Educating the Dragon

Here’s a little story I’d like to share.

When I left the conference venue for the very last time this year I had
run up the road as I realised I had not packed from the morning’s crazy
start. I asked reception to call me a taxi while I stuffed all of my clothes
and gear into my bags. It was a mad drive through the city as the taxi driver
thought I may well miss my flight. Got myself lost on the way to the domestic
terminal and had to backtrack.
Phew, managed to check my bag in, in time and even had opportunity to
chat once more to Keamac.
I thought all is well, I have plenty of time, let’s finish our conversation
so it was not until boarding time did I make my way to the gate, only to
discover the metal detector and x-ray machine (There was not one coming
from Napier) I got binged, as you do. And I went though the gate, apologising
to all and sundry.

“Yes, sir” says the security guard. ” We just need to check the penknife
in your bag.”

Oh no! In my rush I’d forgotten to swop it to checked luggage.

“It’s a little too long, sir.”
Well, could I put it in this other bag and go check it?”
“That’s an idea, sir, but you’ll have to hurry.They won’t hold the plane
for too long.”

I legged it, as fast as I could to check in. Stood in line behind the 3 slowest
people in the entire counrty.
Finally got my bag checked.
Met the same 3 slow people as the queued for the bag drop off.

And again legged in back through security.
Half jogged/walked across the tarmac and into the plane.

“I’m so sorry,” I announce to the whole plane.”You’ll not believe what just
happened to me.”

I am then met with a wall of sound. “Oh look it’s Simon, from Sitech”
“Might have known” “Slow coach”
“I’m sorry, I say, blame me, not the brand.”
And I sit down. Buckle up. and Act like the best passenger in the
whole world.