Mergers in the news. Again.

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marrymeflyfree · #1 Post by **marrymeflyfree** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 6:04 pm

But it looks like something will actually happen this time. I would bet my non-existent fortune on it, actually.

In Northwest/Delta news, it appears that the major sticking point was over who would assume leadership roles in the new company. Word is that Delta's CEO and Chairman will keep the top spots. I'm also hearing that the companies have presented tentative merger agreements to the union officials for review. The little birdies say to expect an announcement in the next two weeks.

Any announcement will probably be followed immediately by a press release regarding a Continental/United union. I wonder if I will be in a new uniform when I return to work? Oy.

tanstaafl2 · #2 Post by **tanstaafl2** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 7:55 pm

A bit worrisome for folks here in Atlanta. Will be curious to see how it plays out. Had been planning to book a ticket on Delta this week. Now not sure what to do.

If the Delta CEO keeps the top job I wonder if the new company HQ will stay as here as well.

A potentially big hit to the local economy if it doesn't.

marrymeflyfree · #3 Post by **marrymeflyfree** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 8:02 pm

I wouldn't worry about your ticket next week...lots to work out before anything really happens on paper - and probably a long time after that before anything happens that would change things for passengers.

tanstaafl2 · #4 Post by **tanstaafl2** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 8:14 pm

marrymeflyfree wrote:I wouldn't worry about your ticket next week...lots to work out before anything really happens on paper - and probably a long time after that before anything happens that would change things for passengers.

Probably right. Although I should clarify that I was planning to book the flight this week but the trip itself isn't until October. But since I was going to Zambia by way of Jo'burg and connections were already tight I didn't need anything to make it more difficult!

marrymeflyfree · #5 Post by **marrymeflyfree** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 8:27 pm

Yay! I love hearing about big trips. What is taking you to Zambia?

tanstaafl2 · #6 Post by **tanstaafl2** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 9:40 pm

My girlfriend is currently working there on a 2 year assignment. Figured I should try to show up at least once...

Right now we plan to go to Livingstone near Victoria Falls for a few days and then cross the Zambezi into Northern Botswana to see if we can watch a few lions rip some poor gazelle to pieces...

Should be fun!

marrymeflyfree · #7 Post by **marrymeflyfree** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 10:21 am

tanstaafl2 wrote:My girlfriend is currently working there on a 2 year assignment. Figured I should try to show up at least once...

Right now we plan to go to Livingstone near Victoria Falls for a few days and then cross the Zambezi into Northern Botswana to see if we can watch a few lions rip some poor gazelle to pieces...

Should be fun!

What kind of work is your girlfriend doing? Sounds like an amazing experience! My bf lived in Somalia for a little over a year, flying airplanes for the UN...it was a very formative experience for him. He's been back to Africa many times since and has been on several safaris. (He said 7...I told him at one point or other he will have do an eighth and take me!) Let me know if he can answer any questions for you!

tanstaafl2 · #8 Post by **tanstaafl2** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 5:02 pm

We both are at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She took this job in Zambia to work on CDC's HIV/AIDs program in country.

I always welcome any insight to maximizing the safari experience. We will obviously focus on Zambia and neighboring countries. I have been to Kenya before and she has done a bit of sightseeing in South Africa and Tanzania as well as a bit in Zimbabwe before it got too out of hand.

In addition to Zambia and Botswana we were thinking about Namibia and maybe even Madagascar. Also considering a more relaxing trip to Zanzibar as an option.

Just depends on how much time we can find and how long the bank account holds out! Which may not be long as Botswana is proving to be one of the most expensive places to go. Unfortunately it is also regarded as one of the best for wildlfe viewing. But I suppose the high cost keeps the crowds down.

marrymeflyfree · #9 Post by **marrymeflyfree** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 10:57 pm

Fab trip that you have planned! I've always wanted to go to Madagascar for some reason - it just seems so far removed, I guess. I'm not 100%, but I think Botswana is next on his list for safaris...he wanted to do a side trip there on his last Africa trip 4 years ago, but they didn't make it for some reason. I think I remember him saying that it was a bit pricey for some of the people in his group after all the other places they'd been. But I do remember him saying something about the wildlife viewing there was supposed to be very good.

He always raves about Capetown, if you should happen to make it down that far!

tanstaafl2 · #10 Post by **tanstaafl2** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 7:23 am

Thanks. Capetown is on my very long list of places I would like to go. Will just have to see what we can fit in!

marrymeflyfree · #11 Post by **marrymeflyfree** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 9:38 am

I hope you'll post a trip report upon your return! The Naughty Norwegian returns tomorrow night, so I'll ask him then if he has any tips for you.

And by the way, what I'm hearing about the merger thing is that the new company would retain the Delta name and Atlanta headquarters. Good news for folks down south!