I guess we're always going to feel like we've got two homes, Illinois and Hawaii. We lived in Illinois for 35 years before returning "home" three years ago to Hawaii where we were born and grew up.
We left last night on the 5 hour red-eye 10:15 US Airways flight to Phoenix, Arizona. My brother, Dennis drove us to the Honolulu International Airport. It went smoothly until we got to Phoenix. We had 30 minutes to transfer planes. The flight attendant made the announcement that there were passengers who had a short turn-around time and asked everyone else to remain seated. Tsk! Some people were considerate, but on the most part... no. Too many people jumped up and started trying to get their big carry-ons from the overhead compartments, blocking the aisle.
Once out of the airplane, we looked at the monitor for our next gate and started running. My backpack was not light and Art's was 20 pounds, but we ran! I was out of breath by the time we were half way there. We had to go from the end of terminal B to the end of terminal A! Arrrgh!
Just when I thought I'd collapse, an airport staff person on one of those transport cars stopped and asked where we were going. What an angel! He said we'd never make it on foot and gave us a ride to the gate. THANK GOODNESS! The gate was deserted by the time we got there. I thought we'd be the last ones, but no... there were a number of others who came on after us. I don't think they got a ride like we did.
Tif and KC had returned from Singapore yesterday and were exhausted as well, but when we appeared at the baggage area of O'Hare Airport in Chicago KC jumped up and down shouting, "Grandma! Grandpa!" Tif said KC loved Singapore and wouldn't have wanted to leave until she was reminded that we would be coming from Hawaii.
I have to get to bed now. It will be KC's first day at pre-school and I've told her that I can hardly wait to see her new classroom. She is smiling at me and nodding her head, but has told her mommy that she doesn't want to go.
We'll see.
It's nice to be back! Gee, it's a trifle chilly here. Definitely not tank top weather.
We left last night on the 5 hour red-eye 10:15 US Airways flight to Phoenix, Arizona. My brother, Dennis drove us to the Honolulu International Airport. It went smoothly until we got to Phoenix. We had 30 minutes to transfer planes. The flight attendant made the announcement that there were passengers who had a short turn-around time and asked everyone else to remain seated. Tsk! Some people were considerate, but on the most part... no. Too many people jumped up and started trying to get their big carry-ons from the overhead compartments, blocking the aisle.
Once out of the airplane, we looked at the monitor for our next gate and started running. My backpack was not light and Art's was 20 pounds, but we ran! I was out of breath by the time we were half way there. We had to go from the end of terminal B to the end of terminal A! Arrrgh!
Just when I thought I'd collapse, an airport staff person on one of those transport cars stopped and asked where we were going. What an angel! He said we'd never make it on foot and gave us a ride to the gate. THANK GOODNESS! The gate was deserted by the time we got there. I thought we'd be the last ones, but no... there were a number of others who came on after us. I don't think they got a ride like we did.
I have to get to bed now. It will be KC's first day at pre-school and I've told her that I can hardly wait to see her new classroom. She is smiling at me and nodding her head, but has told her mommy that she doesn't want to go.
We'll see.
It's nice to be back! Gee, it's a trifle chilly here. Definitely not tank top weather.
Have a good rest and get ready to enjoy KC's accounts of school.
ReplyDeleteI thought they were supposed to give you at least an hour between connections. Thank goodness for the lift, or you wouldn't have made it. I really do get annoyed at the inconsideration of some people. Once that happened on a plane I was on, and once we landed we were instructed to stay seated until the short connector people had passed by. It worked pretty well!
ReplyDeleteYou got lucky at the airport....those short connections can be a pain.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you get to be there for the first day of KC's preschool.
After going through a similar rush (scheduled less than an hour between), we now allow ourselves at least an hour PLUS (we'd rather wait an hour than go thru a hyper adrenalin rush) between connecting flights.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice time with your family and friends in Chicago. You must be a delight to KC, being an experienced first grade teacher and grandma wrapped in one package!
L.
airports can be a pain. I ended up on a red eye to nyc from seattle instead of going directly to iceland-so my trip there took 2 whole days. Rest up...
ReplyDeleteAs I already said, insane.
ReplyDeleteglad you made your connection! It didn't sound good. What a lovely reunion!
ReplyDeleteGood old Chicago. When we got there by car, we knew we were almost home (Fon du Lac WI). We sojourners have two homes or more.
ReplyDeleteHow nice you got a lift inside the airport.
Dianne
That would have stressed me out. I would never agree to such a short time between flights. KC just loves her grandparents, that's for sure. I can imagine your happiness seeing her again in person. Enjoy your stay in your 2nd home, Kay!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to be with your daughter and granddaughter again. I´m sure the run to the gate, was worth the reward of seeing them.
ReplyDeleteWow Kay you are definitely a world traveler!! Hope KC enjoys pre-school! Get some rest!!
ReplyDeleteWishing you happy, happy times in your other home.
ReplyDeleteYou always meet the right people, like the man who gave you a lift. I have given up on expecting much from my fellow travelers, since everyone is so stressed out.
ReplyDeleteHave fun with your family!
You are blessings to your family and friends.
ReplyDeleteYou take it for granted, because you were raised beautifully.
I am grateful to eavesdrop on your blessings, Dear Kay & Art-
Warm Aloha from Waikiki;
Comfort Spiral
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So glad you made your connections! I remember running from one end of o'Hare to the other once. that place is huge! Cancelled flights because of a blizzard in Denver, trying to get home to Seattle from Boston, bags going on another plane. I nearly killed myself and then realized I could never have gotten back through security with the luggage for two people anyway. It was delivered to my door the next day. My recovery took a bit longer.
ReplyDeleteBut back to your story! You are with KC and Tif! And old friends! Have a wonderful time!
Hi Kay!
ReplyDeleteYou were lucky because you're a nice person.
I heard if you're nice to people or you do right things, many lucky things happen.
by the way, oh, you can say "not tank top weather.". it means it's chilly and you can't spend comfortable time if you wear a tank top, right?
it's a new phrase for me. I'll use it next time. thank you!
I sometimes learn new Enlgish phrase from you like when I read books!
You are about to have lots of fun! Enjoy your family.
ReplyDeleteP{assengers are just as rude all over the world. It is stressful trying to get connecting flights and glad you got a lift in the end. Good job you both are fit as well otherwise you would not have got as far as you did!! Singapore is a very interesting place - I have stayed there quite a bit over the years when going to the UK from here. The humidity though is something I have never experienced anywhere else. It really hits you when outside but of course they have such fabulous shopping there that is in air conditioning. Yes, their laws are strict so I was careful!
ReplyDelete