December 22nd Going to Berlin

It is now winter break. I then have another three weeks in which exams will take place and then another two week inter-semester break. For this break my brother and I decided we would do a small European tour. We have already traveled to Berlin and now have one day remaining here. I'll tell you more about this trip later, but first the story of my travels to Heathrow airport prior to the flight to Berlin.

December 22nd. My observations in note form

I arrived at 5pm for a 9:15pm flight. It's the last plane out of Edinburgh for the day. I sit for a while studying and reading, but hunger arrives. I decide to have take away sushi and sit by the departure signs to watch the people around me as I enjoy the snack. Straight in front of me are two people sitting the the sushi bar, the view of one is blocked by a Christmas tree. I look at this and enjoy the thought of a date between the dirty blond curly hair woman and the Christmas tree. Must be tough for the Christmas tree, he's not good at hold hands or a conversation, but he has all the right looks.

I sit there and next to me a manager from Eat. talks angrily to an employee, ordering him to clean the tables and change the trash bags in the trash cans. He says he can't finish because I'm sitting there, at his table. She gives him an angrier look.

Across from me sits a man of my height, but a bit older. He wears glasses. He listens to music with his red phones on. We're both waiting for information on our flight to appear, we're both people watching.

Cork, poor city of Cork. The plane going there is delayed. Not departing until 10:10pm. Looks like it wanted last place.

120 seconds to go until the gate is announced. 60 seconds. 15 seconds. There we are, gate 10.

With the gate announced people move again, traffic reverses. People appear from every direction all heading to those newly announced. As I sit down at the gate, Mr. Confused and Mr. Surprised appear in one person. He stands there, looking up at the board. Scratches his head. He looks to the window and does not see a plane. He's a smart guy, got it figured out. No plane there means that they have announced the wrong gate. He leaves. Two minutes. He's back. He sits down at the window looking out toward the gate.

Three policemen gather to my left. They stand there conversing in their bright yellow/green vests and black suits. The woman among them sees a friend and walks off. She embraces her and chats. The other two wait, and then go. She'll catch up.

Mr. Stage Crew is now at the gate setting up. He arranges the pole and shows it to Mr. Pose. Mr. Pose smiles, but shows the disappointment. He doesn't want official queues today. Mr. Stage Crew puts all the poles and lines away. Fine, we'll just take them at the counter.

Mr. Stage Crew. Glasses, brown hair. Bushy brow and a short mustache beard combination. He's joined by Mr. Gray who tells him something. Mr. gray is proud. He laughs.

Mr. Pose bends over and picks up the microphone. He calls and Boarding begins. We form a queue without ropes.

About two hours later I experience a very smooth landing at Heathrow airport. Congratulations Captain.

Overnight in Heathrow. 5am check-in for Berlin flight.