Visiting the Pacific Northwest

She doesn’t get off to a good start. When I politely suggest that she may be in my seat I both get scolded for being accusatory and a rant explaining why she is in – and should remain in – my seat. She clearly does not intend to move. Across the aisle an elderly (supposedly handicapped) woman is sitting in Lane’s seat. Both women swear the flight attendants told them to sit in these seats. (A tale that is contradicted by other passengers.) The huge woman in my seat graciously offers me the center seat. I decline, noting that I paid extra for the aisle seat. Lane goes to sit in the ticketed seat of the woman in his seat, but someone else is sitting there too. Of course, there isn’t a flight attendant in sight.

I page an attendant. No one comes.

As the seats around us fill, it is clear that we really need to resolve this immediately. It is also clear that there are no flight attendants assisting with boarding tonight, so I work my way against the flow to the first class section to nab an attendant. Eventually one follows me back, takes one look at the situation and flees in search of a ticket agent. Great.

By the time the ticket agent arrives the flight doors are ready to close. Because the flight isn’t completely filled, she is able to take the most expedient course of action: She leaves the two immoveable women where they are and offers Lane and I the one available first-class seat and an empty aisle seat in coach. Lane generously cedes the first class seat to me.

Oh how I love first class! It is freezing cold and they are out of blankets, but I have enough space to write this and edit Egypt pictures on my computer while sipping a glass of wine, so I really can’t complain.

Hours later we come into Seattle through crystal clear skies. The city glitters brilliantly below. I have never seen the city like this. It is an awesome sight.

When we drove past here the other day while the sun shone, this beach was packed with people. Today it belongs to the local dogs that eagerly fetch balls thrown far out into the chilly waters by their owners holding court along the dry shore.