Calm amongst Chaos delivers Comfort
Who said that planning and research always pays dividends?
Our trip around the world had involved years of visioning and months of planning. Navigating through the around the world ticket specialists had taken us to a well respected on line agent.
But here we were on take off day at the airport FedEx terminal two hours before take off. Our travel agent had turned out to be a travel broker and our ticktacktoe global airline tickets were being held at customs. When returning to our support vehicle with ticket update news my globetrotting girlfriend and fiancé, Char, had two small creeks cascading from her eyes. Charlene had just heard that her boisterous aunt had taken her final breath. To compound this sad news Charlene’s goodbye serenade in Vancouver had consisted of an emergency trip to the oral surgeon and heartfelt goodbye to her workmates. This girl was taking emotional hits like a notepad in a shrink’s office.
Hallelujah. The FedEx manager soon stiff-armed the customs clerk and we were off to the airport with 90 minutes before our flight took off. Charlene’s tear ducts were charging as we unpacked the car and she delivered the details about Auntie Judy’s passing. Lost for words I blurted out “well, when I go I sure hope one of my rellies is leaving on a trip around the world.” Hugs, good byes and calmness prevailed and we were off to the check out counter. Unfortunately, we were soon informed that only I was confirmed for our connecting flight in Minneapolis to London. It seemed our Bangkok agent had cancelled Charlene’s ticket on our connecting flight. The connecting flight to London was sold out except for the exclusive first class ranks. Fighting a sub-par immune system my temperature soon began pushing the mercury marker up and up.
With faith in the round the world broker plummeting I called our San Francisco travel broker. I was certain that our on-line travel broker, likely based on the corner of Haight and Ashbury, was over indulging in the herb that the Americans are psychotic about eradicating. To his credit he did apologize on a stack of 1,000 bibles, a sight that might cause nervous twitching in some areas of the world we will eventually visit.
Although exhausting her tears, Charlene was poised and calm at the check out counter. A Northwest Airline archangel called Michael soon materialized and queried Charlene on her less than jolly appearance. To our amazement with a couple of clicks Michael placed Charlene on First class from Minneapolis to London. Allah Akbar rang in my ears.
With our imaginary elbow pads on we made it through the Friday airport throng and charged through customs with 20 minutes to spare.
Our hero Michael materialized again at gate 83 and we thanked him profusely for his help. Although we were not sitting together we were happy to be en route as family awaited us in London. We strode down the walkway arm in arm and Michael “The Marvellous” beckoned at us from behind. With customer check in complete he seemed to have found a way for us to sit together. To our amazement we both ended up in first class. What a turn of events.
In 33 years of air travel I was about to lose my first class travel virginity. It is hard work swilling bottomless Gin and tonics and stretching my long legs out. Soon enough we’ll be waiting in searing hot mini-vans for hours waiting for the driver to sell all his seats. Keeping our calm will be our modus operandi as we embellish ourselves in the cultures of the world.
In London – The Docklands
Charlene rests while I catch up on family news and history with London based Kieran over San Miguel’s in Docklands. This city and Kieran never seems to rests. No wonder he just got promoted. It’s good to learn that liquor culture at business lunches differs from uptight and lawsuit wary North Americans.
Make more money and dive into pub culture whilst working in London. Hmmm.
Too bad there’s no mountains in sight 
What a treat … we’re resting at a stylish apartment in the Docklands. Thanks Roger and Dominque! Hope Sydney and your wedding ceremony is peachy and perfect.
- Team Calm
