Intended to put a note about the missing and found suitcase earlier. Somehow never got around that since May 18th when I found it in Kiev.
The short of the story is: suitcase never left Kiev. Why KAL could not figure that out is beyond me.
Here is the long story how I found it:
KAL in Nadi could not locate my suitcase. While I was still in Matava I had two conversations with a Nadi KAL guy. He was cagy and vague. The first conversation started with "we look for your lost bag". I told him I had not lost my bag. The airline did. In the second phone call he told me: Ms, we probably located your suitcase and it might be in Paris. My response was that probably and might in one sentence do not sound reassuring. After a second conversation KAL office sent an email with a form which started "compliment" or "complaint". The message sent by KAL was not addressed to me, had no explanations or clarifications.
In Matava lack of cloths was not a problem. Maggie provided T-shirts, shorts, sun block and insect repellent. In Nadi I bought flip flops and cheap chinese swimming suit.(I packed three swimming suits). When purchasing things in Nadi I went for basics only as I hoped my suitcase will be delivered.
Once my Matava stay (regretfully) was over and I had no news about the suitcase I started to be concerned.
The plan was that while I am in Seoul I go to the ANZA ball. The theme this year was "All that glitters". And I had a perfect dress for this theme. Long shiny metal dress I bought last year in Itaewon. The dress needed some adjustments and Ylona kindly picked it up and brought it to me in A'dam. To match the dress I put in the suitcase glittering strappy sandals.
Now without suitcase and nothing appropriately to wear I went to shop for a suitable dress in Nadi. I was lucky enough to find two long dresses - each USD 10.
I have not left Nadi before popping up to KAL office. I got a polite but not reassuring talk how KAL does everything to find my suitcase. Yeah and after all these efforts no sign of the suitcase for two and half weeks.
In Seoul before flying to A'dam I went to KAL office at Incheon. To my amazement I was informed my case has been closed. I wished I could fly to Nadi and got the guy who is doing everything to find my suitcase. I convinced the guy at the Incheon the case should not be closed. He reopened. I also made a point concerning flight security: how is it possible when passangers cannot get into a plane with a small bottlke of water the airline loses a track of a 24 kg suitcase? At that point KAL started to explain this is AF fault. Have they contacted AF? They will.
KAL's office in Schiphol works only on Thursdays. I arrived to A'dam on Sunday and left for Kiev on Monday. KAL office in Paris had an answering machine which did not take messages. Perhaps they should put a new tape in recorder. And the instructions how to leave a message were only in Korean and French.
I arrived in Kiev on Monday 11th. After passing immigration I went straight to look for a suitcase. The person from the AF lost found directed me to the luggage storage. No suitcase there. Than I found out there is a phone for lost and found on the Kiev airport. There is only one number and you talk to the person who is at the airport over the phone. The person hung up on me three times. After almost two hours of going around the airport I decided to go home.
On Tuesday I sent a message to KAL summarizing my all events and expressing frustrations. Message themes were customer service and security. On Wednesday May 13KAL Paris office answered email and told me KAL continues to look for a missing bag. He told me there is a unclaimed suitcase at the Kiev airport matching description of mine. He gave me the number. On Friday I went to the airport to AF office. Before I found it I got lost few times in a labyrinth of airport corridors. In the office I asked for the manager and a pleasant looking guy introduced himself as Mikhail. I showed him my thick file and all the paperwork. He understood the problem and called some storage. He told me there is indeed a suitcase at the storage with a tag I got from KAL. We went to check it. I ended up in the airport basement within customs area. There is a huge storage with piles of suitcases and bags wrapped in plastic. A huge guy who is in charge of the basement took me and Mikhail to the bag. And there it was - my suitcase! I was so happy. Unbelivable! All my cloths are back with me! All Matava presents. Everything is back! Thanks God! And it never left Kiev!
Now I found the suitcase but silly me I did not take the passport and keys with me. Customs was reluctant to give me a suitcase back without a passport. I had with me a detailed packing list and after some persuading customs was able to confirm through security check that a phone, shoes, underwater camera case etc are in it. I signed papers and took my suitcase home.
I asked Mikhail how it is possible the luggage tag with the bar was lost. He told me that most likely it got off at Kiev luggage belt. And that's it. Amazing but who cares now when I got it back.
That evening I hang up all my favourite clothes from a suitcase for a full display. It was such a joy to look at them. And I was pleased with myself I was persistent with my search.
Never got any feedback from KAL.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Doctors in Kiev
There is an epidemic of bronchitis in Kiev. I was not immune to it. I started coughing last week. First few days I tried home medicines. As the sound of my cough started to worry me I decided to see a doctor last Wednesday.
I went to a private international clinic my insurance has a contract with. The doctor I had a consultation is not Ukrainian or Russian. He listened to my lungs. Requested to make an x-ray. Within 40 min I brought x-rays of my lungs. The doc pensively looked at them (there were two photos). Than disappeared. Few minutes later he was back with diagnosis: pneumonia.
???...
He told me his diagnosis is confirmed by another doctor at the clinic.
???...
Next he suggested I stay two days in a hospital. After two days I will be released. Of course - he continued - I could go home but recuperating will take longer. Of course I opted to go home.
He started to write prescriptions including antibiotics. While he was busily writing I asked him if he is 100% sure I have pneumonia. He was 100% sure. I asked him if he does not need to do any tests to determine what strain of pneumonia I have. Well, yes we can do tests. I got impression if I did not ask for tests he would not suggest them.
While writing protocol for tests he asked me if I would like to have a diabetes test.
I was puzzled. Any connection between pneumonia and diabetes - I naivly questioned? He did not insist on diabetes test.
After I left my liquids for testing, the doctor told me to come next Monday for a check up. Once again I told him I do not have a fever and my cough is only 5 days old. He told me he has four pneumonia patiens alreday who do not have fever.
I went to the clinic reception to sign an invoice for couple of hundred dollars for the insurance claim. Two x-rays were USD 189. The doctor's consultation fee was USD 230.
The overall bill was sickly excessive for unimpressive medical performance.
In ex-Soviet Union tuberculosis is widespread. With the number of TBC patients Ukraine holds 8th place in Euroasia. The high number of TBC cases is due to a collapse of the health care system after 1990. Currently the state does what it can to address the issue and any pneumonia patient needs to be hospitalized to reduce spreading. The fact that the doctor in the international clinic did not insist on hospitalization made me suspicious.
I was determined to get a second opinion.
I went to British European Medical Centre. There a nice lady doctor checked carefully my lungs. Performed all standard GP check ups (not at all done at the first clinic). After detailed check up she diagnosed bronchitis. Her prescription included coughing syrup and Dr.Mom pastilles.
This restored my spirits. But with two oposite diagnosis a third does not hurt.
Through the office colleague I got a contact number of Dr. Mikhail - a pneumonia specialist. He inclined to diagnose bronchitis but to be sure he asked for x-rays. I know it is not good to have several x-rays the same day. But I did not want to go to the first clinic to get x-rays made in the morning. So I went to a nice, modern, private Ukrainian diagnostic centre. There for UAH 170 ( USD 21) I got an x-ray. The X-ray came with diagnosis - bronchitis.
With three independent opinions stating I have bronchitis and not pneumonia I felt immidiately better.
Now I am a patient of dr. Mikhail. I do not take antibiotics prescribed by the first "doctor". Dr. Mikhail's prescription for curing bronchitis next to "serious" medicine - includes drinking cognac with honey. Three times a day. I am feeling so much better. My kind of a doctor.
I went to a private international clinic my insurance has a contract with. The doctor I had a consultation is not Ukrainian or Russian. He listened to my lungs. Requested to make an x-ray. Within 40 min I brought x-rays of my lungs. The doc pensively looked at them (there were two photos). Than disappeared. Few minutes later he was back with diagnosis: pneumonia.
???...
He told me his diagnosis is confirmed by another doctor at the clinic.
???...
Next he suggested I stay two days in a hospital. After two days I will be released. Of course - he continued - I could go home but recuperating will take longer. Of course I opted to go home.
He started to write prescriptions including antibiotics. While he was busily writing I asked him if he is 100% sure I have pneumonia. He was 100% sure. I asked him if he does not need to do any tests to determine what strain of pneumonia I have. Well, yes we can do tests. I got impression if I did not ask for tests he would not suggest them.
While writing protocol for tests he asked me if I would like to have a diabetes test.
I was puzzled. Any connection between pneumonia and diabetes - I naivly questioned? He did not insist on diabetes test.
After I left my liquids for testing, the doctor told me to come next Monday for a check up. Once again I told him I do not have a fever and my cough is only 5 days old. He told me he has four pneumonia patiens alreday who do not have fever.
I went to the clinic reception to sign an invoice for couple of hundred dollars for the insurance claim. Two x-rays were USD 189. The doctor's consultation fee was USD 230.
The overall bill was sickly excessive for unimpressive medical performance.
In ex-Soviet Union tuberculosis is widespread. With the number of TBC patients Ukraine holds 8th place in Euroasia. The high number of TBC cases is due to a collapse of the health care system after 1990. Currently the state does what it can to address the issue and any pneumonia patient needs to be hospitalized to reduce spreading. The fact that the doctor in the international clinic did not insist on hospitalization made me suspicious.
I was determined to get a second opinion.
I went to British European Medical Centre. There a nice lady doctor checked carefully my lungs. Performed all standard GP check ups (not at all done at the first clinic). After detailed check up she diagnosed bronchitis. Her prescription included coughing syrup and Dr.Mom pastilles.
This restored my spirits. But with two oposite diagnosis a third does not hurt.
Through the office colleague I got a contact number of Dr. Mikhail - a pneumonia specialist. He inclined to diagnose bronchitis but to be sure he asked for x-rays. I know it is not good to have several x-rays the same day. But I did not want to go to the first clinic to get x-rays made in the morning. So I went to a nice, modern, private Ukrainian diagnostic centre. There for UAH 170 ( USD 21) I got an x-ray. The X-ray came with diagnosis - bronchitis.
With three independent opinions stating I have bronchitis and not pneumonia I felt immidiately better.
Now I am a patient of dr. Mikhail. I do not take antibiotics prescribed by the first "doctor". Dr. Mikhail's prescription for curing bronchitis next to "serious" medicine - includes drinking cognac with honey. Three times a day. I am feeling so much better. My kind of a doctor.
Monday, May 24, 2010
The Village
Photos of the village next to Matava: http://picasaweb.google.nl/gordie26/TheVillage?feat=directlink
Village School Night
Fiji is poor. GDP per capita for 2009 is around USD 1800. Since the coup in 2006 Australia and New Zealand who were major financial aid donors significantly reduced financial aid.
The conditions in a village nearby Matava are basic. To improve conditions Matava runs several projects to assist the village. One of the projects is fund raising for the village school. This is only occasionally arranged, so I was lucky to be in Matava on the fund raising night. Almost entire village came to the resort. We had cava. Ladies were dressed in local costumes with very elaborate headwear. They danced and sang local songs. George gave outstanding performance of imitating animals. Polish divers were singing their national song. We all had a lot of fun.
And most importantly a nice sum for the village school was raised.
http://picasaweb.google.nl/gordie26/VillageSchoolNight?feat=directlink
The conditions in a village nearby Matava are basic. To improve conditions Matava runs several projects to assist the village. One of the projects is fund raising for the village school. This is only occasionally arranged, so I was lucky to be in Matava on the fund raising night. Almost entire village came to the resort. We had cava. Ladies were dressed in local costumes with very elaborate headwear. They danced and sang local songs. George gave outstanding performance of imitating animals. Polish divers were singing their national song. We all had a lot of fun.
And most importantly a nice sum for the village school was raised.
http://picasaweb.google.nl/gordie26/VillageSchoolNight?feat=directlink
Fiji - Poland Volleyball Match
Fiji crew and Polish divers played valleyball. The match was serious. It was played over two days. Poland won. http://picasaweb.google.nl/lh/photo/0BqSNjo8UO5dhQzV0HZ5gQ?feat=directlink
Travel moment 7 - Kandavu Sunday Mass
On Sunday May 2nd there was a strong wind and large swell. Die-hards decided to go diving within the reef. Most of us opted to go for a Sunday mass in the nearby village. Fish tooks us there on a boat. The church was methodist denomination. Maggie showed us the way and advised us customs and proper behaviour (do not show knees-put sarong on; do not wear hat; do not wear anything on your shoulders). In the church Maggie placed us on the left side. Later I noticed that with exception from male guests from Matava left side of the nave was exclusively for women. Children had their "corner" - small pews right from the priest. On the right side - mostly men were sitting - with few ladies.
The most impressive was singing in Fijian. By third song we were singing with the villagers too. Apart from wonderful singing the next most impressive sight was a man walking around the church with a large cane. I never saw such a large cane. I also have not expected to see a cane in the church. So far I only read about canes frustrating teachers used long long time ago in schools. I also thought canes are part of literature - like Oliver Twist. So I was surprised when I saw such a big cane in a church. The man was poking kids with a cane. Sometime mid mass he also separated a small kid from his mum although - in my opinion the kid behaved well. Actually all kids behaved well. I do not like to take photos during the worship but above is the photo of a man with a cane.
The sermon was also memorable. It was in Fijian and I could not not understand anything but it after listening to it I was scared. The priest was shouting and gesticulating with a hand. He looked to me as a very angry man. I asked Maggie why was a priest shouting. Maggie's response was the priest was angry with village men having too much kava a night before. Thanks Maggie. Makes sense. Photos of village church and people after Sunday mass http://picasaweb.google.nl/gordie26/KadavuSundayMass?feat=directlink
The most impressive was singing in Fijian. By third song we were singing with the villagers too. Apart from wonderful singing the next most impressive sight was a man walking around the church with a large cane. I never saw such a large cane. I also have not expected to see a cane in the church. So far I only read about canes frustrating teachers used long long time ago in schools. I also thought canes are part of literature - like Oliver Twist. So I was surprised when I saw such a big cane in a church. The man was poking kids with a cane. Sometime mid mass he also separated a small kid from his mum although - in my opinion the kid behaved well. Actually all kids behaved well. I do not like to take photos during the worship but above is the photo of a man with a cane.
The sermon was also memorable. It was in Fijian and I could not not understand anything but it after listening to it I was scared. The priest was shouting and gesticulating with a hand. He looked to me as a very angry man. I asked Maggie why was a priest shouting. Maggie's response was the priest was angry with village men having too much kava a night before. Thanks Maggie. Makes sense. Photos of village church and people after Sunday mass http://picasaweb.google.nl/gordie26/KadavuSundayMass?feat=directlink
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Travel moment 6 - Quio
Matava hires locals to transport its guests from the airport in Kadavu to the small harbour were one gets on a small boat. This time I was greeted by the driver called Quio. Also on a way to the harbour errands (shopping, checking mails etc) had to be done. Quio and I started conversation. I answered questions about my flights, if I am tired, where I am from, how long will I stay. I also asked Quio about him. He is married. Has two kids. Generates main income growing tarro, tomatoes and other vegetables at his local farm. He sells veggies to the local school and hospital. But says it's very hard to live from a farm. Therefore he also works as a military contractor. In transportation. He was in Lebanon, Kosovo and Iraq. He explains he built his house after Kosovo. His new car is bought after he has been to Iraq. In few weeks he goes to Afghanistan. He was very enthusiastic about it. He works in transportation. I am familiar Fijians are considered tough warriors. I know Fiji is poor country. Economy is weak. After the coup in 2006 foreign aid is restricted. Nevertheless I was surprised to talk to someone who wants to leave a beautiful island of Kadavu and work in Afghanistan doing dangerous transportation work.
I asked Quio - if he has a house and a car what he needs next. The answer was a boat. Makes sense. I wished him good luck. On a photo above Quio is next to his pick up.
Later I shared with Richard my conversation with Quio. Richard told me hiring Fijian mercenaries is a huge business. From some villages about 70% of young men left for Iraq or Afghanistan in recent years. Such outflow forced the government to restrict mercenary activity but men still leave.
Travel moment 5 - Airplane accident
Taking off from Nadi to Kandavu I saw a plane which crashed that morning.This was an NGO plane and fortunatly no one was hurt.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Travel moment 4 - KAL and Lal
I) KAL Nadi
Before checking for Kandavu with Pacific Sun I went to the KAL office. There a young man Villie - in charge of passenger's luggage told me he will manage my claim. I asked him what he has done so far. He looked confused. I asked him if he sent any inquiries to Incheon or CDG. He responded due to the time difference no email was sent. But he assured me he will attend to my luggage claim. He than informed that tomorrow he will need to attend a family funeral and some other guy will take over my claim. This was not at all reassuring. While Villie was talking bullshit I noticed photos at the office screen saver: winter and autumn landscape photos from different places in Europe. It felt absurd one travels to the other side of the planet to enjoy palms and white beaches, but ends up watching snow-caps of Alps and castles on Loire on a screensaver. The certain level of absurdity helped me to keep some detachment.
Returning back to my suitcase problem I asked Villie if he will send an email today. Following his confirmation I requested he copies me on any emails. Trying to say something positive he explained to me if KAL finds my suitcase they will send it via DHL. He was surprised when I told him I am flying to Kandavu (45 min flight from Nadi) and the resort I am going to is about 45 min by boat from the Kadavu airport. I asked him to check if there is DHL on Kadavu.
My next question was about compensation for not having a suitcase with me. This was 70 Fijian dollars or USD 20. Villie explained this is KAL policy. I requested a copy of recipt.
II) Lal
Feeling fully "compensated" with FJ$ 70 received by KAL as compensation for the missing suitcase I went to check in with Pacific Sun for a flight to Kadavu. I check in my hand luggage. In Dec last year when I travelled from Taveuni to Kandavu via Nadi PacSun forgot to load my luggage on the plane. The luggage arrived the next day thanks to Maggie. With this and the most recent experiance I asked the guy at the check-in to ensure my bag will be on the plane. I also shared with him the other airline mishandled my other suitcase. He ensured me my bag will be on the plane. He asked me where in Kadavu I will stay. "Oh, Matava. Give my regards to Maggie!". Everyone in Fiji knows Maggie.
Holding my Dutch passport his next question was if it is true smoking weed is legal in Holland. I confirmed. This prompted him to share with me that the best pot in Fiji is grown in Kadavu. He continued with compliments about Kadavu weed. He than asked when I am coming back from Kadavu to Nadi. I gave a date. "Oh, well. Perhaps when you are back we can roll some together. " All I could come up was "Ok. Thanks. I'll think about it". The name tag on the guy's shirt was "Lal". What a check-in!
Before checking for Kandavu with Pacific Sun I went to the KAL office. There a young man Villie - in charge of passenger's luggage told me he will manage my claim. I asked him what he has done so far. He looked confused. I asked him if he sent any inquiries to Incheon or CDG. He responded due to the time difference no email was sent. But he assured me he will attend to my luggage claim. He than informed that tomorrow he will need to attend a family funeral and some other guy will take over my claim. This was not at all reassuring. While Villie was talking bullshit I noticed photos at the office screen saver: winter and autumn landscape photos from different places in Europe. It felt absurd one travels to the other side of the planet to enjoy palms and white beaches, but ends up watching snow-caps of Alps and castles on Loire on a screensaver. The certain level of absurdity helped me to keep some detachment.
Returning back to my suitcase problem I asked Villie if he will send an email today. Following his confirmation I requested he copies me on any emails. Trying to say something positive he explained to me if KAL finds my suitcase they will send it via DHL. He was surprised when I told him I am flying to Kandavu (45 min flight from Nadi) and the resort I am going to is about 45 min by boat from the Kadavu airport. I asked him to check if there is DHL on Kadavu.
My next question was about compensation for not having a suitcase with me. This was 70 Fijian dollars or USD 20. Villie explained this is KAL policy. I requested a copy of recipt.
II) Lal
Feeling fully "compensated" with FJ$ 70 received by KAL as compensation for the missing suitcase I went to check in with Pacific Sun for a flight to Kadavu. I check in my hand luggage. In Dec last year when I travelled from Taveuni to Kandavu via Nadi PacSun forgot to load my luggage on the plane. The luggage arrived the next day thanks to Maggie. With this and the most recent experiance I asked the guy at the check-in to ensure my bag will be on the plane. I also shared with him the other airline mishandled my other suitcase. He ensured me my bag will be on the plane. He asked me where in Kadavu I will stay. "Oh, Matava. Give my regards to Maggie!". Everyone in Fiji knows Maggie.
Holding my Dutch passport his next question was if it is true smoking weed is legal in Holland. I confirmed. This prompted him to share with me that the best pot in Fiji is grown in Kadavu. He continued with compliments about Kadavu weed. He than asked when I am coming back from Kadavu to Nadi. I gave a date. "Oh, well. Perhaps when you are back we can roll some together. " All I could come up was "Ok. Thanks. I'll think about it". The name tag on the guy's shirt was "Lal". What a check-in!
Travel moment 3 - Nadi
Upon arrival to Incheon I went to the transfer desk to check about my suitcase. Info I got was that they can only inform me one hour before a flight to Nadi. I had three hours layover. I walked around the airport having fun with Korean folk performances.
On the boarding gate I checked about my suitcase. They informed me there is no record my suitcase is in Seoul. They promised to inform Paris I miss my luggage. I was somewhat irritated my suitcase is not on a plane with me - but what else can one do but to rationalize? My take at that moment was: there are three KAL flights to Nadi a week next being on Wednesday i.e by Wednesday I will have my suitcase at Kadavu. Not perfect but still OK.
In Nadi I went straight to the KAL office. I explained my suitcase is mishandled. The lady in the KAL office upon hearing my missing luggage story informed me the KAL staff is busy at the moment but if I wait about one hour someone will assist me.
I thanked her for response but explained after about 26 hours of flying I prefer a shower in the hotel to one hour waiting for KAL staff to be available. She picked up the phone. Good girl. Within few minutes a young man helped me to fill the claim for my missing suitcase.
I had to overnight in Nadi and asked the KAL ofice to call me at the hotel for the suitcase update i.e. if suitcase is found in Seoul or CDG. They said they will.
In Nadi was 30 degrees. I arrived there with more or less early spring clothes which felt uncomfortable in torpical climate. Thus after checking in the hotel I started to tick off things from my shopping list: flip flops, shorts, a swimsuit, some summer clothes, T-shirts etc.
After the shopping I went to the hotel room for a nap. This was around 5 pm. Next time I woke up was at 11. 30 in the evening. No one from KAL office called.
On the boarding gate I checked about my suitcase. They informed me there is no record my suitcase is in Seoul. They promised to inform Paris I miss my luggage. I was somewhat irritated my suitcase is not on a plane with me - but what else can one do but to rationalize? My take at that moment was: there are three KAL flights to Nadi a week next being on Wednesday i.e by Wednesday I will have my suitcase at Kadavu. Not perfect but still OK.
In Nadi I went straight to the KAL office. I explained my suitcase is mishandled. The lady in the KAL office upon hearing my missing luggage story informed me the KAL staff is busy at the moment but if I wait about one hour someone will assist me.
I thanked her for response but explained after about 26 hours of flying I prefer a shower in the hotel to one hour waiting for KAL staff to be available. She picked up the phone. Good girl. Within few minutes a young man helped me to fill the claim for my missing suitcase.
I had to overnight in Nadi and asked the KAL ofice to call me at the hotel for the suitcase update i.e. if suitcase is found in Seoul or CDG. They said they will.
In Nadi was 30 degrees. I arrived there with more or less early spring clothes which felt uncomfortable in torpical climate. Thus after checking in the hotel I started to tick off things from my shopping list: flip flops, shorts, a swimsuit, some summer clothes, T-shirts etc.
After the shopping I went to the hotel room for a nap. This was around 5 pm. Next time I woke up was at 11. 30 in the evening. No one from KAL office called.
Travel moment 2 - Confusion at CDG
Once at the CDG I hurried to the transfer desk for CDG to Incheon flight. At the transfer desk I handed my e-ticket and asked for the boarding pass. The woman started to type. Looked few times at my eticket. Asked me for the e-ticket number as she could not find it on the print out. I showed her the eticket number. She finally had an "aha" moment. Told me the flight will be delayed tonight for 20 min. Handed me the boarding pass. I asked if she knew if my luggage is on the plane and gave her my tag. She did not look at the tag at all. Her response was she does not have accesses to luggage data but told me I should inquire at the gate.
At the gate desk I had to wait for some time as quite a number of passengers was obtaining the boarding passes. Once boarding passes were sorted I asked the attendant if she could check if my suitcase is on board. I handed her my boarding pass just received at the transfer desk and the luggage tag I got in Kiev. The young lady started to type. Looked at the screen. Raised eyebrows. Grasped. Than she asked me if I could give her my e-ticket. Now I was confused but I handed the ticket. Few moments later the young lady asked me which date I am supposed to fly. Flabbergasted I told her today and that the date is on the ticket. Than the young lady explained that my boarding pass - which about 30 min earlier I got at the transfer desk - is for the flight tomorrow. How could the woman at the transfer desk issue a boarding pass for the next day while telling me the plane tonight is 20 min late is beyond me. The helpful young lady started to sort the issue and book me on the flight. After some work she handed me the new boarding pass.
Concerned what else can go wrong now I insisted to know if my luggage is on the plane. At the desk gate next to the young lady was also a very helpful young man. Both of them tried to check for if my suitcase is on board but could not find it in the database. They advised me they might know if suitcase is on the plane only after the plane is fully boarded. They suggested I wait with the boarding until last moment to find out. So I sat on a chair next to the boarding gate desk and waited.
While two young french people at the gate desk were helpful, the Korean gate manager was - well - Korean. Rude, unsympathetic and in hurry. Sitting in the chair close to the gate intrigued the Korean gate manager. He asked me if I am to board the plane. Upon my affirmative response the Korean approached the gate desk and asked the young lady if there is a problem with me. She explained I wait a confirmation my luggage is on the plane. The moment she answered, the Korean manager turned to me and told me there is no time to wait. Either I board the plane or I stay to wait for the luggage.
I know well that reasoning with Korean men always fails as their listening skills - especially when a woman speaks - are heavily impaired. Nevertheless I tried to explain to the Korean why I want to check for my suitcase. We were on different frequencies. He mantra was: either you board or you stay.
Two young french people at the gate desk also tried to reason with the Korean. They tried to help and seemed frustrated by the Korean too. However the Korean remained unsympathetic.
When I finally decided to board the plane the young man at the gate desk told me he will do anything to get me the luggage. Ensured of that I thanked him and the young lady and boarded the plane.
At the gate desk I had to wait for some time as quite a number of passengers was obtaining the boarding passes. Once boarding passes were sorted I asked the attendant if she could check if my suitcase is on board. I handed her my boarding pass just received at the transfer desk and the luggage tag I got in Kiev. The young lady started to type. Looked at the screen. Raised eyebrows. Grasped. Than she asked me if I could give her my e-ticket. Now I was confused but I handed the ticket. Few moments later the young lady asked me which date I am supposed to fly. Flabbergasted I told her today and that the date is on the ticket. Than the young lady explained that my boarding pass - which about 30 min earlier I got at the transfer desk - is for the flight tomorrow. How could the woman at the transfer desk issue a boarding pass for the next day while telling me the plane tonight is 20 min late is beyond me. The helpful young lady started to sort the issue and book me on the flight. After some work she handed me the new boarding pass.
Concerned what else can go wrong now I insisted to know if my luggage is on the plane. At the desk gate next to the young lady was also a very helpful young man. Both of them tried to check for if my suitcase is on board but could not find it in the database. They advised me they might know if suitcase is on the plane only after the plane is fully boarded. They suggested I wait with the boarding until last moment to find out. So I sat on a chair next to the boarding gate desk and waited.
While two young french people at the gate desk were helpful, the Korean gate manager was - well - Korean. Rude, unsympathetic and in hurry. Sitting in the chair close to the gate intrigued the Korean gate manager. He asked me if I am to board the plane. Upon my affirmative response the Korean approached the gate desk and asked the young lady if there is a problem with me. She explained I wait a confirmation my luggage is on the plane. The moment she answered, the Korean manager turned to me and told me there is no time to wait. Either I board the plane or I stay to wait for the luggage.
I know well that reasoning with Korean men always fails as their listening skills - especially when a woman speaks - are heavily impaired. Nevertheless I tried to explain to the Korean why I want to check for my suitcase. We were on different frequencies. He mantra was: either you board or you stay.
Two young french people at the gate desk also tried to reason with the Korean. They tried to help and seemed frustrated by the Korean too. However the Korean remained unsympathetic.
When I finally decided to board the plane the young man at the gate desk told me he will do anything to get me the luggage. Ensured of that I thanked him and the young lady and boarded the plane.
Travel moment 1 - Dima Schumacher
After two and half weeks holidays I am back in Kiev since May 10th. Fiji was great again. Went to the same place and had fantastic time.
Here I want to share some travel moments.
While stranded in A'dam due to the volcano, I wondered if I would fly to Fiji. If I had not arrive from A'dam to Kiev on April 20th I would not be able to depart. In my gmail drafts folder there is an unsent email regretfully informing Richard and Adrian I am cancelling my visit. But I flew on Tuesday and email was not sent.
The three working days during that week were hectic. The colleague of ours had a
serious car accident and her condition was critical. This saddened all.
I started to fly on Apr 24th. The route was Kiev to CDG to Incheon to Nadi. On Sat morning I walked Igor in the rain. Later I packed.
As usual I made a packing list and put it in my travel folder. I always do that as it is easier to see if I have a charger or adaptor on the list than in a full suitcase. I went to the office for few hours to finalize some things.
By 3 pm I was ready to go. As arranged Dima came to drive me to the airport and take Igor to Julia. Igor was to waive me at the airport. My flight was at 17.45 The moment Dima rang at my door I was sorting coins in my wallet in the study. Dima took suitcases. I took Igor, his food and my purse.The traffic on Sat afternoon in any city is usually heavy. Kiev is not exception. It usually takes 45 min to drive from my flat to the airport. With heavy Saturday traffic it was certain it would takes us longer. But even with busy traffic - as my flight was at 17.45 - I was sure we had
enough time. I was relaxed. Igor was in my lap. While Igor watched through the window I went over things I did so far. Suddenly a question appeared. Where is my wallet? I checked my purse. It was not there. At that moment I recalled sorting of coins. I knew I left the wallet at home. I said to Dima we had to return to my place. Deeply embarrassed I explained why. We crossed the river and than
returned back to the city. Dima drove over 100 km/h on Kiev streets. Fortunately no cops stoped us. Or due to the speed we have not seen any cop. I quickly went to my flat to pick up the wallet. Than Dima transformed himself into Schumacher. Few times when Dima passed other cars I loudly grasped for air. Could not stop myself. Igor also moved from my lap to the floor with his head on my knee. I worried cops would stop us. That something will happen to the car. I also wondered if I would made on time to check in. Once we were at the Boryspol highway I glanced at the speedometer: 150 km/h. Dima parked the car at the airport at 16.55 hours. Boarding started at 16.15.
Dima went with me to the checking counter. I handed my old large suitcase. The ground attendant informed me she can only issue a boarding pass from Kiev to CDG. She ensured me the luggage is checked in all the way to Nadi. I saw the luggage tag with "short connection" red tag and "priority tag"wrapped and glued around the handle. I had my boarding pass to CDG with the luggage tag all the way to Nadi. I
thanked Dima profusely. Without him I would miss the flight. And my holidays.
I hurried to the security clearance and immigration. I was among last passengers to board the plane. With me I had my hand luggage full of electronics - netbook, camera, lenses, etc.
In my seat still felt stupid about the wallet incident. I was grateful to Dima for exceptional driving and for making to the airport. I felt lucky credit cards and money are with me and not at home. Although the drive to the airport was hectic now in plane I felt everything will be fine. I looked forward to diving in Matava.
Here I want to share some travel moments.
While stranded in A'dam due to the volcano, I wondered if I would fly to Fiji. If I had not arrive from A'dam to Kiev on April 20th I would not be able to depart. In my gmail drafts folder there is an unsent email regretfully informing Richard and Adrian I am cancelling my visit. But I flew on Tuesday and email was not sent.
The three working days during that week were hectic. The colleague of ours had a
serious car accident and her condition was critical. This saddened all.
I started to fly on Apr 24th. The route was Kiev to CDG to Incheon to Nadi. On Sat morning I walked Igor in the rain. Later I packed.
As usual I made a packing list and put it in my travel folder. I always do that as it is easier to see if I have a charger or adaptor on the list than in a full suitcase. I went to the office for few hours to finalize some things.
By 3 pm I was ready to go. As arranged Dima came to drive me to the airport and take Igor to Julia. Igor was to waive me at the airport. My flight was at 17.45 The moment Dima rang at my door I was sorting coins in my wallet in the study. Dima took suitcases. I took Igor, his food and my purse.The traffic on Sat afternoon in any city is usually heavy. Kiev is not exception. It usually takes 45 min to drive from my flat to the airport. With heavy Saturday traffic it was certain it would takes us longer. But even with busy traffic - as my flight was at 17.45 - I was sure we had
enough time. I was relaxed. Igor was in my lap. While Igor watched through the window I went over things I did so far. Suddenly a question appeared. Where is my wallet? I checked my purse. It was not there. At that moment I recalled sorting of coins. I knew I left the wallet at home. I said to Dima we had to return to my place. Deeply embarrassed I explained why. We crossed the river and than
returned back to the city. Dima drove over 100 km/h on Kiev streets. Fortunately no cops stoped us. Or due to the speed we have not seen any cop. I quickly went to my flat to pick up the wallet. Than Dima transformed himself into Schumacher. Few times when Dima passed other cars I loudly grasped for air. Could not stop myself. Igor also moved from my lap to the floor with his head on my knee. I worried cops would stop us. That something will happen to the car. I also wondered if I would made on time to check in. Once we were at the Boryspol highway I glanced at the speedometer: 150 km/h. Dima parked the car at the airport at 16.55 hours. Boarding started at 16.15.
Dima went with me to the checking counter. I handed my old large suitcase. The ground attendant informed me she can only issue a boarding pass from Kiev to CDG. She ensured me the luggage is checked in all the way to Nadi. I saw the luggage tag with "short connection" red tag and "priority tag"wrapped and glued around the handle. I had my boarding pass to CDG with the luggage tag all the way to Nadi. I
thanked Dima profusely. Without him I would miss the flight. And my holidays.
I hurried to the security clearance and immigration. I was among last passengers to board the plane. With me I had my hand luggage full of electronics - netbook, camera, lenses, etc.
In my seat still felt stupid about the wallet incident. I was grateful to Dima for exceptional driving and for making to the airport. I felt lucky credit cards and money are with me and not at home. Although the drive to the airport was hectic now in plane I felt everything will be fine. I looked forward to diving in Matava.
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