Flying Showers
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Kate
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The funniest thing happened the other evening as I was leaving for an out-of-state meeting ... as we were ready to board our flight we were directed to board our plane straight from the tarmac. Because it was dark (we took the last flight out that night), no one noticed the torrential downpour happening as we emerged from the building ... And I do mean downpour ...
As we ran like crazy people and ascended the steep stairs of the plane, we realized there was no choice but to become drenched rats by the many large drops of pelting rain! I was amongst the first ones to board, and as I sat in my seat I watched all of the other 42 passengers walk past and complain as they wiped their faces, arms and bodies in dismay at their mandatory and unexpected shower.
There were two things that stood out to me: First was the fact that most people found it humorous as they dripped on seated passengers as they made their soggy way to their seats. And secondly, the seated passengers receiving the extra drips, including myself, also found the situation quite funny! As one lady made her way by, she apologized to me for “dripping on you”... And then hearing what she had just said out loud, she laughed a bit nervously and said, “'I don't think I've ever said that to anyone before!” This exchange made everyone laugh even harder. It was obvious this watery boarding was a first for most all of us!
I think the most hilarious part was the precious, tiny flight attendant, who sheepishly handed each passenger a few paper towels as they boarded. I, having been so close to the beginning of the line, received about ten towels. However, as the boarding process continued and supplies diminished, the number of towels drastically decreased -- so much so that it got to the point where a large six-foot -five man (who was so saturated he looked as though he must have run a few laps around the plane before boarding it) received exactly ONE paper towel! Upon receiving it, he looked at it awkwardly and commented, “'Uh, I think I'm going to need more than this?!” Of course, everyone laughed again!
I have thought back to that drenching experience a few times over the last few days and laugh every time I think of it. Passengers’ varied responses were priceless -- there WERE those who cursed the rain and were rather agitated-- but overall we all managed to find it a humorous event!
When we arrived at our destination and prepared to deplane, as it was being opened, our flight door spewed the remnants of the rain it had brought with us onto the ground, but we didn't mind because we were relieved to find a dry tarmac awaiting us!
Quickly, each rain-speckled passenger disappeared into the sea of people meandering through the airport and all was forgotten!
... Of all the many flights I have experienced, this one will stand out in my mind! That is for sure!
It's a beautiful day! :0)
~Kate
(Photo credit: Vito Palmisano/Getty Images)
