irritants, that I and others, cause

I did it again. I checked out on the wrong date of my hotel. Heading out the door one afternoon to sightsee – and turning in my key at the front desk (old school, like you see in the movies) the receptionist called out, “Mr. Stang are you checking out?” Stunned, I replied, no. She held up my receipt. Yup, it said, June 29th check-out. But my flight wasn’t until early June 30th. Luckily, I was able to book another night. But I’ve done this at least once in the past, somehow confusing the last full day with the check out date. Remember: the last day of your stay is your check-out day.

- At Frankfurt airport I bought a beer (yes, you can drink openly in the terminal), sandwich and bag of chips. I used self-check-out and scanned every item. But it only charged me seven euros seemingly for the beer. Well, I tried - not my fault if the machine doesn’t cooperate! As I was leaving the store threshold, the clerk suddenly appeared and asked how much I paid. Oh-oh. I told her honestly and we returned to the check-out. Seems it often malfunctions and she punched in the other items. No drama.  

- Frankfurt is one of the last airports where you can see a lot of Boeing 747s – “The Queen of the Skies” – still in use, as Lufthansa is about the last airline flying them. For an airplane geek – heaven! (photo)

- The nine hour+ trip westbound from Europe to Detroit was uneventful except, midway through, the gent in the seat in front insisted on reclining his chair full length (photo) which cramped me, since I hadn’t reclined mine. This kind of thing can lead to air rage. But I kept my cool. And reclined my seat in turn but not as much (feeling sorry for the person behind). After an hour I screwed-up my courage and – very politely – asked the gentleman if he could move his seat up “a bit.” He adjusted it fully and was good about it. Courtesy works.

- I scored another free gate check carry-out at Valletta (Malta) thru Detroit – two flights. It’s wonderful not to have even a carry-on to bring on board. (see June 22 post below)

- I always thought Air Canada was among the best airlines. (I know, the airlines’ critics are legion, and I often think knee jerk.) But Lufthansa – which I’ve flown before – has even better transatlantic service. A drink (incl alcohol) galley before dinner. Two quality dinner choices plus more alcohol if you want. And even wine on the snack run prior to landing. Plus, a decent size bottle of water – free – en route. The backseat entertainment also seemed as varied as AC. This is compared to a recent SAS flight which offered no booze and limited entertainment. Air Transat gives you wine but in a paper cup.

- My carry-on is Air Canada branded (bought at Walmart). And no, I didn’t buy it to advertise I’m from Canada, as a lot of Canucks do with their Canadian flag tags and clothing patches (to distinguish themselves from those awful Americans, right?). I bought it simply because the price was right and it’s durable.

- One last thing: I took Detroit's Smart bus 125 from my GF's house in Lincoln Park all the way to Detroit Metro. Only 50 cents (seniors), saving me a  bundle on airport parking. 

- Ron Stang, Windsor Ontario Canada, a frequent traveller