Monday, September 15, 2008

"The Rainiest Day in Chicago's History"

In case you missed the news, there was a bit of rain in Chicago over the weekend. The baseball game was rained out (although we did go and I got my polish with onions) and my friend's house flooded so the BBQ was also canceled. I did manage to get my friends together at a bar on the north side of Chicago, then met with a few more later that night for dinner (mmmmm.... Cafe Iberico).

Despite the hurricane that's taking over the nation, my flights were all on time and only had a little turbulence. I almost finished the first from my huge stack of writing books (Self-Editing for the Fiction Writer) and hopped off the plane in Zihua, happy to be home.

As I watched the bags pass by on the conveyor belt, I heard a man singing "Me-la-nie..." but looked around and didn't see where it was coming from. Soon all the bags were gone and I was left standing there with another woman who looked just as puzzled as I did. I found someone with a uniform and asked if there were more bags in the plane.

"Are you Melanie Avila?" he asked.

I nodded, even more puzzled.

Then he showed me a form that said my bag "fell late." I have no idea what that means (he didn't either) but I do know it means my bag isn't lost. Perhaps it just needed a nap? I was in Mexico City for almost 4 hours so I don't know how it missed the flight, but anyway. He assured me it'd arrive within 24 hours.

*checks watch*

Still a few more to go.

In the meantime, I wasn't sure if Ibis would be able to pick me up or if he'd send a friend, but I didn't see anyone I knew. The cab drivers all pounced on me the minute I approached the door, but I assured them I had a ride. One man started talking to me so I divulged that I'm from Chicago but live here.

"Really? That guy over there is from Chicago!" he pointed at one of the many drivers.

I can guarantee I wouldn't have known this man, but I smiled politely and nodded, watching for Ibis while he kept talking. I eventually excused myself to use the pay phone, but when I got there the Chicago friend followed.

"You're from Chicago?" He watched me search for a coin slot on the pay phone (they only take cards). "Do you want to use my phone?"

I offered him money but he refused, he wanted to help out someone else from Chicago. I was pleasantly surprised he was fine with our two minute conversation and letting me use his phone (they charge per call here), especially since my bags were still on vacation.

It hasn't stopped raining since I've returned and it's so humid everything feels damp, but it is nice to be home. I am absolutely LOVING my new keyboard. If you thought I typed fast before, look out! That might be a bad thing because I can see my blogs getting longer in the future. ;)

I'll spare you for now.

12 comments:

Janna Leadbetter said...

Big bummer on the rain and left late (or whatever) luggage. I hope it shows up soon! Glad you had a good time and arrived home safely.

Robin said...

As I was reading about the man from Chicago, I felt like I was watching a horror movie, thinking, "Don't do it, Melanie! Don't talk to him! He's the killer!" Then he turned out to be a nice guy who let you use his phone, and now I feel like a cynical old crab.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Thanks Janna.

Robin, LOL! The pay phones are right in the middle of everything so I was near a LOT of people. :)

Anonymous said...

Sounds like an interesting trip home. Hope your luggage makes it! Where's pictures of this new super-keyboard??

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Soon. Very soon.

Robin said...

(Other Robin) Glad you made it home safely. Didn't your mama tell you not to talk to strangers? You lucked out this time. Gotta watch them Yankees you know. Oh yeah, you're one too, sorry. Welcome home!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

This was a very non-threatening situation. They're all trying to get a fare, which is the only reason I didn't want to talk to them. Mostly they're just bored.

colbymarshall said...

finding a keyboard that "feels nice" to type on is always fun- yay!

Anonymous said...

Yay! You are back! Flying is always an adventure! You never know what will happen. Glad you made it safe. :)

Lauren said...

I'm in Chicago. There's horrible flooding over many of the streets and several of my friends have gotten their basements ruined. Luckily we have been fine.

Too bad about your BBQ, but good thing you got your luggage back (I saw it in the next post)! haha and I love Cafe Iberico! I want Tapas now...lol.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Welcome Lauren! Iberico is our FAVORITE! Among almost weekly excursions, we also had our first date there, my bachelorette party, farewell party, and every occasion in between. :)

Nadine said...

Welcome back!

How sweet that the guy from Chicago lent you his phone!