I came across this photo recently of a particularly
memorable layover and was reminded that wherever I’m headed, getting there is
always half the fun. I was at London’s
Heathrow Airport at 11 am as I traveled from NY to Greece and my flight to
Mykonos wasn’t leaving until 2:30 pm.
Groggy after flying all night, I was in search of coffee when I saw
these two guys drinking
beers. Well played, I thought.
What the hell, I'm on vacation, and into the pub I go. So I'm next to the old guy at the bar and he turned
and said something to me that sounded like complete gibberish, yet somehow I
knew was English spoken in some thick, heavy brogue. The inflection in
his voice indicated that it was a question, so I smiled politely and sort of
nodded in what I hoped was a non-committal way, and he promptly handed me the
beer he’d just been poured and got himself another. Aha! So that was the
question.
It
really is true that the universe brings me exactly what I need the minute the
thought enters my mind. I thanked him and we clinked glasses. Then he asked me
something else (still couldn’t make out a word) and this time I gave a sort of
shrug/nod combo (which I’ve found to be effective communication in foreign
conversation) and he smiled enthusiastically while I returned to my
table. Suddenly he and the other guy were gathering their stuff and
heading over. Evidently I'd invited them to join me. Ok, now it's a
party!
As I moved over to make room for them I learned that Connal (older,
unintelligible guy) and Graham were in town for the Glasgow/Arsenal game.
Evidently this is the only pub in London open and serving beers by 9am so this is something like their tailgate party. This is their
routine, Graham explained, and more friends are en route, nine (!) in all. This day just keeps
getting better.
I could understand
Graham fairly easily but was still not catching ANYthing of what Connal was
saying, so Graham was interpreting and mocking his friend's heavy
accent. As more of their friends began arriving,
we began rocking out that tiny pub. They
were some good fun! They asked all about New York and my travel plans, repeatedly suggesting I abandon Greece and hang out with
them. They
told funny stories that involved a lot of shouting, insulting one another and
slaps on the back. Who doesn’t love shouty
stories over beers? Before I knew it, though, I realized I needed to get to my
gate. Where had two and a half hours gone? Regretfully I announced, “Aw,
fellas it's time for me to go.”
Collective sounds of disappointment ensued, along with cries of, “We'll get an extra ticket and bring you
to the game,” and, “You don't really want to go to Greece -stay with us!”
and similar. Lots of hugs all around and they seemed genuinely sorry to see
me go (especially Graham...).
But Mykonos beckoned, as did my final
boarding call, and though the sounds of their merriment grew fainter as I made
my way toward my gate, the warmth of camaraderie stayed with me. Next time you can't get a direct flight, don't lay over plugged into a wall checking your messages- make some friends!
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