December 19, 2020 2035 Coyoacan, Mexico City
I flew down here on Monday, leaving Bethlehem with the
threat a major snowstorm to blow through the area on Wednesday. For the first time I used Lyft which came in
a few minutes and dropped me off at the bus depot. Through a light snowstorm, the bus took off
to pick up more passengers at Allentown airport, Easton, and another stop in
Jersey before Newark. At Newark, I checked
my bag, security and had a good two hours to drink a couple of beers and have a
veggie burger and fries. I sat at the
bar and had the bartender to myself and after a few minutes wanted to be alone.
The airport was eerily quiet. A girl rode a skateboard through the terminal
and glided by with ease. I wanted to ask
her if I could take it out for a spin since she looked like she was having fun,
but instead I was responsible and worked - answered emails and kept an eye on
the crowd that was forming at the gate. I
like a couple of glasses of wine while flying. I got up and asked the woman at
the counter if there was wine on-board. The United website was vague. Oh, yes, the woman said. Good. I boarded and spoke with
Bella Boop, grateful to Ali since Bella cannot use her phone. And we were off. When the flight attendants came around with a
bag of snacks and a small water and soda or coffee I asked if they had wine. Oh, we’re not serving wine or beer in
economy. I was not happy and had a ginger
ale. I watched sports which is something
I don’t do. And looked out of the window
at the distant lights and was prepared for the usual bouts of turbulence. I’m used to it. I felt immobile in my tight economy compartment. My knee was against the seat in front of me. It has been more than 9 months since I flown
and yet it felt good to be back in the sky even though it was night. I prefer the day when I can see more,
especially the clouds. We landed a
little early in Mexico City, after flying over buildings and cramped roads. I sent a message to Mel that was here. My wife was waiting for me and after taxing, immigration
and recovering my luggage, and at last after 9 months we were together. We had a late dinner and an Uber to the Airbnb
where I am writing this. The days have been
filled with work expect for today. Meli
and I bought a few things at a local shop - to decorate the apartment for
Christmas and afterwards went out for a bite.
Mexico City is in a code red which means the museums we wanted to go
into are closed as well as the parks. We’re
smack between the Frida Kahlo museum and Leon Trotsky museum, but cannot go inside
either. The storm did hit the area. I’m grateful for my neighbor who dug a trail
for the post. I owe her. In Mexico City, it’s 70, in the days and
there are no hints of rain or snow.
Thank you for reading this.
