Things learned in travel
Dec. 30th, 2006 11:50 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
We had a Christmas of trains, planes and automobiles. It was generally lovely, and there is potentially much to write about, but I will, for the moment, restrict myself to lessons learned in travel.
Taking Amtrak into Detroit will show you things you've never seen before in that city.
Cabs who use text messages for dispatch will occasionally slip up and type "11:15" instead of "1:15" meaning you will eat Christmas dinner with a cab waiting in your driveway for two hours.
It is profoundly irritating to learn you only packed half the presents you planned to. You are blessed if your family is a good sport about opening boxes with I.O.Us inside.
Saying things like "Oh, that horrible weather is all in DENVER, that doesn't affect OUR travel plans" is a very effective jinx.
3/8" of ice encasing your rental car is a problem. Trying to get it all chipped off with only one glove and a AAA membership card serving as an ice scraper makes it a true heroic adventure.
If you do not want to incur the glare of dozens of travellers while all available TSA employees stop the screening line to confer over the contents of your bag, do not try to carry on an antique metal oil can. This will also prevent the incredulous looks from your spouse who cannot believe you didn't pack the goddamn thing in checked luggage.
When returning a rental car, you will save many headaches if one actually hands the keys over. This is especially true if you discover them four states later and Fed Ex--your sole means of returning them--is not planning to be open or operational for the next two days.
Taking Amtrak into Detroit will show you things you've never seen before in that city.
Cabs who use text messages for dispatch will occasionally slip up and type "11:15" instead of "1:15" meaning you will eat Christmas dinner with a cab waiting in your driveway for two hours.
It is profoundly irritating to learn you only packed half the presents you planned to. You are blessed if your family is a good sport about opening boxes with I.O.Us inside.
Saying things like "Oh, that horrible weather is all in DENVER, that doesn't affect OUR travel plans" is a very effective jinx.
3/8" of ice encasing your rental car is a problem. Trying to get it all chipped off with only one glove and a AAA membership card serving as an ice scraper makes it a true heroic adventure.
If you do not want to incur the glare of dozens of travellers while all available TSA employees stop the screening line to confer over the contents of your bag, do not try to carry on an antique metal oil can. This will also prevent the incredulous looks from your spouse who cannot believe you didn't pack the goddamn thing in checked luggage.
When returning a rental car, you will save many headaches if one actually hands the keys over. This is especially true if you discover them four states later and Fed Ex--your sole means of returning them--is not planning to be open or operational for the next two days.
no subject
Date: 2006-12-31 03:05 pm (UTC)That sounds like a comedy of errors, and I'm surprised you survived with your humor intact.
no subject
Date: 2006-12-31 04:42 pm (UTC)You have Canadian in your blood ;-)
It sounds like you had quite the adventures. Tell us more!
no subject
Date: 2006-12-31 05:37 pm (UTC)I had the car halfway freed by the time other guests starting coming out to tackle theirs, and I was able to dispense advice such as try the doors on the southward side; they have less ice freezing them. It was an adventure. When I was about 80% done my Dad came by with his car, and lent me a scraper.