This is a blog by request and I will be stealing most of it from a NY TIMES piece on Sunday -- full disclosure -- from memory. I am so sorry for all of you that are stuck in airports across the country. I am in LOS ANGLES and even here, shock & horror, it is awful! I have a cold and sore throat like everyone I have heard from.
Here is what I can do. Hopefully you have your chargers for you computer with you. Keep checking back with Citizenhunter--not a shameless plug, I bet there are lots of things you may not have noticed that can help you pass the time, help you change a life, and also just make you smile. Also, Facebook your heart out--man, I love that thing.
OK, so you are hungry and annoyed and tired -- what to do? Well if you are in Houston that is easy--karaoke all the way!! Or move away from it if you are about to go postal please. Deep breathing, meditate, say prayers, call loved ones, read a book for pleasure, write a poem, flirt with the cute girl or guy you saw, play peek-a-boo with a baby and give those parents a break already. Go up to anyone in uniform and just say thank you -- nothing more is needed.
Being stuck can be an opportunity -- Thich Nah Hahn, one of my favorite writers, a Buddhist monk says that -- and he should know, right?
OK, now to food.
LAX folks :
In and out Burger -- you deserve it! Go to the parking lot garage -- it is right next door.
Encounter Restaurant and see what you can see.
Dallas:
Stay if you can and get yourself to Billy Bob's largest and greatest honky tonk in the world --I once saw Merle haggard there for 10 bucks!!
Railhead BBQ and Dickey's BBQ Pit
Atlanta:
By the way that place is blowing up--why is everyone moving there? Can someone tell me? Quick watch this CBS thing I did on refugees there who play on a special soccer team--really amazing!
One Flew South is the place to eat
Philly:
Need I say get a darn soft pretzel already. Also pick up a Philly Daily News and let me know what's going on.
Cities I have missed, please write in on the comments what you know.
Travel Safe, guys, and no airport rage please -- everyone is bumming!
Comments (12)
Is this my Christmas miracle? You are an angel--thank you.
Posted by: James on December 22, 2008 13:40
What should I do if I'm stuck in bad weather here in hallandale. It only 77 and windy, with gusts up to 15 mph. When the sun goes behind a cloud, it really feels cold. Tennis was hard to play today with the wind gusts.
Posted by: Steve on December 22, 2008 16:34
E terminal is Chickies and Pete's, with the best crab fries and good roast pork sandwiches. In Fort Lauderdale in the A terminal they have really good onion rings at the restaurant bar.
Posted by: kaplan on December 22, 2008 16:59
You're awesome, Flavia, makin' me smile even though I beat one of the storms driving back from Rochester, N.Y. to Maine.
I can imagine the frustrations. I have been delayed many a time just because it might be too sunny out.
There is also a saying......"You could walk anywhere as long as you have the time." Just a thought, heehee.
Posted by: TheBoss on December 23, 2008 02:50
I am strangely ok with being 7 hrs. late I knew it was coming so I am prepared. Going to see a movie then I am trying to make plans in Phoenix for a 4 hr. layover
Posted by: Flavia Colgan on December 23, 2008 11:25
I am strangely ok with being 7 hrs. late I knew it was coming so I am prepared. Going to see a movie then I am trying to make plans in Phoenix for a 4 hr. layover
Posted by: Flavia Colgan on December 23, 2008 11:25
Don't forget those of us takign or picking folks up from the airport.
Posted by: Ric on December 23, 2008 12:37
Amen RIC
Posted by: Kevin Colgan on December 23, 2008 16:45
I am at Phoenix airport and easting at Fairway 12--the food is not great and I got carded, so despite being able to fly today with no ID I can not have a much needed drink. I am on a total of 12 hrs. delay. Have met nice people and bought my whole family--x-mas gifts from AZ Grillin I hope they do not mind. If you are in Phoenix please come find me!!
Posted by: flavia Colgan on December 23, 2008 21:24
Go to wendy's not that place way too expensive , they don't have frosties, and the burgers are better. Bad call Flav I love ya
Posted by: Matt on December 23, 2008 22:24
I wish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That is what I say when I am delayed...where's the nearest bar!
Didn't they know that you are the one and only Flavia Colgan, the savior of the democratic party?
Stay strong and I hope you are feeling better from your cold at least.
Posted by: TheBoss on December 24, 2008 03:30
great blog post flavia. real food for thought. while i have never traveled across the states during the holidays. i do find it interesting the cultural difference between each airport.
i'm watching a documentary at the moment called "stephen fry in america". it's a presenter for the BBC who is driving across america in a zig-zag and is visiting all 50 states. but what he is trying to show in the documentary is how different and diverse the states are.
Posted by: paul on December 29, 2008 00:54