Blog-TOWER OF BABEL

I think people like us who fly like chance but brief encounters. I spend a considerable amount of time alone, which I like. I am actually good at it.

    I love people, I just do not want to be with them 24/7. I have a few days off, wander around doing errands, getting roots done, teeth cleaning, drop off library books, cook . sleep. email, fashion surf, make a few choice calls. But when I get a trip, I get thrown into a plethora of catering, new pilots, line people, nannies, chauffeurs, dispatchers, baggage handlers, assistants, assistants to the assistants, kids, babies, passengers young and not so young, the houseman, the yacht captain , customs agents, crew changing flight attendants, hotel checkin people, rental chair agents usually named brad, todd or heather, and whatnots. When I am home, I only see and interact with the same 10 people.

     I feel like I am in a play with actors walking across my stage, shutting or slamming doors, props of food, coats, umbrellas, briefcases, dogs, and the occasional chair to sit in. Flying really is a very polite spectator sport with second billing. I like to remain in the eves of the structure, appearing when needed or not. I want them to have a good time ,however limited it may be. It does not bother me if the audience does not remember me, I am just the stand in. The real flight attendant is on vacation.

    When we takeoff, the curtain comes up and when we land the curtain descends. Intermission is when the passengers are in a deep sleep, or one hour after they have eaten. It becomes quiet, and the actors take a rest to change shoes, reapply sunscreen, have a meal , readjust makeup,  brush their hair, or have a cup.

At the end of the final scene, the stadium empties, ticket stubs strewn and the lights go down.
A day well worked and none forgot their lines.