Day 03: Sinsheim - Frankfurt - Calgary

I'm lucky and get chauffeured to Frankfurt by Yvonne. So I arrive relaxed and despite the heat without getting sweaty at the airport. The check-in of my small travel bag is already done after a few minutes.

When searching a washroom and in front of the departures' display, I meet a couple with motorcycle helmets in their hands like me. I get into conversation with Fred and Birgit immediately. They want to go to the northwest of North America too, but with Seattle as starting point. We walk through the security checkpoints together and talk until the gates are displayed for our flights.

I have to verify the ETA process at Air Canada, even though I do not understand what this sticker with a hand written numbers, which the clerk attaches to my passport means. To my surprise I suddenly realize that my packed motorcycle still is standing not far from the plane. Surreal. I can even watch it being loaded while boarding is in progress.

I've chosen a good seat and get two nice sitting neighbours: Lisa, a young student from Flensburg, visiting her friends in Canada, whom she met during a year at the Hotel Fairimont in Lake Louise, and Andreas, a young German Canadian guy. who is just returning from a concert tour with an ensemble in Europe. In addition, there's a stewardess from Switzerland caring for us. Not only at takeoff and landing we have funny conversations with her.

So we have a pleasant nine-hour flight, which is very entertaining by the nice company.

On arrival, first chaff and wheat are separated and people with Canadian passports are directed to one side, all others to the other. At the entry control you have to show the passport and the completed customs form and you will asked by the customs officer a few questions. What you work for, whether you want to work in Canada (beware, catch question! :-)), how many days you plan to stay. But it goes fast and you are treated very friendly.

You get the luggage very fast here. Meanwhile, you can inform everyone about your happy arrival on the free Internet.

Since I was told in Frankfurt that I might be able to pick up my motorcycle the same day, we still drive to the customs (opening hours 8-16 clock) and to Air Canada Cargo. So no chance to get the bike the same day. Next try tomorrow morning.

In the evening Trevor calls a Uber taxi to bring us to a shopping center not far away. There we get some cash and a SIM card for me and go for dinner near and drink a few beers. It's great that Trevor invited me to stay in his appartment and to help me with my first steps on the new continent.