As I find myself approaching Munich, a bit manic and beat up from the long and arduous plane trip, I can take some comfort in the fact that my fanny has fared fine thus far, thanks to a pillow purchase in remembrance of last trip’s pains. This adventure still in infancy has gone well, with the exception of inability to sleep, which is unusual for the guy who can usually sleep while standing, leaning on a wall. Even so, I can confess that, for some strange reason, I actually feel pretty good, but we’ll see how the day progresses. I still have yet to transition, in Munich, to my final departure, then upon arrival in Split, grab a cab to the hotel and some lunch. If I find myself in a state of stupor, that may prove quite a challenge. However, maybe my current status is due to the prayers of friends who have, and are, lifting me up in this time of my journey, especially a few, who on facebook have told me of their intentions.
I find myself yawning constantly, eyes watering and wondering what will transpire as the day presses ahead. But, it will and more will be added soon... Sooner than I thought. The stewardess spilled orange juice on my lap while serving my seat neighbor. I have always had a habit of closing my laptop or in this case, netbook, and it saved my precious right hand implement! Not only did she mange to douse my privates, she also managed to do so to the lower right corner of the cover of my netbook. I guess there’s no reason to cry over spilled o.j., but its gonna make a sticky mess and I still have more travel to go! We’ll see how this unfortunate incident affects the day….an interesting way to change the smooth trip thus far.
In addition to the staining of the privates, the stewardess just announced that there would be no coffee as the maker is broken!!! You have to be kidding me…no java to jump start this day? Something tells me that things are heading in the wrong direction! What’s up with this? Can you feel the panic starting to rise? Calm my rising b p. Okay, Lord, I’m trying to get this. But I am thankful in a decaffeinated, sleep deprived sort of way. Note to self…like the lovely lady who was knitting the row ahead and to the right of me….pack an extra set of clothes in the carry on for incidents such as this. Nothing happened to her, she just changed and freshened up before we land. Totally girly…I guess. I would have never thought of that.
Okay, I can always count on my love to bring me comfort even when she isn’t near. I remembered the pb and j remaining in my backpack. Nothing like pure love and protein to make things better. But then again, just as I was thinking I’d head to the w.c., the fasten seatbelt light comes on and the captain announces we can’t leave. So, at least, I am glad that this is a temporary state, even if it means I can’t go until we de-plane. Brings new meaning to de-plane, de-plane, de-plane!
Munich to Split
Rugged, razorbacked ridges rise relentlessly, covered as if powder sugar dusted and drenched as I watch in awe through the window of my Dehaviland turboprop. These must be the Alps! My memory of the lighted return trip of last, still fresh even though it was a year ago, but we flew to London, missing the Alps. Excitement looms and rises in my heart like the ridges below so distant, yet soon to be so present. I sit amazed at the smoothness of the journey thus far, wondering if it is the sign of what is to come, a joyous, rich and profoundly blessed trip, in response to my Savior and the prayers of friends holding me up before Him.
The mystery of faith is such an adventure; great risks, limited by a great God. Who would not choose to live such a vision quest? I suppose it isn’t for the faint of heart. I even find faint fears fly into my mind, only to turn them over to the God who has brought me thus far, and only to know that tomorrow, my friends will find me, at all costs. So before me, the landing in Split, the gathering of luggage, confirmed on the plane as I watched them load it for I did not need to grab it and go through customs yet, but will when I arrive, no doubt in Split.
I find myself amazed also at the apparent brevity of this trip compared to the last, and of course the lack of pain in my backside. Surely the pillow helped, but even more so, the prayers; I remain so thankful for the prayers. Surprising also is the absence of nakedness as I take leave of all things musical at home, something I rarely do on such journeys of length. Will there be a guitar there? Will I not have need or time for one? Only time will tell; but I do have plenty to do, plenty to see, and as stated earlier, plenty to be thankful for.
I finally got my coffee on this little bit of a plane, and a cheese sandwich to boot. Also the wonderful pepper cracker, I took two, they come individually wrapped. The coffee tastes different, wonderfully different and I am reminded of my son Derrick asking me if I was planning on bringing some more home. Even he tasted the difference and tells me ‘it’s so good!”. Yes, it’s all good, every bit of this trip thus far and it has only begun. The absence of my life partner is the only bitterness I can taste thus far on this trip. She has sent me with plenty of her love, but while her gifts and prayers are cherished, her presence would be cherished even more. Alas, it is only for 12 days, 10 more if you count it from where I sit now. There will be comfort of friends starting tomorrow, and until then, this people person of a man will try to make best use of a little solitude and adventure.
Arrival in Split was simply smooth. Through customs easy but long, then out to get my cab, and 120 kuna later arrived at my hotel, small room and just as the reports, the room clean and the hotel dated an aged. Rust on the iron at the edge of my balcony and surrounding points of the building. The hotel not surprisingly empty as it is not tourist season. My $44 dollar room (about 250 K) which includes buffet breakfast is livable and will do well for the night for this weary, very weary traveler.
No comments:
Post a Comment