Held Hostage by Volcanic Ash

Ten days ago I arrived in London, prepared for a week of work and then off to Berlin for another bit of work before heading back home – it was not to be that easy.

Working in London went well, as planned. And then the fallout (pardon the pun) from the Icelandic volcano. Berlin was a no-go. The hotel extended my stay and in my normal optimistic way, I figured it would all blow over (literally, I hoped). I had lived in Hawaii and thought I understood about how volcano ash behaved (dumb assumption). Besides, London has always been one of my favorite cities, my son was coming down for a brief visit from Glasgow – I was a happy woman.

My son and I had a lovely visit. I met his new friend Amy, who is delightful – how could she be anything else. She is a redhead and she and Chuck are great together!! The weather was awesome, and together we enjoyed the sunshine, the time together, great food and lovely wine.

Chuck and Amy headed back to Glasgow (by train, of course) and I was given a gift of such generosity I am still stunned. Friends of my husband’s (who I met briefly, once – not my husband, the friends):-) called and said that I was welcome to use their London flat, remembering when Marion had been stranded in NYC after 9/11. It was a godsend, as anyone who has unexpected hotel expenses can attest.

And so, the adventure continued, as did the lovely weather. I went to the Marleybone Village Market, bought a few things to nibble on, and settled in.

I talked with the wonderfully kind folks at American Airlines and they were more than patient, especially considering they must have been fielding an amazing number of calls in a very chaotic atmosphere. Their advice was to confirm for Friday and wait list for Wednesday & Thursday – my Tuesday flight was already canceled and nothing was flying in or out of Heathrow.

Hope springs eternal, and once again I was feeling optimistic. Then came the news of the second cloud headed toward the UK – discouraging is an understatement, and despite my lovely surroundings, I began to feel quite lonely. Yes, I was working; yes, I was in touch with home; yes, I was communicating with family, friends, and colleagues; yes, the weather continued to be sunshiny and bright (no rain, go figure), and yet . . . the uncertainty of the situation began to play with my head (which was really a total waste of time).

Long story short, I went out for tea and scones yesterday (which I love), spoke with the airlines again, and the planes have begun to fly into London and hopefully out soon. My Friday confirmation seems possible; the sun is still shining. Apparently the Brits are right-on concerning tea – it’s working for me.

Being held hostage by a volcano – depends on the kindness of friends, as well as strangers, the ability to understand that sometimes you just as well relax and enjoy the situation, be grateful for the good parts, and continue to move forward.

Best of all, my son’s trip back to North America has also been confirmed for Friday and we’re on the same flight – what could possibly be better?