I've always liked plane rides, but this one was just not as great.
My family and I were travelling to the Philippines for vacation. I was a pretty excited teenager because I was able to see my extended family after a long time apart.
Being curious and excited, boarding the plane (Cathay Pacific) I was ready to head over the ocean for 14 hours. I sat in my seat between my brother and sister and relaxed thinking "This vacation is going to be awesome".
We were ready for take off. I sat back in my seat as the engine and plane was heading toward the take off runway. Sooner or later we were finally in the air. Things were going perfect, the stewardesses had done their safety demo and the real flight had begun.
We waited until they had given each of us headphones, I put mine in my ear and pressed the on button to turn the TV on. A blank square. I tried again. Still a blank square.
I thought no... this is and would not be fair if I had no TV. So I called for assistance hoping it was just a small error. Unfortunately that was not the case, the TV had a connection error to the main system and wasnt able to work. I was pretty sad, but I didn't worry about it too much and put my mp3 on (oh those little gadgets before iPods).
I was listening to music when all of a sudden I felt the back of my chair move. I didn't think of it much because it was possibly someone just getting up to go use the wash room. I was wrong. The hitting on the back of my chair continued... after putting up with it for 20 mins I turned around to find a young boy kicking it. I asked the parent of the child to ask if could stop and she gave me a dirty glare. Scared I turned back around and just sat down.
I thought to myself.. could this get any worse?
It did.
Because I had chose to sit in the middle seat... sleeping comfortably through a 14 hour flight without a TV and a kid kicking my chair in the back wasn't fun. I wanted to cry because I had become cranky and really tired. Getting neck cramps from trying to sleep sitting, everything was just getting on my nerves.
Finally after putting up with everything I tried to wake up my mom or dad -- who was in the row in front of us -- to ask if I could switch spots with one of them. Let me say... I LOVE MY MOM, so when she agreed to switch, I was the happiest child ever.
I'm not sure why I didn't ask earlier but I'm just glad I did. Even though there was only 5 hours of the flight left... I was just happy I could actually get some rest. Yeah my mother wasn't to impressed when we got to airport but she was glad I wasn't going to be a walking zombie once I stepped foot in the Philippines.
I still love plane rides, but next time I'm going to make sure I have things that won't bother me next time.. maybe sit in the row in front of my parents so that I don't encounter rude families and to bring my own portable DVD player.
I will be prepared for my next 14 hour flight.
I had the same experience with having a kid at the back of my seat, he was playing with the folding table and was so noisy the whole flight. He keeps on complaining and asking stuff to his mom. I can tell that I'm not the only passenger who was annoyed by it. :)) Well, I didn't do anything about it but put on my earphones and watch Tv. Sorry to hear about your Tv though. I feel you. It's really a long 14 hour ride with nothing to do, good thing you have your mp3 player, unlike me, an excited kid I am, I forgot to charge my iPod. :))
ReplyDeleteIt might have been a torture for me too if I don't have anything to do. Haha. I love plane rides as well but the best part is when you are already in your destination. That's the start of good things. I had a fun time in Philippines, hope you and your family did too. :) And hey, good to know that there is someone in our class who's been in the Philippines or were you born there and just moved here?