All Aboard for Bohemia

Jan. 5 2007

 

7:29am, Terminal 5, Gate 19, Stcokholm/Arlanda Int’l Airport

 

It’s still dark outside but it’s not that early anymore. My belly is full of leftover tomtegrot, which was nearly confiscated by an overzealous airport security agent. I convinced him it wasn’t explosive and he allowed me to keep it.

 

Earlier this morning, a woman pushed a green button that glowed around it’s edges; two tarnished aluminum doors hissed open; the waiting passengers and myself entered the train. As we glided silently away from the Uppsala station, my backwards-facing seat enhanced the sensation of continuous acceleration. The countryside appeared dark and blurry to my not-yet-awoken eyes, and I was at the airport in less than 20 minutes. My journey was a very futuristic experience; not once did I see a person of any authority who appeared to be in command of the train.

 

It’s 7 degrees C in Paris right now, and I don’t know if that correlates with the temperature in Prague. Paris was the closest city on the weather map.

 

It does not feel like I will be in Prague in less than three hours. Two Swedish-speaking women are preparing the desk at Gate 19 for our 7:55am boarding. I’ve been upgraded to a window seat on the bulkhead, the best seat on any plane, simultaneously offering views of the great blue, and unhindered access to the toilet. I will enjoy this flight. I hope I can sleep.

 

(On a side note, Stockholm / Arlanda airport has an amazing transportation system for it’s employees. I noticed almost immediately when I first arrived in Sweden, and was reminded this morning. Most employees thoughtfully, considering the significant size of the airport, glide around on small three-wheeled scooters. It’s bizarre, but very efficient. Why walk when you can scoot?)

 

I have no expectations of life in Prague. I’m sitting here trying to think of something clever to write, somehow convey what I’m thinking, maybe outline some goals for the next month, but my mind is blank. I’m excited for the experience, but beyond that…? Prague is touted as one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the world, spared from the destruction of World War II. That should be neat.