Categories
Observations

Random Thoughts on Travel

Wycliffe Bible Translators’ Office in the USA is in Orlando, Florida, which (as if you didn’t know) is one of the largest tourist destinations in the world. So, when I boarded a flight for Orlando at Gatwick yesterday, just about everyone else on the flight was obviously on their way to Disney Land, Waterworld and such. It wouldn’t surprise me if I was the only one on the flight carrying a laptop!

Business fliers and holiday fliers are very different animals. The people on holiday are excited, happy and in groups (often with children), business travellers are tired, unexcited and generally on their own. Thanks to the wonderful SeatGuru, I had managed to book one of the best economy seats on the flight – extra leg room and not right next to the loos. I was next to an Irish family who were off for two weeks of sun and Mickey Mouse and who were a delight to sit close too. Less delightful was the little girl sitting behind me who was absolutely thrilled to be on her way to Orlando and managed to kick me in the back more or less non-stop for nine hours. Sue and I have done our share of long flights with small kids and I really didn’t want to complain and make her parents feel bad – so I’ll just have a little online grump. I had wanted to sleep, but the continual massage of my kidneys rather ruled that out!

I also discovered that business car hiring is different to holiday car hiring. On the rare occasions I rent a car, the queues tend to be short and people tend to be of the ‘give me the car and let me get away from here and get some sleep’ frame of mind. In Orlando the line was looooooong and everyone seemed to want to get into a long discussion about the advantages of each car and whether they should upgrade, or get an SUV… It actually took longer to stand in line for a car than for immigration and customs combined. But, I got my car and got to bed. Hopefully all of the families will have a great holiday and I’ll have a useful time meeting colleagues who do similar jobs to myself.

Florida Sunrise

Jet lag stopped me sleeping too late and I woke up nice (nice?) and early. I’m trying to get back into running and to lose some weight (please feel free to nag me) and I went for a jog around the Wycliffe campus. The sunrise was nicer When I got back to the flat, I was greeted by wall to wall weather warnings on the TV. Tropical Storm Fey (which may turn into Hurricane Fey) is likely to affect the Orlando area in a couple of days. I’ll keep you posted as things get closer. Meanwhile, I’m going out to buy a raincoat this morning.

2 replies on “Random Thoughts on Travel”

Dear Eddie – From the above information, you landed in Orlando? And no one from WYCLIFFE was there to meet you??? That is a bad news and resulted in your long queue ! ! ! Now that does not happen at HEATHROW when the Vollies or the WA’s arrive. Something should be done about that one. How do I complain or suggest or make amends for your coming to our country without a proper greeting.??

As it happens, we live in Califonia so we were out of the loop. But seriously, WYCLIFFE could have sent you a car or SOMETHING ! ! !

I have not read your post for several days and have gotten behind on your news. Blessings and cheers to you and your family.

Ray and Maralyn Killorn
San Jose, CA.
Bede WA’s

Hi Maralyn -thanks for your concern, but I’d asked Wycliffe not to pick me up at the airport. This isn’t my first trip to Orlando, and it’s nice to have the independence that a hire car gives me. I can visit friends at my leisure and not have to be tied into anything organisationally. Most Wycliffe people who travel as much as I do prefer to sort out their own arrangements like this.

Best wishes

Eddie

Comments are closed.