OBVIOUSLY, I’m interrupting my PINK Literature series because I am now in England.
And I’ve seen things.
And sometimes, gossip is more interesting than intellectual things like poetry and literature.
***
Also, while preparing for the trip, I’ve noticed some things, and there was the Omicron variant of the COVID-19.
Which was, of course, just another mutation of the virus.
And so, I blame those unvaccinated people for extending this pandemic.
And for allowing the mutation because, well, the virus can only mutate in a human host!
***
My righteous anger is, of course, directed at those who had a chance to get vaccinated, and refused the vaccine.
I cannot really be angry with those people who wanted the vaccine, and couldn’t get it because they are poor and helpless.
***
Actually, I’m beginning to regret my decision to go on this European tour for December until the end of February 2022.
It’s just too much hassle.
And all these Covid test requirements and documentation is just getting too expensive.
Only a rich Peter Solis Nery can vacation in Europe for three months during this pandemic.
The poor Peter Solis Nery would rather just stay at home!
***
I decided to travel because I wanted to show the virus that it couldn’t stop me from having a life.
I also wanted to show the unvaccinated the relative freedom of the vaccinated like myself to travel and see the world.
And then, the stupid Omicron variant bursted into the scene.
And now, I’m not sure that I really have a competitive advantage.
***
I sure got my booster shot, a third Pfizer.
But if a new formulation is needed to fight the Omicron variant, and the US will be able to make it available in six weeks’ time, I’ll totally miss its first roll out.
So, I do not know how things will pan out for me in the long run.
***
Am I glad that I am out of the US?
I’m glad that I am able to travel, but I’m also not sure if UK, and the rest of Europe, are the places to go.
Imagine me locked down in Germany, or Poland, or Belarus!
***
For my airport count this year, I have reached 28 airports total so far.
And if COVID situations are more relaxed across the English Channel, I plan to add a few more airports before the year is over.
I want to celebrate New Year, and my 53rd January birthday, somewhere in Europe.
For now, the plan is to celebrate Christmas with my family here in the UK.
***
New York to Manchester could just have been eight hours.
But at $1,400 round trip, I think I’m okay with $800 Baltimore to Manchester round trip even if it means traveling for 14 hours with two stop overs.
My first trip was Baltimore to Atlanta.
And even if I’m on TSA Pre-checked (for frequent flyers), I still went to the airport 3.5 hours ahead of my flight.
Three hours ahead is recommended for international travel.
***
The Omicron just put everyone on high alert, and I had no idea how it would impact airport proceedings with documentation check and Covid screenings.
But, because I was being dutiful and compliant, I checked in within 15 minutes, and my TSA Pre-check got me through security in less than five minutes.
So yeah, I ended up waiting for more than three hours for the first leg of my flights to Manchester.
***
The plane left Baltimore late, arrived Atlanta late, and so I didn’t have much time to change planes in Atlanta.
I was supposed to have a 45-minute layover.
I thought it was a dreadful wait when I was booking my flights.
In reality, I would have needed two hours!
***
In Atlanta, I had to take the sky trains from one terminal to another.
And all these two years of non-international flights has made me a little rusty running around at airports.
I only managed to pee at the airport before my flight was called.
***
And then, for about 8 hours, my plane flew across the Atlantic Ocean, and headed for Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris.
It was a night flight, and I was knocked out dead by a few glasses of wine.
I only managed one inflight movie.
I watched “Into the Woods” as tribute to Stephen Sondheim who died very recently.
***
And Lord God Almighty, it’s hard to flirt aboard the plane when you are unsure that your seat mate is COVID-free.
But this young boy, I didn’t even get his name, enjoyed leg rubbing with me.
We were nudging each other’s leg most of the time that we were awake.
And then, we woke up to breakfast, and Paris. (To be continued) (500tinaga@gmail.com/PN)
