Issue #2 - The Flight – January 19, 2009
So, I flew from SF on my way to this venture. It's a connecting flight – SFO – Boston – DC. On the first leg of the flight, the flight attendant lectured us about the importance of storing and stowing away carry-ons so they are not in the way of anyone. With this lecture he reminded us of the incident of the USAir crash landing on the Hudson and telling us that if the carry-ons were all over the aisle, the evacuation would not have been as smooth.
Now, really, when have you seen carry-ons all over the aisles… And did he really have to tell us about that incident just as we are taking off? Not too good for this wimpy flyer.
Almost an hour late, we arrived in Boston and in the snow! Did I tell you I was a wimp when it comes to flying? With as much flying that I used to do, yes, I am a wimp - still. Arriving late, it was a stressful experience trying to catch the connecting flight. And landing in the snow is another scary scenario for me.
Out in the snow, catching the terminal to terminal bus, I (and about 20 others) arrive at Terminal B from C in about a half hour. We went from C to E, to D, then to the city bus pick stop before getting to B! Honestly, someone needs a really a good city planner. It should not take that long to go from terminal to terminal - especially if they are next to each other on the alphabet. Tracey, (my city planner daughter) they need you in Boston!
Finally, I arrived at the next terminal and was told to go through security AGAIN. Like cattle herded, all 20 or so of us joined the already long line, so we filed into another line and went through security with very audible grumbling!
Seriously, who made up these rules? We were all checked, made to take off jackets, unlaced shoes, went through the TSA gates in SFO already. Oh well. Here we go again.
Needless to say, I missed my connecting flight! I sat in the terminal for another hour and watched the snow accumulate on the plane that I was to take.
Another hour go by….
I hope they de-ice this plane real well before I take off on it… Here is another plane being de-iced. Not mine though.
Ok, mine was de-iced later as we had to sit on the runway waiting for runways to be opened after the snowplow cleared them. Another hour of waiting. Not the way I imagined a visit to Boston will be. :) But we did make it out... hours later.
I arrived in my hotel in McLean, Virginia where my friend, Norma, was waiting for me and raring to go to see what was happening in the District. Hmm, so here I go, sleep deprived and all ... operating on LOS (loss of sleep).
Millions of people were already at the mall … The masses were there for the We Are One (I think that's what it was called ) concert. We made our way through that crowd. Exciting! We were able to watch the concert at the mall. Heard Garth Brooks, John Legend, Beyonce, etc. Of course, we heard Barrack’s speech and was truly moved. As Norma puts it, “There is this overall feeling of love, peace, and kumbaya.”
We managed to ask someone to take our picture as we were leaving the concert and following the masses...
Finding our way out of the mall and that section of the District was a challenge... to put it mildly. This is an indication of the days to come! Be brave, Be bold. No Fear!
Comments (4)
Oh, I did not mean to cut Norma off the picture... I guess this format does it automatically. :(
Posted by Eden | January 26, 2009 1:22 AM
Posted on January 26, 2009 01:22
Hi Eden,
Can you please send pics when you have time...I will also send mine.
Posted by Norma Fierro | January 26, 2009 9:14 AM
Posted on January 26, 2009 09:14
OK, Eden.
Nothing like rubbing it into our faces how lucky you were to be there. I just saw the "We Are One" concert on HBO on Demand. It was fantastic!! I'm loving reading your blogs.
donna
Posted by Donna Wada | January 26, 2009 10:02 AM
Posted on January 26, 2009 10:02
I'm so jealous! We ended up piling into Mr.Olsen's room while he was holding up his make-shift rabbit ears (wires) so we could see the inauguration. I was totally crying. Thanks for sharing this memorable trip!
Posted by Alice Caraway | January 26, 2009 6:02 PM
Posted on January 26, 2009 18:02