Frankfurt at dawn. . . December 10, 2005



The alarm went off at ten minutes to six, but the skates didn’t work out. We had to toss them at security when the x-ray noticed the blade. We’d stayed too long at breakfast! The flight was full and they had taken our bags off the plane already. The loudspeakers were repeating “Halloran, please report to gate . . .” We only noticed after a conversation about our options on the skates: a locker at $1 a day, but Gord and now the flight attendant were yanking on Jaz’s arm, “leave the skates!” and then, we ran. I had to wear my helmet on my head because: only 2 hands. An extra checked bag would have been $175! We tried not to look guilty passing the rows of seated faces. Here we go!



This is travel: The whole day, inside a plane or an airport waiting room, dragging bags and buckling seatbelts, and you don’t want to think about how high up you are, or how many degrees below zero the temperature outside the window. But even with the cheapest tickets, you get a steaming white towel prior to the meal on Air Canada. Just to wash your hands. Nice touch, and complimentary wine with dinner. These little civilized things - free of charge - give you the vague feeling that the world still holds together on “la politesse”. Waiting in a hallway between flights, Jaz meets a young, beautiful Italian woman who speaks halting English while we try our limited Italian vocabulary.