"Surely You Can't Be Serious"

"I am serious... and don't call me Shirley."

I thought a little humor from the movie Airplane was appropriate for this post about my flight to France.  It never ceases to amaze me how I can't even make it to my destination without something bizarre happening.

My flight schedule involved flying out of Washington DC from Dulles International Airport to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris.  I then would take a short flight from Paris to Lyon.  I am pleased to say that nothing actually went wrong (surprising with me, no?).  I made all of my flights without having any delays or issues.  The only drawback was that I didn't sleep on my flight over to Paris.  So when I arrived there at what would be midnight at home... was actually six in the morning.  With that in mind, let me say this... I will buy dinner for anyone who can successfully find their way through the Charles De Gaulle airport without becoming lost or needing to ask for directions.  This, my friends, is no simple task (especially when sleep deprived).

I, however, managed to accomplish finding my gate with some unexpected help.  After departing the first plane, I took a shuttle to the terminal.  When walking through a corridor (hoping that it would lead to the next terminal over) a group of fully-armed military/security officers gathered in the corridor around me.  Seeing no other passengers nearby, you can imagine the thoughts going through my head.  Am I in a secure zone?  Do I look suspicious?   I continued walking at a slower pace realizing that I was actually fine.  They just happened to convene in the hall at the same time I was there.  I just about made it past the group when I hear "Allons-y!"  The entire group began walking, surrounding me (the only individual not wearing camouflage might I add).  I couldn't break left or right, speed up or slow down.  I just had to go with them.  Much to my surprise, I find out they are heading in the exact same direction as me towards my gate.  Every turn I need to make, they make.  Fortunately, they all break away from me just as I see my gate ahead of me... sparing me from having to cut through them.

However... what does one learn from this experience?  Well... walking with a group of fully armed military officers through an airport for about ten minutes will give you plenty of stares from other people that are trying to figure out if you are a wanted criminal or a high-priority VIP.

And the adventure begins...