Sometimes our adventure starts before we even leave our hometown. In 2007 we headed to the airport in Boston. Our destination was Honduras. It was our first big trip outside of the US together and we were excited. Both of us like to arrive to the airport early. I have a fear of missing flights, even though I’ve never missed one. The better half likes to have a cocktail before boarding the plane.
After relaxing at the bar by our gate we heard the boarding announcement over the PA. Grabbing our bags we headed to the plane. The gal checking the boarding passes and passports was in a horrible mood. In her defense, she had a terrible cold and looked like she should have been in bed. However, it was July 4th, a holiday in the States, and I don’t think going home was an option. She scared me somewhat and I remembered thinking I wouldn’t want to cross her.
Making our way to our seats on the plane I noticed a family of four trying to squeeze into three seats. There was a mother, father, and two children. The children were not small enough to sit on someone’s lap. I’m not sure what the cutoff age is, but I was certain that this wouldn’t fly.
Unfortunately I was right. The entire conversation between the father and flight attendant was in Spanish, however I feel pretty confident that I got the gist. The whole family was terrified of flying and wanted to be together. They had paid for four seats, but only wanted to sit in three. The flight attendant, who was fluent in Spanish, did his best to explain that this was a safety violation. Everyone has to sit in their seat with their seat belt fastened. No ifs, ands, or buts.
The argument went on for several minutes and got heated. Voices were raised. Arms flailed. The flight attendant had to walk away once to calm his nerves. Then he went back. That’s when I saw the cranky ticket lady. As soon as I spied her, I held my breath. When I handed her my passport upside down, I thought she was going to rip my head off. It wasn’t intentional. Remembering this I cringed about what she would do to the family. Even though they were delaying our flight and we had a connecting flight to make, I felt bad for them. They all looked legitimately scared.
The ticket lady leaned against the door of the plane and took the scene in. Her face went white. And then purple. That’s when I thought, oh they are done for. Instead she burst into laughter. Gut splitting laughter. Everyone realized how ridiculous the situation was. Two minutes later, everyone was in their seat and they were closing up the doors.
Sometimes laughter is the best course of action. Anger begets anger. Laughter makes things better, usually. Remember that the next time you want to scream at someone. But don’t laugh at the person. You might get socked in the face and blame me. Laugh with them.
Here are a couple of photos from Honduras. This is what was calling my name and I wanted to get there. However, there was another adventure before we arrived at our destination. I’ll explain that next week.
50 Year Project 
That was a very entertaining story, and I didn’t see the laughter coming. When you said that her face started changing colours, I was expecting her to throw up all over the plane since she was sick and everything LOL!! Can’t wait to hear about the other adventure :).
Thank goodness she didn’t puke or I would have. I can’t be near the sound or smell without succumbing myself. I’m not sure how parents handle it when their kids are sick.
You get used to it, but I am glad that part of my life is over LOL!!
Not sure I could get used to it. But I trust you.
I thought the same thing. I don’t think it ever gets easier. Children, animals. It all makes me queasy.
Enjoyed the story. I’m laughing “with” you. Beautiful photos.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Thanks Francine–laughter should be shared with friends. Have a wonderful day.
I did not expect the laughter either!!!! Good for her!!!! It was ridiculous and I am glad it all got organized!!!! I have been on a couple flights lately with dogs (not service ones either) who were not in carriers…..it caused delays both times but both times the dogs got to stay onboard with no carriers……I don’t get it. I thought all animals on flights had to be in carriers.
I have seen some tiny dogs that aren’t in carriers, but haven’t encountered any problems. When the boys flew here they had to be in carriers and in cargo. I felt horrible about that, but I couldn’t just leave them behind with friends. What would my day be like without Miles bugging me every 15 minutes and Att’s constant demand for wet food. They are annoying, but they are my lovable annoying buggers.
Did they have to go under any quarantine or anything? I know when we went to Australia we decided the time in quarantine would be too much for our babies…so they ended up staying in Ohio with Chris’s dad who had a very difficult time giving them back to us later. We let him keep them an extra year…..:-)
There was a quarantine period of six months. However, that meant they couldn’t enter the UK for six months after getting their rabies vaccine. They stayed in Boston with me at our apartment. That’s one of the reasons I didn’t move with the better half in July. The other reason was it took forever to get everything ready to hop the pond. They only spent 1.5 days (their flight, customs, and doctor appointments to approve their travel) away from us during that process…and it was the longest day and a half.
The laugh definitely surprised me as well. … oh … and another adventure to come!
Yes, the next one was a little scary.
I am laughing too dear TBM. beautiful photographs… I dreamed to be there… Thank you, love, nia
Laughter is food for the soul. Where have I heard that before? Regardless, it’s so true. Your post was an excellent reminder that we should do more of it.
Belly laughs are best! 😆
Happy New Year hugs to you… 🙂
What a great story. I was afraid she was going to strangle someone. 🙂 Can’t wait to hear about the next adventure.
Great story!
Laughter is the best medicine!
I remember when my friend and I were driving through Iceland. It was about 2am and still light out. We were driving down this dirt road so, so far from our hotel. We realized it would take us hours to get back because we had to drive so slow. We were both exhausted. There were gorgeous fjords around us but I wasn’t appreciating the view.
After a while I just starting laughing and laughing at the ridiculous of it all. What else can you do sometimes? 🙂
You’re so right about laughter defusing situations…sadly I tend to laugh and make it worse
What a wonderful story and reminder of the importance of laughter.
Great story and so beautifully told – I like to arrive early too but Big Man is a smoker so he likes to lurk outside for as long as posible to get a last smoke in. It stresses me out incredibly 😦
Ah, I just know you’ll love it when you do get there. (I read Nicole, ThirdEyeMom’s blog too)
What a great story and lovely pictures too.
Lynn 😀
I love the story, TBM…small adventure but very fun.
That was something, laughing when you are angry. Maybe I should try that when my students make me want to shout.
I like reading this simple but fun memory, will be waiting for more 🙂
Laughter is the best solution always! Wonderful story and beautiful pictures 🙂
Laughter was the last thing I expected. Glad everything worked out, and waiting to read the rest of the adventure!
beautiful photo’s and great post. we’ve all had those moments on a plane some are funny, some not so much. i was on a plane once where a woman in a too tight pick jogging suit wanted her husband to punch the man behind and then watched as a drunken 20 something got escorted on to the plane and looked around and said “there’s nothing else they can do to me, i’ve been tasered twice. then the jumpseat broke and we had to wait for a repair crew to come on board and fix it. i still can’t believe that plane ever took off. my 55 minute flight was 4 hours…
I loved the story. I was starting to cringe and my thoughts began to race ahead to guess whose head was going to be torn off.. Yay, a happy ending!
A much better ending than having my head torn off, but if I consider writing a short story that’s a good twist at the end.