It's the summer of 1970 and you've spent the last two months in Lagos, Nigeria overseeing the installation of an air-conditioning system for a new hotel. Now it's on to Rome, Italy aboard Alitalia's once weekly DC-8 nonstop to Rome.

In 1970, the facilities at Lagos International Airport were basic, at best. The waiting room featured hard backed chairs and the only air-conditioning was via slowly rotating ceiling fans. In short, it was miserable. Thankfully, the flight was on time, so when boarding was called you wasted no time in gathering your belongings and commencing the long walk across the sun baked tarmac to your waiting DC-8-62.



The airplane looked resplendent new green and white livery, and as you handed your boarding pass to the pretty Italian stewardess, you breathed a sigh of relief as chilled air from the airplane's air-conditioning washed over you.

Ah....

Settling down into seat 2A, you gratefully accepted a deliciously chilled flute of Italian Prosecco and turned your attention to the large, colorful menu bestowed upon you by the Purser.

Hmm... this looks nice...

ALITALIA

LUNCHEON
Lagos to Roma

Terrine of Fois Gras
Port Wine Jelly

Chicken Salad Mercedes

Consomme with Sherry

Veal Rosettes
In a style Allitaliana

Potato Croquettes
Celery au Gratin

Tray of Assorted Italian Cheeses
Bel Paese ~ Parmigiano ~ Gorgonzola ~ Provolone

Chocolate Cake
Served with Pistachio Gelato

Fruit Basket

Coffee ~ Tea