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!
Glad you liked the story, AT. I took the journey at face value at the time, and realize I probably would react differently now that I am older and wiser ( hah!). Still, I think it was a funny episode worth sharing.
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.
It was exotic for me as well. I thoroughly enjoyed my week's stay working in Algiers. Delightful! I would handle the flight differently if I went back today, drawing more on my sense of humor.
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.
Flights in foreign countries are all part of the adventure of learning how other cultures work, aren't they? Learning to operate under another culture's principles can be challenging! I myself have been corrected A LOT! ha ha ha Thanks Kristi
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.
Thank you, CJ. It worked out, but I would, no doubt , think about it differently next time. Algiers was a lovely place and I met some wonderful people. Seems so long ago now...
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! 🤣
Thank you, sweet girl. Goodness I have never heard of such a ploy! But I have not flown anywhere since 2018 - just before the pandemic. I am sure things have changed. Not sure I am up to it any more, physically, but my brain continues to tell me, "Pack your bags and get out of here" every day! Sigh...
I'm lucky to travel often in our campervan, and I love to relish the memories I'm storing from my trips! Like you I haven't flown for years - the last time was to Edinburgh for a pre-wedding break nearly ten years ago. I remember flying being such a glamorous activity (I'm going back to the 80s here) - we'd dress up, not down, to travel, and it was a really big deal!
Dad tells a great story about an internationally-famous celebrity he had come across more than once as she travelled first class on the airline he worked for. She would board the aircraft dressed absolutely immaculately, and after enjoying a single glass of champagne and a meal she would retreat to the bathroom, go through her make-up removal and skincare routine and reappear dressed in a cashmere sleep suit. She would sleep all flight, then at an appointed time would be awoken by the CSD with a cup of tea, after which she'd go back into the washroom to, as Dad put it, ‘put it all on again’. The lady in question would therefore make a fabulous first impression at both ends of her undoubtedly very comfortable journey. 😁
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.
Thank you so much. I am glad I made you laugh. Welcome to 🍁Leaves, Leslie, thank you for subscribing. I hope you find more entertaining tales here. You are sure to like this one from the archive: https://sharronbassano.substack.com/p/a-misadventure-in-hungary
Another amusing recount of why I don't travel. thank you no.
WEll writ as always. )))K
You would have hated it.
I am old enough to remember when flying was fun.
Yep! Me, too. Still can be as long as one knows what to expect! Thanks Scott! I hope you have a story for us pretty soon.
I’m officially old, but don’t remember those days. Maybe I went to the wrong places on the wrong airlines, every time.
Perfect storytelling, Sharron!
Wow! Thanks, Linda!
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!
Glad you liked the story, AT. I took the journey at face value at the time, and realize I probably would react differently now that I am older and wiser ( hah!). Still, I think it was a funny episode worth sharing.
Yep, it was... good laughs!!!!
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.
It was exotic for me as well. I thoroughly enjoyed my week's stay working in Algiers. Delightful! I would handle the flight differently if I went back today, drawing more on my sense of humor.
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.
Thank you, FandF! I agree whole-heartedly.
Yikes. So the takeaway is, don’t pay extra for the assigned seat on a flight to Algiers.
Good thinking. And get in the boarding line early! ha ha ha.
Wonderful and interesting as always, Sharron. I did not know that Alitalia had gone away.
You know, I think it was mismanagement and bankruptcy to clear debt? And then a quick rebirth. Not sure exactly...?
Flying can be a great adventure..... or not! Enjoyed the learning.
Yes... good or bad, it is all part of the adventure, in my opinion. Some battles are not worth winning! I learned a lesson.
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.
Flights in foreign countries are all part of the adventure of learning how other cultures work, aren't they? Learning to operate under another culture's principles can be challenging! I myself have been corrected A LOT! ha ha ha Thanks Kristi
Learning other cultures is really the only reason I would travel! Oh, and food 😁
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.
I had a fine time working in Algiers. The teachers I was working with were just an absolute delight. Everything balances out in the end.
In Scotland they say, " If the weather is bad, just wait a few minutes." It is sort of the same thing, I think, when getting to know any new country.
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!
Thank you, CJ. It worked out, but I would, no doubt , think about it differently next time. Algiers was a lovely place and I met some wonderful people. Seems so long ago now...
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! 🤣
Thank you, sweet girl. Goodness I have never heard of such a ploy! But I have not flown anywhere since 2018 - just before the pandemic. I am sure things have changed. Not sure I am up to it any more, physically, but my brain continues to tell me, "Pack your bags and get out of here" every day! Sigh...
I'm lucky to travel often in our campervan, and I love to relish the memories I'm storing from my trips! Like you I haven't flown for years - the last time was to Edinburgh for a pre-wedding break nearly ten years ago. I remember flying being such a glamorous activity (I'm going back to the 80s here) - we'd dress up, not down, to travel, and it was a really big deal!
I understand that air travelers now wear pajamas to fly and bring their own bed pillows! Americans are no doubt the worst offenders.
Dad tells a great story about an internationally-famous celebrity he had come across more than once as she travelled first class on the airline he worked for. She would board the aircraft dressed absolutely immaculately, and after enjoying a single glass of champagne and a meal she would retreat to the bathroom, go through her make-up removal and skincare routine and reappear dressed in a cashmere sleep suit. She would sleep all flight, then at an appointed time would be awoken by the CSD with a cup of tea, after which she'd go back into the washroom to, as Dad put it, ‘put it all on again’. The lady in question would therefore make a fabulous first impression at both ends of her undoubtedly very comfortable journey. 😁
Great story. The woman had standards! And she had routine. I will bet she was a list-maker, too.
I think so. "But sometimes a woman just has to politely assert herself. Right?" Bravo, to you!!!
I thought so, but I hadn't thought out the consequences hat time. Traveling is all learning!
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! 😊
It is funnier in hindsight. As most travel stories are. ha ha ha Thanks Ron, for your comment!
I can only imagine! What was crazy is that seat episode was only scene 1!
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.
Thank you so much. I am glad I made you laugh. Welcome to 🍁Leaves, Leslie, thank you for subscribing. I hope you find more entertaining tales here. You are sure to like this one from the archive: https://sharronbassano.substack.com/p/a-misadventure-in-hungary