Bologna, Day 4 -- Big Finish

Yesterday was a challenge. I sat in the rain waiting for my ride, which was very cooling.

Got to the airport and they directed me to the lounge. Their airport focaccia was surprisingly tender.

There wasn't a place to sit near Air Dolomiti's gate so we all sat on the floor.

The plane took forever to get off the runway. I had a short time at Frankfurt to make my connecting flight already, and this was making me nervous. The flight attendant called ahead to let them know I was going to be late, but that's all they did for me. He told me how much time I had to work with, and wished me the best of luck. It was more time than I thought -- 40 minutes. I could not figure out from my app whether I had to go through passport control or bag checking of my carry ons. I was hoping not.

We deplaned and walked up the stairs to the terminal. I needed Z terminal and was in A. I followed the signs for Z, that suddenly disappeared. A set of 3 elevators marked Z were not in service but there were stairs next to them so I went to the second floor. Nothing there but a TSA station that was not in use. The elevator directed me *down* to Z.

I asked for help at Lufthansa, which was supposedly my airline, being serviced by United. No, we can't notify United that you're in the airport. The Z signs pointed in the direction I came from. Suddenly they pointed the opposite direction. I was getting really wound up but was determined not to cry. Another lady told me to walk toward the end of the part of the airport I was in, go outside of the terminal and up an escalator. When I saw some police, I asked them for help. They sent me back the way I'd come from and told me to turn right and then go through passport control. Passport control? Holy cow. Ok, their directions worked and there were three open kiosks at passport control. I found the Z signs again and walked briskly in my platform crocs, cursing myself for not wearing my Hokas. 

Finally, at gate Z16 some station agents far away called my name. I started running on a moving sidewalk to get there faster. They yelled that I could stop running because the plane was waiting for me. I threw my fists in the air and yelled "Wooooo!!!!!!!"

After that everything was fine.

My bag didn't make it on the plane but it's on its way here from Frankfurt. Someone will bring it to the house.

My boys were happy to see me. I missed them, but was trying to be a big girl and do for girlself.

So ends Bologna.