For ‘the kids’ who don’t know the history of this image – way back when, TV didn’t run 24/7. And, when the studio was dark and everyone had gone home this image would be posted so that you knew the station was there and could actually use the picture to adjust the ‘rabbit ear antenna’ on the top of the television set to adjust the incoming signal, should it have gone blurry or wavy. What about the color contrast? Early sets were black and white. Imagine?!
Yesterday after I’d finally got registered for my flight and got both QR codes set up (apparently Portugal requires one as well) I got all my travel documents printed and the last things packed. Then I got a text from the airline in Portuguese. I used my newly-installed Google Translate app to find out what it sad.
GroundForce strike 17-18 July. Your flight may be affected. Pay attention to new notifications and check your flight status online. Avoid going to the airport.
At first, shocked, I looked up why they were striking. Apparently their employer is refusing to pay the ground crew workers for overtime. It’s not a ‘time & a half’ issue. It’s at all. Sure – I’d strike too!
As of this morning, the flight was still showing ‘on schedule’. Then, after I got the kitchen tidied and the last load of laundry in the washer (mom taught me to always leave things clean when I travel) I got another text:
Due to Groundforce strike your flight was cancelled. Avoid going to the airport. An email will be sent with your new flight, which you can manage online.
I’m glad I have a couple extra days in my schedule to work with. If I go out tomorrow, I won’t lose much time in the big picture. Grateful for travel insurance – I might need to file a claim for penalties from the Spanish rail system. And, I’m going online now to cancel my hotel reservation for tomorrow night.
This is part of the joy of traveling. The unexpected. As the daughter of an airline pilot – we traveled ‘standby’ my entire childhood. Flights were cheap … when we could get them. And my folks taught us to be flexible and calm when things didn’t go our way. Truly, my only real gripe with travel delays is having to be within earshot of immature people who throw hissy-fits when they’re inconvenienced. Seriously – if it’s something like mechanical issues – just thank God they found the problem while the plane was still in the ground! And, weather delays? I’m pretty sure that’s nobody’s fault.
Contrary to popular belief, the world doesn’t revolve around us.
So, I’m changing out of my travel clothes for now and have consoled myself with my favorite bagel from the Einstein’s down the street. Will await further instructions from the comfort of my lovely flat.
More later…