Boarding was finally called on my flight to Washington DC and we all shuffled on board the United Airlines jet, greeted by smiling staff. Were they smiling because we were kept waiting by the delay or were their smiles the result of embarrassment? I couldn't say with any certainty, but they were very obliging and accommodating, feeding us and keeping us topped up with free alcohol throughout the flight.
The TVs had a wide selection of movies for our amusement but other than the fact that I had already seen any that might have interested me, I was desperate for sleep, having been awake for well over twenty four hours by this time. I was provided with a pillow and a short blanket and tried my best to drift off. As a tall man - I am over 6ft 2 - I had trouble getting comfortable enough. The are only so many different contortions my long legs will allow. All told, I probably had three twenty minutes naps throughout.
After what felt like an eternity - I have never flown so far for so long before - we landed at Dulles International, where rain had begun to fall. Security was nonexistent: my passport wasn't checked, and I could just walk straight into the States. This struck me as bizarre, even considering the preclearance we received back in Dublin.
I was assured back in Ireland that my luggage would not be carrying on to Knoxville as Rhonda had heroically decided to pick me up in Washington due to the delay. I waited at the designated luggage collection carousel and watched as every case in the world but mine travelled around the belt. Hmmm. I went off to see a United Airlines representative and explained my situation. He checked and sure enough my luggage had not been requested to be dropped off here, so he sent across a requesition. 'Don't worry Mr Muxx, it might take up to an hour but we'll get it to you' he explained. I was in no rush as Rhonda would not be arriving for a while.
I decided to grab a coffee and go outside for a vape. Seeing the earlier rain, combined with the coolness of an air conditioned airport, I was a bit shocked as the exit doors slid open the humidity hit me. I expected a little, but not quite so much. As time wore on bad weather closed in and at one point all aircraft were grounded. Also, all ground staff were confined inside, including baggage handlers. With. My. Case...
One and a half hours on I returned to the United office where a different member of staff was manning the desk. I again explained my situation and she checked the system. 'Um, sorry Mr Muxx' she explained 'but your case just landed in Knoxville.' Aaaarrrrgggghhh!
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Right, not to worry. We were due to pick up @jayna from Knoxville the next day, so we'd pick up my case then. In the meanwhile the only clothes I have are the ones I am wearing.
@rhondak and @catherine813 turned up and hugs were exchanged between Rhonda and me. It felt extremely bizarre to actually meet in the flesh with the woman who encouraged my journey into writing. Over the past year or so were have spoken in Discord, gotten to know each other and supported the other in whatever Steem adventures we have explored. When we finally met I felt like we were old friends. Little did I realise the distance involved between DC and Gatlinburg. It had already taken a seven hour drive to Washington, now Rhonda was to drive through the night for another seven hours. She was already my hero before this, and even more so now. She is a force of nature.
Tune in next time to see if my case ever turns up.
Posted from my blog with SteemPress : https://www.muxxy.co.uk/2018/06/22/trek-to-usa-the-curious-case-of-the-missing-case/
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