Saturday, July 15, 2017

ENFIN!

Went to airport to fly to JFK, on the way to Paris.  After clearing security, had leisurely snack at 42nd Street Oyster House.  Strolled to gate.  Discovered flight to JFK was cancelled.  Panic.  Re-routed to direct London flight, then flight to Paris.  Major agita.  This would mean going through Heathrow, the world’s worst airport.  Got to Paris, went to baggage claim.  Waited.  Last bag came off flight.  Not ours.  More panic.  Went to baggage office.  Told by distracted young woman that our bags would arrive from Philadelphia.  Philadelphia?  What on earth were our bags doing in Philadelphia?  Took taxi to apartment, unencumbered by luggage.  Good news, everything worked.  Bad news, computer was in luggage.  Called.  Was told luggage would be delivered the next day.  Gave voice at other end the building code.  Was called next day, told luggage would arrive between one and five in the afternoon.  Waited.  Got a call.  Luggage would be delivered between five and nine p.m.  Got cranky.  Meanwhile, jets flew low overhead in Bastille Day display for Trump.  Considered emigrating to Canada.  Luggage arrived at 7:30.  Walked to Brasserie Balzar.  Assigned to table 37, my favorite.  Had a dozen snails.  Equanimity restored.  Bonjour Paris!
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6 comments:

  1. Jerry FresiaJuly 15, 2017 at 1:14 PM

    Oh dear. What an ordeal, but it seems that this is becoming par for the course. "Got cranky." I hope that you did - times ten.
    Especially for the elderly, traveling has become utterly grueling.

    And welcome to the extended heat wave in Europe, courtesy of the fossil fuel industry among others. Enjoy your stay and keep us posted on the latest cuisine from Chef Robair, particularly the wine choices!

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  2. Jerry BrownJuly 15, 2017 at 3:21 PM

    You should have caught a ride with the President. Actually, that might have been worse for your mental status. But they might not have misplaced your suitcases.

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  3. CarlJuly 15, 2017 at 11:57 PM

    On the whole, I'd rather be in Philadelphia.

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  4. Robert Paul WolffJuly 16, 2017 at 7:45 AM

    Bravo, Carl! A great evocation of W. C. Fields.

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  5. Charles PigdenJuly 16, 2017 at 5:37 PM

    Heathrow, the world's worst airport? It is undeniably bad but surely Los Angeles is worse, at least the international part. Some years ago the enemies of Heather Lockyear and Blair Underwood conspired to destroy the careers of these two highly likeable and presentable stars by casting them opposite each other as LA airport executives, knowing that any association with that ghastly place would blacken their reputations forever. I don't recall seeing either of them in a movie or TV drama since then. It was cruel.

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  6. Charles PigdenJuly 16, 2017 at 5:47 PM

    Someone might as: Is it possible to design a large international airport which isn't actually a hell-hole? The answer is yes. Singapore airport really is quite pleasant. Also efficient. I actually ENJOY my stop-overs on the way from New Zealand to Europe. I would never think of making the trip via the US, unless I planned get off and give a paper. And even then the airports are a major deterrent to such a project.

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