Monday, October 1, 2018

in transit...

... after a morning spent strolling through Central Park in The Big Apple. Following a week in a land with so little color, it was a delight to see all the wildflowers in glorious fall bloom in the park. All that time touring in on that island with much of the landscape either barren and bleak from volcanic eruptions, or washed of most color due to the early onset of autumn it was such a delight to see bright bloomers as we meandered along the paths of the Park.

My vision of a place surrounded by millions people in a town so densely populated is that every plant growing in the environs would be  perfectly placed, carefully groomed and in mint condition. So it was quite unexpected to see areas designed by Fredrick Law Olmsted, first laid out  in the mid-1800's appearing so natural and casual. We read several signs about renovations and improvements made due to donations by Friends of Central Park. Some parts are neatly groomed, tidily planted with landscaping, well mowed, fenced but other parts are much more natural, with seasonal growth, plants that would bloom naturally in the early fall: asters and ageratum.

Subway riding back from Central Park to Chinatown area where we spent the night, blissfully slumbering after travels across the icy North Atlantic. Lunch on a city sidewalk near the hotel where we stored our luggage. Delicious Italian eats: pasta stuffed with ricotta and spinach, made from scratch sauce, sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan. Oh, my goodness! Then a ride back to JFK to be herded through the maze and arrive for screening with TSA again, Then more 'hurry up and wait' for the flight to ATL.

Sitting in various airports: with more experience than I would like of the scanners in TSA. Interesting to note that the security people in JFK are part of the Port Authority. I thought that odd until it occurred to me that Kennedy Airport is a port too! I hope I will do a better job in the future when traveling to take advantage of the benefit of early boarding. I have learned that it is most beneficial to have the brace I wear on my knee visible when heading through security check. Now I know it is also helpful to look 'disabled' when I approach the desk at the boarding gate with my request for 'extra time' to mosey on down the gang-way in an unhurried fashion along with moms and small children. As well as a good idea to limp a little when I take advantage of the stall in the WC labeled for the handicapped.

Flight back to ATL was uneventful, though we had too much time to kill before the last leg of the trip from Hartsfield International to Chattanooga. Whiling away hours with our eyes pretty much glazed over from travel, then hearing the flight to TN is delayed for who-knows-why. Finally arriving in Chattanooga, which is thankfully small, so no hike, or plane-train ride to the terminal, or tedious wait at the baggage carousel.  Driving back across town to fall into bed. Now I will drive for four hours to get home and eventually get over that draggy feeling from extended travel.

Still so thankful for the benefits of being born and living in America. Though we are most assuredly a spoiled people who want what we want when we want it, and sadly accustomed to all the choices that come with our consumeristic society, I know it is a blessing to be here. Enjoying the benefits of the US Constitution and traveling with a privileged passport.

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