Where's the Plane?
You work and you work to accomplish the things you want, right? Twiddle this, jiggle that, make sure those things happen in the right order; it’s just life, y’know?
Experience, though, has taught me that, generally speaking, there’s at least one thing more you’re probably gonna need: patience!
All Dressed Up and Nowhere to Go
Our return from Brazil was an exercise in mechanics. We packed up our suitcases, checked out of our hotel, ate a great breakfast, and loaded up the bus. It was time once again to head to the airport and board that big silver bird.
We were nearly the first to arrive at the terminal that morning, and so we very nearly had the entire ticketing area to ourselves. Checking in was the usual semi-controlled chaos; in spite of that it went relatively smoothly. Eventually we finally made it past ticketing and baggage check and headed for the boarding area and gate number 5.
As I approached, though, there was just one little problem. I looked out the window and – there was no plane!
My brain did a quick mental reboot as I considered the various and sundry ramifications of the situation. I mean, we’d done everything we were supposed to do, right? Tickets, luggage, boarding passes – check, check, check. It’s just that, without a plane it was all just an exercise, y’know? Sorta like a fire drill.
It’s All in the Timing
‘Course, once the initial surprise passed, I realized it wasn’t really a problem. We were just a little early, that’s all, and the plane simply hadn’t arrived yet. Still… until I saw our winged chariot waiting there for us, there was always that little niggling concern scratching away at the ol’ subconscious. What if it’s not coming? What if it’s late? What if – well, the list of worries could go on and on, couldn’t it?
The issue, you see, was in the timing. We’d done everything we were supposed to do. But now – ah, now it was out of our hands. The only thing we needed now was a little patience.
Not a bad lesson for life, wouldn’t you say? Sometimes we get so involved in getting things done we forget that not everything is under our direct control, y’know? You might as well face it: there’s times you simply have to wait for that thing you expect to happen… to happen.
The lesson, of course, is simple – have a little patience, friends! Do what you gotta do – but don’t forget to bring along that big ol’ bucket o’ patience. Chances are, you’re gonna need it.
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Ah yes – that dread feeling in the pit of your stomach that you might be trapped at the airport FOREVER! A couple of the low cost airlines here in the UK work on a tight turnaround so the planes are very often not there for long but even knowing this does not make it easier. I think thought that it is a lot easier to be patient if you are fully informed…because it’s that second guessing about what is happening that causes the most stress …for me anyway
Most of us struggle when something is out of our control. All we can do is make the most of the time. In this case, I would hope I have a couple of good books with me.
@Jackie – You’re right, of course. Knowing the timetable is an excellent way to keep those fearful little fingers from running up and down your spine. But you can only know so much, y’know? Thanks and a tip o’ the hat, Jackie!
@Meryl – I never travel without a few thick paperbacks. And these days, my mobile Twitter app. Sometimes the best we can do is distract ourselves!
Agh, where was that big bucket of patience when I needed it?? Back in December, I was returning home from UK, and the whole Gatwick airport was closed down, I had to sit there for an entire night, waiting for the airplace tracks to be ice free so we could get the hell out of there. So I bunked up in a seat with a cup of hot coffee and two books and did a whole literature study throughout the night. Nice for my education, but no thanks again!!
I think they call it “golden,” and like gold it’s value increases as we inflate false currency or values in our society.
@Matt – Hey, good for you, Bubba! At least you had something productive to do with your time. Plus, you managed to forget, at least for a while, the delay, right?
@Terro – Nicely summed, Terro. Thanks for the great insight!
I was in Brazil roughly ten years ago for a business trip. The airport itself was an adventure. This was in Rio a decade ago though, what airport did you use?
I agree. Patience is still a virtue up to these days. Sure, we panic if we think this is beyond our control anymore but if you have this precious “virtue”, you’ll realize that everything will run smooth..
@Mike – Hey, all I know is it was Rio, Mike!
@Sammy – You’re so right. It’s just remembering I have it that’s the hard part, if you get my meanin’.
I was once stuck in a transit airport for a whole day and that too in a really small airport with little food. Many of us practically stayed hungry the whole day. Never before had I prayed for a place to come like I did that day!
@Jom – Wow, that’s too bad. Don’t think I’ve ever been in an airport that small. Glad you made it!