I’m at the Seattle-Tacoma airport waiting for my connecting flight to Portland. Maybe someone more skilled in Expedia-Fu could’ve hunted down a non-stop flight but hey, I scored a cheap upgrade to first class and enjoyed leg room, warm nuts, and hot towels during my five hour flight. (I didn’t mean that to sound dirty – it just came out that way.)
Of course I can’t see Seattle though the terminal windows, but it’s out there somewhere in the mist. A passing maintenance workers told me it’s roughly a twenty-five minute drive away. Oh well, maybe I’ll get to see it another day. Now I’m just praying the mist doesn’t turn to snow and delay my trip.
I’ve got some time to kill so maybe I’ll walk over to the nearby bar and and sample some “Alaskan Beer,” whatever that is. Or maybe I’ll stick with water. I stayed up last night watching The Blue Brothers with my roommate an a couple of vodka tonics. (I get nervous the night before flying.) When I woke up this morning I forsook H20 for a half gallon of coffee and paid the price. By the time I was airborne and the plane’s ventialtion system desiccated my skin, I noticed my fingertips were wrinkled like they had been submerged for over an hour. Lack of elasticity in the epidermis is a bad sign. Luckily I got all the water I needed in first class. By the time I was over Idaho I was pissing like a racehorse. (My apologies to my seat mate for getting up so often and knocking my water all him. I’m not a savvy air traveler. Those fancy-schmancy trays in first class are too complicated for me!)
Okay, I’ll stick with water. I’ll need my wits about me. My next flight’s on a puddle jumper. I think it’s a prop job. But if they shout “contact” before the place starts I’ll probably order something from the bar cart. Maybe I should just hit up my internist for Xanax before I fly next time. God I hate turbulence.
Alaskan Brewing makes some decent beer. Enjoy it!
Too bad you couldn’t have stayed a bit and explored Seattle, but Portland’s nice, too. Hope you enjoy your trip to the Great Northwest, Steve. Come back soon!
Continental has a non-stop from Newark to Portland.
Now you tell Don! But would have I gotten the hot towels and warm nuts with Continental? Hmm……
Didn’t mean to make that anonymous
On my honeymoon was the first time I was ever on a plane. I accidentally knocked over my cranberry juice, luckily not on anyone, but I soaked by feet and the carpet. When the stewardess came over to offer assistance, my brand new husband kindly offered this tidbit: “sorry, this is her first time on a plane.” in a very apologetic tone.
I knew he was trying to be nice. But I wanted to smack him. Hehe.
Good luck with the flights, Steve!
Although you’re stuck in Sea-tac, the good news is there are a few places to eat etc. in the airport that are pretty good. And all kinds of alcohol to find. 🙂
I’m crossing my fingers that it stops the small amount of snow we’ve been having this morning. Hopefully you make it out ok.
Steve,
Long time reader, third time poster. Used to hate flying. Now do OK. It was a control thing and a fear thing. What got me over it was the airline flight schedule. Seriously. Get a printed version at the airport. Look at all the flights that just your airline has in the air today. Then think what the odds are that anything bad will happen to your flight out of all of those. Pretty good odds. Lots better than the odds you will be in a car accident on a given day. Relax and just have fun in the great NW. Come back to Seattle someday and we’ll all recommend good restaurants.
Jim
I’m so glad that I’m not the only special air traveller here. On the way to Alaska, I treated my seatmate (a grouchy looking fisherman) to a lap full of Crown and Ginger. I’m sure that was fabulous for him.
It’s not snowing down here, just raining. But it’s late enough now you probably know that already. Enjoy your stay in Stumptown!
Dilettante at Central Terminal! Highly recommended 🙂
I like puddle-jumpers. At least you kind of know what’s going on. They can’t tell you “everything’s just fine” when the 7-up just lept out of your plastic glass and hit the ceiling.
The best place to experience Alaskan Amber is at the Hangar on the Wharf restaurant, just down the street from the brewery in Juneau. I had the freshest glass of beer that I have ever had the pleasure of drinking up there.
If you get a chance, hit Stumptown Coffee when you’re in Portland.
It’s been warm the past few weeks, so I doubt you’ll get snowed in. Been 40+ with not a chance of spring snow for quite a while. I guess people are still telling you their favorite beers and such. My personal faves are Widmer Drop Top and Drifter, as well as BBP from Deschutes Brewery if you’re in the mood for something darker.
Lived in PDX for almost 5 years, haven’t gone out to too many fun places, but a few other people said to check out Dante’s, which can be some real fun. I’m more into pool myself, Rialto and Sam’s Billiards are ok, nothing super special but good environments to work on your book research. I’d also at least once when you’re here order Hammy’s Pizza (open until 4am, and ask the delivery guy how he’s fairing tip-wise, as well as the cabbies here. It’s not much different than other cities, but you may get a somewhat alternate take on how to survive on tips here in the NW. Hell, my roommate used to deliver pizzas and he saved a ton of money using homemade bio-diesel with his diesel volvo wagon. Not every story you’ll hear will be that self-help oriented, but you might find some interesting ideas on how people are surviving in this new economic climate.
Anyway, good-luck again getting here and back safe and sound. Hope you find what you’re looking for here!
Hey Steve – if you connect back through Seattle and have more than an hour to kill let me know. I work near the airport and I’d love to buy you a beer!
LOL. I’ve been travelling for the better part of my life and I still hate it. I feel your pain. I visited friends in Utah last month and before I left I was wondering why I don’t travel much any more. Then I got to the airport and had that question answered for me.
You likely took Horizon to Portland–beer and wine on that flight is free!
I just got your book today. Seriously couldn’t put it down. I read the thing front to back. You are a fabulous writer. Keep doing what you do! I can’t wait to see what’s in store for you next!
This is not even a “waiters rant” anymore its more like a network correspondents blog about his career progress.
Anonymous is just jealous because he doesn’t have warm nuts.
Your post only sounds dirty because it allows the reader to presume that the warm nuts and hot towel occured at the same time . . . making it too easy a target! LOL
Welcome to the PNW. Enjoy your stay in the greatest area on earth.
This is not even a “waiters rant” anymore its more like a network correspondents blog about his career progress.
IEEEEEE!!! YOU WERE RIGHT HEEEEERE!!!! IN MYYYYYY TOOOOOWWWWWNNNNNN!!!!! AND I WAS OBLIVIOUS!!!!!
*sniff* Life can be pretty cruel.
OK, creepy fangirl moment over…