Back in the real world, Part 2
I bid farewell to the delights of Italy- and also to Gabor who continued on to London- and boarded a plane to Seattle, which was a bit of a story in itself. I connected in Frankfurt and went through a long disorganized security check outside of my gate. Once I finally made it around the corner to the actual gate I found a table full of free food and drinks, an airplane shaped cake, a prize wheel, and smiling airline execs giving speeches in German. It seems I had unknowingly booked myself on Condor Airline’s maiden voyage between Frankfurt and Seattle.
On the jetway all of us lucky passengers were given a mini ceramic beer stein on a lanyard (just what I always wanted!). As if that wasn’t enough, upon arrival in Seattle we were greeted with a special celebratory welcome - fire hoses spraying the plane with water. “It’s raining in Seattle…now that’s something special.” said the guy across the isle. And it wasn’t over yet— as we exited the plane we all received luggage tags commemorating the maiden voyage. Much better than the usual free peanuts that I steal as an airplane souvenir.
Take me home…in miniature!…on a lanyard!
But the memorable flight pales in comparison to the precious week I spent in Seattle with my family and friends. It was too little time, but I got to see so many great people…Like these ladies who have been my nearest and dearest for 25 years.
Since this picture was taken Piper (on the right) has gotten hitched! And the ceremony was officiated by none than Lindsey (in stripes). It’s events like this which bring to the fore the great downsides of living across the world.
Another bummer of the distance is being so far from the rest of my clan:
While I was home we celebrated, dined, walked, talked, and karaoked. We all threw a party, we frequented the new neighborhood ice cream joints, my sister and I staycationed, my mom settled into retirement. There is a decent chance that my friend Malia and I were abruptly cut off for singing what the DJ deemed to be an awful rendition of It’s Raining Men. Personally I thought we were in our element.
In short, it was high quality time spent with lots of people who I love dearly. And no offense to Condor Airlines, I know they tried hard, but the fire hoses on the runway are a distant memory when compared to the rest of my Seattle celebrations.
** Update **
#1 Special Sister sent over some photos of true Seattle splendor: birthday karaoke shenanigans and knit-bombed trees. Seattle, you are sweet, colorful, and you have the voice of a angel.
