Crying babies and overweight people next to us.

Marlin and Karin's house, Kona-Kailua HI (2 stars)

OK, so two hours from Nanaimo to Calgary with some crying kids across the aisle and then almost eight hours with a crying kid and a HUGE guy in the seat next to us. Luckily, the child quit crying after we took off and the huge guy changed places with somebody to be closer to his brother at the back. Replaced with a slender young woman.

Oh yes, the plane was late arriving in Calgary so we boarded late. Then we were all set to go, the door was closed and then the gate refused to pull back from the plane. After 15-20 minutes they got that fixed and off we went. A relatively calm flight and there we were in Kona where Karin, Marlin and Luna were waiting for us.

Yes, it was a little noisy across the aisle. The little guy kept rubbing his ears - which were hurting no doubt with the atmosphere change. Mine certainly were. I wanted to suggest to the mom to give him his bottle - the swallowing would help pop the ears. He finally exhausted himself asleep. I was a little surprised the flight attendants didn't offer to warm his bottle - as a gentle hint that would help the ears settle. They were not run off their feet.

It was pitch dark when we finally "slipped the surly bonds of earth". A dinner was served, wine went down very well. The rest of the flight was unremarkable.

It is so great to see Karin and Marlin again. We quickly settled in and conversation has been non-stop, wonderful warm slight breeze and blue sky weather. We caught up on life, until the day caught up with us and we crawled into a comfy bed, and the slider doors wide open. No bugs.