Day One of my 26 day Odyssey began on April 6, 2011 at 3 AM, when my alarm clock shook the house waking me up. I had a 6 AM flight to Atlanta from Florida. Got to the airport and was nicely surprised when I didn’t have to pay for luggage, as I had 2 pieces of luggage.
I arrived in Atlanta with a short 30 minute layover. What I discovered was the arrival terminal was at the opposite end of the airport as the departure terminal to LAX. Got there just in the knick of time, and was hoping my luggage would make it. Arrived LAX and was dying for a Starbucks, but since I had to leave airport, go to the International Terminal, then check in and go through security again I ended up with no Starbucks. 
Got on my flight on Air Tahiti NUI for a loooong 8 hour flight. We arrived in Tahiti late, due to a late departure in LAX, and since I was seated at the end of the plane I got to stand in the customs line for an hour and a half.
Princess has the best transfers I’ve seen! When I collected my luggage in customs and made my way outside, they asked my name, gave me luggage tags, took my luggage and put it into a van, and told me to go to the bus. Since I was the last one, as soon as I got on the bus, we left. About 15 – 20 minutes later we were at the pier. I checked in, showed my passport, credit card, and yellow fever shot record. Signed something, then was sent on my way down the pier to the ship. This was about 9 PM.
As I was coming to the gangway I noticed a handsome man at the top of the gangway. I started up, and he started down. We met in the middle. I remember I said Hi, and he smiled and said Hi too. I put down my laptop bag because he put his hand out to shake mine. His name is Salvatore and he is the staff captain. After my Azamara Journey cruise, this is funny to me! We chatted about where he’s from, where I’m from, how long it took to get here (24 hours later), etc. He asked me if my bag was heavy, and I said a little. He said he would take it for me. How sweet! He brought it up to security for me, and *poof* he’s gone.
I found my cabin, unplugged the tv, and went for dinner in the main restaraunt. I was sooo tired I couldn’t eat. I ordered a bowl of soup, then left. I went for a walk on the pier where I met Arturo Calise, the hotel director from Sicily I think. I went back to the ship and went for the show, at about 9:55, but it was just ending. It was Polynesian dancers. Wish I would have seen more of it.
Went back outside, and Carol had just arrived. I told her about meeting Salvatore, and how it reminded me of Aris on the Azamara Journey. I then blew it off, thinking I’d not see him anymore.
More tomorrow on the next day.
