Thread:Pamster315/@comment-25989346-20150619011954/@comment-26424426-20150619114058

The lady next to me on the plane required part of my seat and legroom, and so I was quite uncomfortable -- especially sitting in a row where you can't stow under. Then 3 hours through passports -- people familiar with the airport  said it was unusual and were equally surprised by the lack of direction and assistance. More than 1,000 of us herding with no direction until we could finally see lines. Then we searched 30 minutes for luggage -- so much time passed there were no postings -- when we each found an employee who knew where they were. Then the desk clerk was rude and yelled at us and shrugged -- after calling us over to her, only to ignore us and take a long phone call to whom she was also rude. Not one smile or word of welcome. Shrugged us off in dismissal when I asked her for our ID'S to return to our original line and refused to give us our ID'S. I got the manager and her tune changed. Turned out she was only supposed to handle check outs and so had erred from the start. The manager made sure we were taken care of and dealt with her privately -- even if he said nothing to her, he made sure she stayed away from check in. the other ladies were lovely and nice, helped us organize our sightseeing, and our little room has a nice view of the Mediterranean Sea. We can walk to the beach in 5 minutes. Our taxi driver was a lovely, sweet man who gave us pointers even with the language barrier. The manager sent us some Cava,  and I forgive anything if I have Cava. So all turned out well, but the stress after being told how wonderful the folks were here and encountering those who were not. My husband is a seasoned international traveler and just the most patient, understanding guy --he has to being married to me -- but this is only my second such trip. Everyone we encountered in China and Hong Kong were most gracious and accommodating. I try to be a nice person and will take a gift to the counter girl -- maybe she had had a bad day, too. But I worked at children's hospital, and you put that aside because those kids and their families rely on you to help them through far worse struggles -- and their patience, compassion and strength are humbling.

I have been rattling on, Dean, but thank you for listening and understanding and empathizing. It is nice to check in on you all from time to time, do my gifting, and know this is is a fun place to be.

Invictus