Hi Karan, 

Well, we are home safely and well — but not as expected.

   The plane from Marco Polo to JFK was 3 hours late: 2 hours because of a work slowdown at Marco Polo and 1 hour because of a longer route to avoid the volcanic ash.  That meant we missed our connection to Florida and had to stay overnight.

    At first we were given terrible alternative arrangements: 6:30 a.m. flight to Atlanta and then 8:30 flight to Tampa, coach seating, no other compensation.  We protested this, especially since we were flying Business Class.  So we wound up with Delta paying for a hotel, transportation to and from it by taxi, and some vouchers toward dinner and breakfast expenses — as well as First Class seats on a direct flight to Tampa at 11:30 a.m., a much more convenient schedule!  We are tired, but fine.

    We had one of our most enjoyable trips ever, and so much of that was your help and suggestions.  We found Venice to be such a delightful city, beautiful, interesting, full of pleasant people and exciting activities.  We only wish we had come when we were younger and stronger! 

    After a good sleep, we are now ready to face the world. I expect we’ll drop by to see you soon.

–Bill (and Paula)