Miami 1
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Miami,
Florida,
United States
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Saturday morning. We check out from the hotel and take a taxi, first to the Union Station to leave a letter of thanks to our baggage handler, Bert ( he was taking his late Thanksgiving leave when our bags arrived) and then on to the airport. It is overcast and cold. There has been snow in the mid states and even in parts of New Mexico.
Breeze through Check-In, no problem with the ticket change of date. On to security where we are randomly pulled out of line and given a full inspection of ourselves and our luggage. No problems - these guys are on our side.
We board the plane and I have a window seat by an exit. After being given a grilling by the senior stewardess (OK - flight attendant, its an age thing!!), as to whether I have fully read and understood the safety pamphlet and that I am fully prepared to carry out my requirements and act under their instructions, in the event of an emergency and be in charge of 'my door' - it almost takes a 'Maam, Yes Maam", to gain her confidence.
You know at Manchester Airport, how all 'air side' vehicles are labelled, have identification numbers, are centrally radio controlled, have beacons, etc.. and that any problem with an aircraft sends it back to the hangar ?? I was sat in my little seat, guarding 'my door', when this van pulls up next to the aircraft. It just had 'Larry's Aircraft Maintenance' on the side - 'ring this number'. Larry (?) jumped out, grabbed a pair of stepladders and a screwdriver (?) and disappears under the aircraft's wing, just as the Captain anounces a 'slight delay due to some maintenance issue' !! Ten minutes and Larry puts all his gear back in the van and goes to the cockpit, where presumably the crew put their hands in their pockets to settle the bill and off he drives. "Our safety checks are now completed' says the Captain and off we go!! Isn't it good to think that life doesn't always have to be complicated ??
Bit of a bumpy hour and threequarter flight, sustained by orange juice and a bag of 'savoury pretzels'. Miami airport runway looked like Piccadily Circus and this is off season! Bags collected (always a bonus) and taxi to Miami South Beach. Temperature is 84 deg !! Into hotel on front of beach before changing and going out later for supper.
Coming out of the hotel with us are 8 guys all dressed up for a night out. It's like 'Village People' do "Saturday Night Fever', as they are all in white silk with skimpy basques, Indy wigs, Indian head dresses with the little native Indian 'skirts' and all white builders mini overalls. Now that's making an appearance !!! We walk round the area with hundreds of other people in a relaxed atmosphere. We find an Italian restaurant and sit out on the verandah, overlooking the beach in the 74 deg dusk. Mmmmm - What a difference a day makes !! We can't think of when we last ate outside, I don't think it was on this trip. Fresh pasta, music and a good "Montepuliciano' wine - you're right John, there isn't a bad one and we're back on track.
