Let me tell you about the chaos of my day. It seemed so easy. My flight didn't go out until 450 which means I had plenty of time to get everything done that I wanted to and make it to my flight in plenty of time. I did a few "I'm going to Croatia" jigs.. Some special song and dance that will not ever be repeated.
I checked and rechecked my bags.. I made sure I had the basic necessities for my venture. So I departed at the proper time to catch my transport. (Overground to the underground and switching to another underground to the airport.)
Oh crap I forgot that one thing!
Do I need that one thing?
It wouldn't hurt.
Probably a good idea.
I will go grab that one thing.
I depart again and make it to the overground train in the nick of time. Bam. Easy.
Wrong direction! Wrong direction!!
Why isn't my phone working!
I went the wrong direction!!
Panic and hop off next stop to run around to the other side for the correct direction. Whew!
The next train for my destination doesn't come for 20 minutes.
Craaaap...
Do some math and configuring... Instead of waiting I opt to hop on the next train, transfer to the underground.. And make 3 transfers.
Was this the best decision? Not sure. But I did it. And I made it to the airport in plenty of time.
Airports don't announce the gate until 40 minutes before the flight goes out.. So I wander and wait for that oh so important message to come..
It doesn't. The board says we must wait until 1605. It's 1605... 1610... 1612... Please wait.... 1615... 1620.... I've been staring at this board for 15 minutes...
I'll go ask those ladies.
I ask the ladies. They are perplexed. I'm trying to appear calm when utterly panicked.
Plane has landed.. Not sure why it hasn't changed. Just wait..
We're supposed to be boarding now.. I have tight schedule to keep. Panic panic panic.
1625... 1630.... 1633.... A20! Go go go!
Old man stops me. I'm easily suspicious. And I need to get to my gate. He asks if he can use my eyes.
Absolutely, I say.
Zagreb. What gate does that say.
I know without looking.
A20!
Are you sure?
Yes. That's where I'm going too.
Nice old man.
We get to the gate. Told to wait. Starts to board. First class etc.
We will board by row! She announces. Rows 20 and up first.
Bah-da-bing. Sweet. I'm in 23. I feel triumphant as I weave back and forth back and forth back and forth. Now I feel ridiculous. Back and forth. The lady is arguing with an older lady. (Not old just older) You have you wait your turn. Were only doing these rows. Old lady goes away I'm huff. We slowly proceed to man ticket taker.
Now the lady is asking a man if he went through the line or went around and cut the lot of us.
I went through the line.
Did you go around this way?
I went through the line.
Sir, did you cut through the line.
Have it your way. (Off in huff)
There will be no line cutting today, suckas!
I get on flight. We've left the ground 40 minutes after we intended. I'm concerned but not panicked.
It's fine. I'm fine.
Were getting off the plane when my next plant is boarding.
Concern and panic.
They open both front and rear if plane to let people off.
So smart.
We get on shuttle bus and wait. And wait. And wait.
Concern and panic. Let's go. Let's go. Doors close and we go.
Okay! It's okay.
We get to the airport and we have to get our passports checked. Here?! Now?? My flight is leaving in 20 minutes or less...
Expletives...
Finally get through line of line cutters and follow directions to domestic flight. After all I am.. Zagreb to dubroshnik.. I exit to the main part of te airport ! Oh no!!
No no no.
I get to security gate close to tears. I Tell the lady my plight.
No you're in the right spot, she says.
Not helpful at all, I think.
15 minutes till my flight leaves.
I go through security again. Rip off my sweater and dump my boots into the tray.
I go through detector. No beep. Win.
But I had put water in my water bottle in London not realizing I would go through friggin security again. The security guy gets the bottle, tells me not to go anywhere, and I grab my things. He comes back with an empty water bottle.
10 minutes before departure.
I rush forward only to realize I have no idea where I am going or what gate. I find a sign. All hail, it's right in front of me.
I sigh in relief and come forward checking that I'm in the right place.
Yes, get on the bus.
I made it.
Now all I have to do is land and catch the 2230 bus to meet juli. It departs in 34 minutes I am currently up in the air.
Maybe it will be like the airport in Ireland where it's uber small and I just have to go outside. Maybe getting out of the airplane and airport will only take 5-10 minutes. And all will be well.
Thankfully, God heard my prayers in the midst of my cursings.
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