Flying isn't really hell - the airports are!!!

OK... I know, Woody and I got to spend a week in Jamaica while those back here suffered through 10 feet of snow, crappy road conditions and school buses that didn't run. I have that in my mind as I write this. However, we did get to experience some of it, and it's effect on us enabled us to become quite familiar with the Regina Airport Authority.

We were scheduled to take off on Sunday the 24th at 9am. Already, the night before, our flight was delayed to 12:35 because of the storm. For those that knew about this, we showed up at the airport around 9:30. Some were still there at 5am. Anyway, before long, we were delayed again. So, there was nothing else to do but hit the airport bar!!! Yah. Didn't open until 11. Fine. We waited. When it did open, they had about 4 dozen beer - warm, plus they were just about out of all other liquor. Now remember, we were one of 4 flights delayed that day, full of enthusiastic people ready to cut loose and give 'er! The guy who owns it would've probably made 5 grand that day, but, instead of showing that entrepreneurial spirit, the owner decided to stay home and shovel, I guess. So by 2 o'clock, many were toyingwith the idea of becoming scotch drinkers, however, our flight was delayed again - now until 11:30 that evening. So some went home, some went out, some stayed. Later, we learned we were delayed again until 2:30am. No need to be there until 11:30. Fine for some, but for those who stayed, the bar closed, the restaurants closed, and with no vending machines, after 8:30pm, you having nothing at your disposal - not even a bottle of water. Great! Then after many "stories" of what was being said and where our plane was and where the crew was, we finally lifted of at 4:15am - over 19 hours late! Now thank God that the Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton in Jamaica is so beautiful that soon, the thoughts of the ordeal would soon fade. The Rum Cream helped too.

So, the vacation ends. We're leaving on Sunday afternoon. We find out the flight coming from Regina is an hour and a half behind, which would put us into Regina at 11:30ish. So we're stuck in the Montego Bay airport. Now this is an airport. Duty free booze and tobacco; clothing; knick knacks and not one but two Margaritaville's!!! I could spend 19 hours here!!! Anyway, we finally took off, in the air for 5 hours and 40 minutes, land in Regina only to be greeted by no ground crew. The dude in the towing vehilce who pulls us to the gate? No where to be found. Finally, he comes whipping around the corner and tows us up. Finally! I'm thinking "off the plane, through customs, home and into bed"! Yah, right. Seems that we snuck up on the Regina Aiport Authority. The tow dude wasn't the only one who didn't know we were coming, the person to wheels the docking back up - nowhere to be found. 20 minutes later, after sitting on the plane, we finally were allowed to de-board!!!

Customs seemed to go smooth for the most part and then it was luggage, and out to greet the winter air! I started peeling immediately! Then it was home to bed at 1 am and up at 4 to do the show with Woody and Shirley.

I know, I know. We still got to spend the week in Jamaica. That's true. But believe me, go spend as much time at the Regina Airport as we did, with a lack of services and you'll need to spend a week in Jamaica calming your nerves. The Rum Cream helps.