How I ended up at the Millbrae Pancake House when I should be in Qatar by now


You see lots of books on sale on the power of positive thinking.  They're all great, but I also believe in the power of negative thinking.  Let me give you an example.

I always hope for the best before I embark on an international journey, but with my negative thinking also in place, I prepare for the worst.  That's why my carry on bag always has every essential item I need if I happen to find myself stranded for a few days, including a change of clothes.

This negative thinking has never hurt me and yesterday it served me well again.

I did everything I need to do to prepare for my trip to Indonesia, including getting my PCR COVID test more than 24 hours before departure.  The testing service agreed to do this, but when I landed in San Francisco, I still hadn't received the results by Email as I had expected.

When I went to check in for my flight at the Qatar Airways desk, because I didn't have my PCR result, I wasn't allowed to check in.

I hurriedly attempted to reach the testing center, but they weren't answering the phone, nor did they answer my Emails. The Qatar Airways agent suggested I go to the San Francisco Airport testing center as they were conducting one-hour tests.

One problem.  There was a line there that stretched all the way to San Jose, and I found myself standing next to a sign that said "You have a 7-hour wait for testing from this point in line."  My flight was scheduled to leave in 3 hours, so that was clearly not going to work.

Well, long story made short, I missed my flight.  Luckily, the Qatar Airways Station Chief was a kind and efficient woman who booked me onto the next day's flights without cost or penalty. 

So, I was left to find a hotel near the airport, in a town called Millbrae, to spend the night. And based on the strength of my negative thinking, it wasn't that bad, as I had all I needed in my possession for a comfortable stay.

And this morning when I got up, I walked across the street to the Millbrae Pancake House. Ironically, it's where my former UCA colleague, Jonathan Chang, had taken me for breakfast when I had a layover at the airport a few years before.

The Pancake House was established in 1959 and I don't think it's been remodeled since. It looks like the inside of a grandmother's house from that era and the food was as tasty and old-fashioned as grandmother's too.

It's soon time to head off to the airport, hopefully catch my flight to Qatar and then Jakarta. Good news is my test results landed in my mailbox overnight, so I'll be able to board my flight. And I have my negative thinking in place, preparing for whatever misfortune will overtake me next.  I'll place my bets on something happening to my suitcases, as who knows where they are now and where they'll end up next.  At least I can't say I have a dull life.











 

Comments

  1. HAMID EUSAFZAIDecember 29, 2021 at 9:01 AM

    Travelling used to be so simple and straightforward--but no more.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. E.H. KraussJanuary 4, 2022 at 5:22 AM

      Thanks for reading. Traveling has reached a point where one just expects the worst to happen. Anything better is a bonus.

      Delete
  2. NurlanDecember 29, 2021 at 9:07 AM

    Take care, Erik!

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownDecember 29, 2021 at 11:53 PM

    Safe travels sir! Take care

    ReplyDelete
  4. Robin HigginsDecember 30, 2021 at 2:51 PM

    Yes - I always have that negative thinking bag of things I will need with me as well! I must say I have not had a negative thinking plan worked on what I will do if I get a positive test result at the last moment.

    I am looking forward to your travel blog. You should re-post at some point your very funny description of going through security and nearly losing your pants in Moscow on your way to Sweden. I loved that post.

    Jakarta will definitely feel warm compared to Spokane temperatures. What a troubled, yet still fascinating place this planet is. We have been lucky to explore some wonderful corners of it.
    Warm wishes for 2022 Erik!

    Jakarta

    ReplyDelete

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