The Volcano

Please forgive the delay in posting the blog. I have been trapped in the USA as a result of volcano- induced (Mt. Eyjafjallajökull) flight cancellations.

The family trip was planned a year ago to attend Nazy’s niece’s wedding in Chattanooga. Nazy had spent most of the preceding year deciding what to wear and what to bring. (Because she planned to stay in the states for a while after the wedding to visit Mitra, Melika and various relatives in Canada and Washington, her wardrobe selections were complex.) I had patiently (and fruitlessly) watched an commented upon potential gowns for the black tie affair by failing to note subtle color differences (“It’s not gray, Dan, it’s pink!").

Just before we were scheduled to depart, Nazy prepared a gargantuan list of ‘things we mustn’t forget to pack’. She asked me to review the list:

“Q-tips?” I asked. “Surely the hotel will have Q-tips.”

“Dan..”

“It’s the best hotel in Chattanooga.. oh, I see what you’re saying.”

“Dan..”

“I will only be gone for three days, Nazy. I am a world traveler. I don’t need a list.”

“Have you packed your studs and cufflinks?” Nazy was aware that I don’t usually bring formal clothes on my business trips.

“Got them right here,” I replied as a picked them from the closet.

Both flights left on time. Nazy was taking US Air to Atlanta via Philadelphia. I was going on Lufthansa via Frankfurt.

“Poor Nazy,” I thought. “She is a peon-class frequent flyer – she’ll be cramped and uncomfortable whereas I, as an elite traveler will be feted and tended.”

Nazy got an entire row of empty seats to herself. I got stuffed in the back of the airplane in the midst of a group of bedraggled and smelly tourists.

Upon arrival, we collected Mitra and Stefan and drove to Chattanooga – admiring a beautiful new moon and Venus along the way.

Wedding day came and..

“I can’t find my studs and cufflinks!” I explained (cautiously).

“I told you..”

“I know.”

After the wedding, as we began to drive back to Atlanta for our onward journey, I got a text message from Lufthansa:

We apologize that your flight LH445 ATL-FRA 18Apr 6:15PM has been cancelled. Please call.
Nazy’s flight, naturally, left exactly on-time.

The photo is Mt. Etna in Sicily. The airplane to Atlanta took a southern route across the ocean and couldn’t be seen.