Yesterday was travel day. In this case, fly across a country-wide North-South storm system from Atlanta to Los Vegas. Considering we were surfing against the waves (as a pretty lame metaphor), the flight was relatively calm. Pressure changes in my ears told me the plane was rushing up and down like a roller coaster. The pilot's announcements (we're up to 40,000 feet trying to get over it, down at 30,000 feet now trying to sneak under it........) reinforced my ears and left me quite sympathetic with them.
Having said the trip was not nearly as bumpy and rough as it could have been, let me add it was one of the most adrenaline-fraught trips to date.
It started in the Delta Sky Lounge where a gentleman seated at nearby table had some kind of 'Call 911' attack. Others sprang to his service so we stayed out of the way and sent healing thoughts.
Then, when the plane had landed and the fasten seat belts sign had gone dark, suddenly an announcement rang out: Everyone return to your seats, clear the aisle immediately, there is a medical emergency at the back of the plane, all connecting flights are being notified there is a delay, clear the aisle! Okay. Keep talking to the new friends seated around us.
THEN, after we retrieved our checked luggage and trusted it to the 'it will appear in your stateroom in a few hours' gods, we joined the group waiting for transfer to ship. And waiting. And standing around waiting. One gent was pushing his wheelchair bound wife. Not unusual given the average age of Viking Cruise Line clientele. Except she was in the wheelchair because she just fell down the escalator. And hit her head. Because they didn't want to be late for or miss the cruise, they opted for a wheelchair. Because she was conscious and somewhat able to speak, the airport let them do it. As we waited, she kept slumping and having intermittent trouble understanding words (I was neither spying nor helping, I was stuck en queue listening). Somehow, I expect to hear more about her on the grapevine today.
Anyway, We're back on the Viking Star. Same ship as last year's holiday cruise. I suspect we're in the same cabin, but it is unlikely I'll take the trouble to verify that. The nice part is seeing several old friends among the staff. Ship personnel cycle frequently, but I have found old friends among Guest Relations, serving and cleaning staff.
Dinner was with Terri and John, the Wisconsin couple we met on last year's cruise. Last minute, and subsequent to a phenomenal offer from Viking, they decided to join us this year. They are delightful.
At 05:30 a few of us early risers watched the pilot from San Diego come onboard. At noon we are scheduled for a simple drive-around sightseeing tour ( a three hour tour). This gives the late-riser, whose name starts with John) time to regain consciousness.
It looks like a great day to finish unpacking (and find my hairbrush).
No comments:
Post a Comment