People are so interesting. They have so many stories to tell, if only you take the time to engage and show interest. So this holiday season, instead of wondering why the world is so chaotic and difficult, accept it, embrace it – and be prepared to make the best of it. Talking to people makes life nicer for everyone involved. I think my daughter is beginning to catch on to this. I started out a little bit put off. I wanted to be done with the ordeal and on my way. But I just reminded myself that was not what it was about, and the world would not end if I took a breather. People are interesting. The more you talk to them, the more you’ll learn about their lives and how alike we all are in different ways. And you may discover something you have in common that could become a great conversation starter once again. So my daughter is coming home this weekend. I’m pretty excited.
I’m trying to be kinder in the subways. One MetroCard swipe at a time. I am grateful my 2-year old is engrossed with her new mermaid backpack and matching mermaid friend, I can move on to the next. I love my children, but they are not the brightest when it comes to this. I aspire to be the female version of Geraldo Rivera on TV’s “A Current Affair” or “Fox News” – you know, the guy who’s always interviewing everyone and trying to get them to spill whatever juicy secrets they have – but with a friendly smile.
There’s nothing more stressful than almost missing your flight. I recently flew home from Austria via Munich on the busiest day of the year. I had two hours to get to my gate and almost didn’t make it Evan if you have an unusual surprise and the lines aren’t long at least you’ll make your flight and you can relax at the gate with a good book. Study after study has shown that those who avoid long lines at the airport are more likely to make their flights with time to spare. Whether you’re flying domestic or international, there are ways to experience less congestion, save money, and enjoy a more pleasant travel experience. There are several simple things you can do to avoid airports chaos when embarking on your next trip.
There is nothing more stressful than almost missing your flight. The initial check-in and security queues move quickly, but you know that the boarding gate is on another level of hell…Now, with the new superfast train to the airport, it’s even easier to get to any gate with plenty of time on your hands. I had organized a trip to Austria, and I decided to take the train from Munich to Frankfurt to connect with another flight. That flight was late leaving Frankfurt, and I was supposed to be on the second leg by 10:45a. I ended up getting on around 11:15a, which would have given me almost no time to connect with my final flight. The lower-than-normal passenger volume at that time of day also meant that there was still a long line at security when I arrived. By the time I found my gate, it was 11:25a, so I only had five minutes left until the flight was scheduled to depart.
Thanks to an incredibly kind gate agent who allowed me to move ahead in line, and at least five other people whose tickets were later adjusted before departure so they were able to board after me like Charlie from Charlie’s Angels (all women), I made my flight with less than five minutes to spare. I was in the very last group to board the plane. At first, I thought I was going to have time, but it quickly became apparent this wasn’t going to be a problem. A long line still wrapped around the check-in area, and everyone else was in a panic, rushing towards their gate. I didn’t let myself get flustered; while all those people put their luggage on the conveyor belt, I took my time selecting just two carry-ons: my backpack, and a small bag with liquids and chargers. By understanding airline policy and asking an airline employee for assistance, I got through a lengthy process without aggravating the situation or irritating fellow travelers. I’m going to tell you the six worst things I experienced on this flight so that you don’t have to. On January 9th, 2016 (I know I remember the date because it was my birthday), I was flying to JFK airport in New York City. The flight was only 45 minutes and I ran into bad weather that caused a 30-minute delay.
