Day 1

December 21^st 2007

It’s a good thing I took off work today. I have no idea how we would have managed to run all our errands if I hadn’t. We were set and ready to leave at 1:00pm. Our flight took off at 3:30pm and reached Miami (FLL) on time. We then had to ride the shuttle to get to Miami International Airport which was completely deserted except for a fairly small line at the Jamaican/Cayman Islands counter – none of them looked like tourists and someone was trying to get four comforter sets on board. With 4 hours to kill we were looking for things to do. I proceeded to get a manicure and some other girly shit (as Kanak likes to call it) while Kanak was busy on the phone. We grabbed dinner at Sbarros – where we met some obnoxiously rude fatties in the line in front of us – they really were fatties - and headed to check-in.

We sat around the terminal making last minute calls and taking random pictures. We then realized that the terminal number changed (over the course of four hours that we were there … who would have thunk !!! – actually, it was I that gave out the wrong gate number) and headed to our new terminal. Our flight was delayed but we had no idea because we don’t speak Spanish! They terminal hostess would make all these announcements (only in Spanish) and would only speak in English if the name of the person she was paging was not Hispanic. I pulled out my “Spanish Phrases” handbook and skimmed through it. I then tried to decipher her next announcement but all I could catch was Por favor and especial. Ok so I now know she said please and special. I put the book away and looked up to see a row of people looking at me with this grin on their face. I am a damn tourist … Gimme a break alright.

I struck a conversation with this one couple heading to Peru. They told us to expect a mad rush when the gates would open. Our flight was due to leave at 1:20am but there was no news of the flight till 2:00am. The terminal hostess said something important and the lady just laughed and said “Don’t whip out your handbook, I’ll tell you what she said”. I smiled gratefully. Turns out boarding had begun and they were calling row numbers in Spanish (BIG SURPRISE!!!) I just walked in when the couple headed to the gate because Por favor and especial is one thing but numbers in Spanish is a whole new ballgame. I need more time than 4 hours at Miami airport for that.

We got on the flight and were promptly seated next to a lady, baby in tow. The kid was fairly quiet the entire ride so I guess we were blessed in a way. I was parched and wanted a gin and tonic. When the drink cart rolled around, I issued my request to the stewardess. I was greeted by a puzzled look and then it looked like she understood me. She handed me a can of club soda and walked away. Kanak just burst out laughing and proceeded to continue with his nap. I was left sipping club soda and watching No Reservations.