So from my most recent experiences with flying, I reported a number of debacles with trips to and from Africa and southeast Asia. I am pleased to report that this escapade to Uganda did not disappoint. Usually the debacles wait until I have left North American soil. Not so fast my Sweet Thing says ... she showed up at the Ottawa airport to a whole new breed of debacles when on her way to Kenya. They had her first and last names reversed and it was touch-and-go as to whether she was going to be allowed on the plane. She did get on finally, which is a nice segway into my new debacle. She had a plane to get onto where as I did not. My flight to Laguardia was cancelled. Even before I got past security, while I was trying to check in, we noticed that I was flying into LGA and out of Newark!!! At first it looked as though in only had 1hr40m to pull off this transfer. Not even close.
So after a few attempts, I spoke with the travel agent who booked this journey and she pointed out I actually had 3hr30m for the transfer. So I checked in and went to US customs and Nexus was working but there was nobody on the other side to grab the form on my way through. So I stood in line with another non-Nexus pleb, and when an agent appeared I handed him my card and told him I needed to speak with someone about something and he escorted me to the customs desk. This was the part where I was supposed to show them a utility bill to establish my residency in Canada. The agent thought I was from another planet and sent me on my way.
Now I am feeling relieved as the debacle was over. Little did I know it had not even begun. I bought a salad at the immensely sub-standard establishment inside US security. I was so pleased with myself as I booked a ride from LGA to EWR with the firm I have used many times in NYC. Out of the side of my ear, I heard the tail end of an announcement about a flight cancellation ... me??? Yes indeed buddy. The 1:40 to New York was cancelled. Oh joy. Having caught only the tail end of the announcement, I needed to ask another unfortunate cancelee (is that a word?) for details. I found out that the attendant was going to lead us back out of security and we would have the pleasure of retrieving our luggage. From there we were instructed to go back to US check-in (since that is what got us here), and work with Air Canada as they tried to get us out of Ottawa. The bags are out in 15 minutes. On my way out of security, this extremely clever ferenge cancelled his limo at Laguardia.
I get back upstairs and wait my turn in the line which moves well. They book me through Montreal to Brussels. Just like all my other debacles, the outcome of this one is favourable. We are about 90 minutes from Brussels and I have spent most of my time watching podcasts on my iPad. I am especially taken with a series of math tutor podcasts I found. I now know how to multiply any two 2-digit numbers in my head :) ... just what every ferenge needs to know. By the way 89*89 equals 7,921 in case you were wondering and yes I did do that in my head. In case that was not enough to whet your appetite, 56*32 is 1,792. The only person I can think of that may be the least bit interested in my new found skill is Shauna. I know for my Sweet Thing that math is not as intriguing as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo; not even close.
So we get to Brussels a bit early and it looks like every other airport I've have been to recently. I start the great signage game as soon as I disembark and it's better than some other places I have been but not great. I walk 15-20 miles then take a bus to transfer area T. I already tried to get exit row but that did not go well. She moved me into the centre four seats mentioning that I would stand a better chance there of nobody sitting beside me.
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