From Nora -- added on
Tuesday, March 20, 2001 @ 7 P.M.
Here's the thing. Even though the tour started,
it didn't feel real. I was still in Maryland, and I
realize there was this little fantasy that I'd wake
up this morning and someone would call and
say--haha, JUST KIDDING. You're not going anywhere,
come on back home.
Then you get to the airport and that little
misty veil evaporates.
Plane took off, more or less, on time.
Absolutely clear skies so I really object to the
bumpy air we experienced through most of the
flight. It's just insulting.
Escort wasn't at the gate. Always have a quick
belly clutch when I don't see someone there, but
assumed she'd be at baggage. Walk, walk, walk, go
down escalator, walk, walk, take people mover,
walk, take train, walk, take escalator back up. And
here my name paged telling me to meet my driver
back at the gate.
I'm not going on that trek again, so go to the
information booth and ask them to reverse the page
and tell the driver to meet me at baggage claim.
Turned out the info clerk had just sent the escort
to the gate--someone had previously sent her to
incorrect gate. Info clerk is a fan, and was very
sweet. She'd waited instead of taking her break in
hopes to meet me.
She sends out the page, I go to wait for bag.
Escort shows up shortly, frazzled. Who wouldn't
be after taking all that in-airport transpo twice?
LOL.
We walk, to Illinois, I believe, to the car.
More airport construction here, as is everywhere,
I'm convinced, eternally.
Airport pick up driver is also fan. Very cute, a
little nervous and full of questions. She seemed
awfully disappointed when I told her I didn't
actually go on all the adventures I write about.
So, she finally said, you've lived a pretty normal
life.
Illusions shattered. LOL.
Got a day room here, and an hour to pull it
together before my usual media escort picks me up
for the rounds. After tonight's signing, she passes
me to a driver for the trip to Louisville where
I'll spend the night.
Nora
Nora's The Villa Tour
2001 