Another Travel Day

The alarm went off at 5, though I was already awake before that as always when I have an early flight. No breakfast this time, just an apple I bought the day before, and then straight down to the lobby to wait for the 6:00 shuttle. It arrived on time, and within five minutes I was at the international terminal. The WestJet counter was easy to find, and after hardly any waiting my bag was checked in.

Normally, you can only pass through security and U.S. immigration three hours before departure, but the agent at the counter suggested I try anyway. It worked. Shoes off for TSA, but everything else stayed in my bag.

Calgary is a port of emigration, which means the U.S. has its immigration officers right at the airport. So technically, you enter the States already here. The line wasn’t long – about 15 minutes – and soon it was my turn. The officer was friendly, asked what I planned to do in Denver, if I knew anyone there, and then handed back my passport with a cheerful “Bitteschön.” Less than a minute later, I was officially in the U.S. Perfect.

With 2.5 hours until boarding, I decided to use one of my remaining free lounge visits from my credit card lounge pass. The lounge was comfortable, with a variety of food options and plenty of space to relax. Breakfast sorted, I could take it easy before heading to the gate.

At E81, my Boeing 737-700 was waiting. Seat 18A, window – and lucky me, the middle seat stayed empty. Flight time was around two hours, plus taxiing. Denver is in the same time zone as Calgary, so no clock changes. The flight itself was smooth. I spent the time between reading and my audiobook, with a snack of pretzels and a drink in between. Landing was on time in the Mile High City – so called because it sits on a plain exactly one mile above sea level.

Luggage came quickly, and soon I was on the Hertz shuttle. As a President’s Circle member, I checked the screen, found my name, and walked to parking spot 188. There it was: a white Jeep Wrangler. A great car – you practically have to climb into it. At the exit, I showed my license and booking. Only one hiccup: I had to ask where the window buttons were. (They’re not where you expect. 😂)

Android Auto connected smoothly, and I set off for my hotel in Centennial, an Extended Stay America Suites, about a 30-minute drive. The highway was in far better condition than many I’d seen on the West Coast, but driving habits were the same: weaving left and right, no indicators, and those huge blind spots in U.S. car mirrors that make you feel like you need owl vision just to change lanes. And you have to watch out—some right-hand lanes suddenly turn into mandatory exits.

The hotel looked fine from the outside, and check-in went smoothly. Room 227 was basic: king-sized bed, a small kitchen with no equipment (you have to rent that), and a simple bathroom. Upstairs, someone in heels was running back and forth – boom, boom, boom. Nice.

I headed out for errands. First stop was DXL, a clothing store for men in larger sizes. They have a scanner that measures your body from the front and side, then recommends exact sizes by brand. Impressive technology – and in exchange for trying it, I got free shorts. I also picked up two pairs of jeans, a belt, and a Ralph Lauren shirt.

Next stop: Safeway. With my membership card, I saved $12 and stocked up on food for the week. Dinner was at the famous In-N-Out Burger. Great taste, decent price. Later I learned they have a secret menu – maybe something to try another day.

Back at the hotel, the trouble started. From the room next to mine came shouting in Spanish, complete with things being thrown against the wall. Add in people slamming doors, talking loudly in the hallway, and the relentless stomping from above… not exactly a place for a restful stay.

Seven nights here would be impossible. I went to reception, but since I had booked through Hotels.com, they told me I needed to contact them. The agent there was helpful, called the hotel directly, and arranged that I’d only pay for one night. Tomorrow I can leave without penalty. I already found a better-rated hotel nearby, so that’s where I’ll head next.

For now, the suitcase stays packed, ready for tomorrow’s escape.