(An American tale with a Screeming ending)
Long Posting, but worth reading!
A very lucky American planned a trip from the
18th to the 28 to visit Europe. He had booked a very
good deal through Sabena (Belgium Airlines). His
itinerary was Cincinnati to Brussels and onward to
Amsterdam (a city he had frequented before and loved).
A traveling buddy requested a second city and London
was chosen due to cheap airfare roundtrip from
Amsterdam. A very kind Brit had recommended giving
him a Screem once in town. It all seemed simple
enough. Cincinnati to Brussels very smooth. Brussels
to Amsterdam in 20 mins, but to no avail, no luggage.
After confusion and some language problems, a missing
luggage report was filed and onto British Midland Desk
to check in and get seat assignment to Heathrow.
Should be easy enough without any luggage.
Unfortunately, British Midland requires a minimal 30
min check in before flight departure. I'm sorry, but
you can't board this plane(even though it won't be
leaving for 25 mins yet). We'll put you on stand by
for the next flight in 2 hrs. The whole concept seems
stupid, the flight hasn't even left, yet I subdued the
New Jersey upbringing in me and waited. The next
flight comes and goes. There are flights every 2
hours, but I won't be getting on any because they are
over booked. No other airline will honor my ticket or
sell me one. You are not getting a flight from
Amsterdam to London on a Friday. I have too! A
decision was to abandon all airlines and try the
train. A pleasant woman said we could take the train
back to Brussels and then the Eurostar to London.
$140 US went on our credit cards. Only one problem
she says. The train is leaving for Brussels in 3
mins. One of you take the tickets for Brussels and
tell the conductor. The other stay a minute here and
I'll have the printed Eurostar tickets. I run and see
a conductor at the end of the train. I tell him my
friend is coming and that the ticket lady said you'd
wait one minute. He said no. The doors closed the
train left. I go back to the ticket lady and my
friend is gone. I asked her if she had seen my
friend. He's down on ze platform. He's not there,
he's on a train heading to Brussels. He doesn't even
know of the hotel were staying at in London. He's
never even been on a train in his life! I tell her no
he's on the train to Brussels. How can he be on ze
train, you have ze tickets. After much checking,
phone calls and general stupidity, I am to meet him in
Brussels, rebook the last Eurostar and get into
London. He was in Brussels and we arrive at Waterloo.
I quickly learn the Underground (London Subway) and
refigure our directions to the hotel (the original
ones were from Heathrow). We get to the hotel 10hrs
later and still no luggage. We check into the room
and I sit on the bed and want to die. The phone rings
and I smile. It has to be our luggage, no it is Adam.
He had 2 VIP passes for the Bonzai record party at
the Turnmill. I have 45 minutes to figure out the
train stop, location of the club, get something to eat
and get some English money. To top it off I am
jet/train lagged. I need a shower, some clean
clothes. (I will not have time for either or any
luggage and will have to go to a club in an Adidas
sports breaker outfit w/Southpark t-shirt and Nike
high tops) Paul and Lucia will be there he says.
Some how it falls into place and I meet Adam outside.
The club was everything I imagined. Huge,
thumping and many rooms and people. We make it to the
VIP room and I see Paul right away. He is tall and
his eyes are a fire. He was kind and flattered and
very enthusiastic (Adam tells him I came all the way
from the States). We talk about Sunscreem and other
music. I asked if Lucia was there and he calls
(Looch) over. I am mesmerized. Besides having very
little brain function I'm in awe. I try not to be a
sap. I talk to them both for some time. Commenting
on OOTW, WWLMNOW, Cover Me and musical interests etc,
etc. Lucia is kind, but a bit taken back. She seems
a little frightened of all I seem to know and some of
the questions I ask. Don't get me wrong very
enthusiastic, and kind, just a bit cautious. Paul had
no fear at all, (why should he, he has to bend down
just to hear my questions). I decide I don't want to
upset the woman who's voice lives in my soul, so I let
them carry the conversation. Eventually, we all go
down stairs and dance. I stand 10 feet away and watch
this woman dance like a demon radiating love with care
free moves (all without any illegal substances
either). I stay awhile and say my goodbyes to Adam.
I say good bye to Paul and wish him Happy Holidays and
hope our paths cross in Austin, but no promises. I
ask him a favor and to keep recording regardless of
label problems and delays. Your music means so much I
state and leave with a smile. I approach Lucia and do
the same 10ft away. She smiles looks me in the eye
and gives a kiss cheek to cheek. I leave in total awe
hoping I can find a cab and get back to our hotel. It
will be nice to finally sleep lying down after being
up 40+ hours. Of course, I should have known all
would work out and to trust in Love to Save.
Alex
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