I smiled at him in an apologetic way. “Sorry, you are sitting in the wrong seat – I have 12C.” He looked at me blankly, then turned to gaze out the window, brushing me off as if I were a bug.
Okay, I'll try to be polite re. Algerians and their ways of telling others they're so "special." I speak out of experience... Greece is unfortunately a prized destination for illegal migrants from many Muslim Arab countries and their behavior patterns of these uninvited are VERY similar. Even in their time of need -- being a just landed illegal isn't something that guarantees you A+ welcoming --- Algerians are only second to their Pakistani brothers-in-need. Their skills repertoire is significant and includes interesting ways of treating their unwilling hosts, especially when they happen to be women. I'd say you were lucky choosing to mingle with their lot while traveling solo. Obviously, your good protector angel was sitting on your shoulder. And that says it all. BTW, triple A job as always!
I enjoyed this story so much, Sharron! My brief stay on the Moroccan coast was my first view of what I saw as non Western World life. It was fascinating. - Sometimes you have to follow through - you bought and expected that seat.
Brought to life vividly. We all need to experience lives and views of the world so different from ours. Was it Paul Theroux who said something about ‘travellers never knowing where they are going and tourists never know where they’ve been’. Excellent storytelling.
This was amusing to read 😁 I don't think the delay was your fault at all! I would have done the exact same as you based on principle alone. The reason they behave like that is because nobody else has ever corrected them.
Fascinating and amusingly written story Sharron. It really sounds like a flight from hell. You were right to stand up for yourself. There is culture and then there is civilized behavior.
Wow, I absolutely loved this travel tale, Sharron - what an incredible story!
" It felt like I was in a Marx Brothers movie. Except, you know, with a slightly hostile edge." 😁
What a creative way to smuggle contraband clothing into Algeria! These days I gather many travellers adopt a similar approach to avoid having to pay to check in their luggage - they just wear everything they can on the flight! 🤣
So many funny phrases, Sharron! The imagery had me rolling! An in-flight food bazaar😂😅! It would have been worth the price of admission to be on that flight! Such a different culture; so glad you asked for your seat! 😊
My husband just read this to me like only he can. This is the funniest thing I have heard in a long long time. Perfectly written to envision every essential detail.
Another amusing recount of why I don't travel. thank you no.
WEll writ as always. )))K
I am old enough to remember when flying was fun.
Perfect storytelling, Sharron!
Okay, I'll try to be polite re. Algerians and their ways of telling others they're so "special." I speak out of experience... Greece is unfortunately a prized destination for illegal migrants from many Muslim Arab countries and their behavior patterns of these uninvited are VERY similar. Even in their time of need -- being a just landed illegal isn't something that guarantees you A+ welcoming --- Algerians are only second to their Pakistani brothers-in-need. Their skills repertoire is significant and includes interesting ways of treating their unwilling hosts, especially when they happen to be women. I'd say you were lucky choosing to mingle with their lot while traveling solo. Obviously, your good protector angel was sitting on your shoulder. And that says it all. BTW, triple A job as always!
I enjoyed this story so much, Sharron! My brief stay on the Moroccan coast was my first view of what I saw as non Western World life. It was fascinating. - Sometimes you have to follow through - you bought and expected that seat.
Brought to life vividly. We all need to experience lives and views of the world so different from ours. Was it Paul Theroux who said something about ‘travellers never knowing where they are going and tourists never know where they’ve been’. Excellent storytelling.
Yikes. So the takeaway is, don’t pay extra for the assigned seat on a flight to Algiers.
Flying can be a great adventure..... or not! Enjoyed the learning.
This was amusing to read 😁 I don't think the delay was your fault at all! I would have done the exact same as you based on principle alone. The reason they behave like that is because nobody else has ever corrected them.
Ahhh travel....never a dull moment indeed.
Fascinating and amusingly written story Sharron. It really sounds like a flight from hell. You were right to stand up for yourself. There is culture and then there is civilized behavior.
Yup. NOt my idea of fun. That's why we are sisters, not identical twins. )))
Great story, Sharron. Good for you for standing up for yourself!
Wow, I absolutely loved this travel tale, Sharron - what an incredible story!
" It felt like I was in a Marx Brothers movie. Except, you know, with a slightly hostile edge." 😁
What a creative way to smuggle contraband clothing into Algeria! These days I gather many travellers adopt a similar approach to avoid having to pay to check in their luggage - they just wear everything they can on the flight! 🤣
I think so. "But sometimes a woman just has to politely assert herself. Right?" Bravo, to you!!!
So many funny phrases, Sharron! The imagery had me rolling! An in-flight food bazaar😂😅! It would have been worth the price of admission to be on that flight! Such a different culture; so glad you asked for your seat! 😊
My husband just read this to me like only he can. This is the funniest thing I have heard in a long long time. Perfectly written to envision every essential detail.