A friend of mine, let's call him Alan, just came back from Europe and he was filled with stories of his adventures flying in these crazy times. I haven't been to Europe in so long that I was anxious to hear how things are---if the Italian food is still just as good as it used to be and if the French are still as "snooty" as they were when I used to spend time in Paris. They were only "snooty" in Paris by the way---never in the country--I spent many a fine sunny day at the table of a French farmer and his family as I traveled through Provance and as I visited the rolling farm lands filled with purple clouds of lavender.
As we talked, he told me about his Rome Airport experience...I have to share it with all of you; here's a laugh for a sunny day in Rome....if you have ever been to Europe, you will be able to relate!!!
Alan had just arrived at the busiest time in Rome airport; He had been in the South of France and was going to spend time in Rome before he headed back to the US. He was exhausted from a day in the hot sun in St. Tropez and was looking forward to a long shower in his hotel. He had two friends with him who were just as tired and the three of them stood in the baggage claim area, waiting patiently for their bags. As they stood there in the fog of jet lag, they noticed a group of loud tourists, Americans who were having a rowdy time in Rome...
"probably the first time in Europe.." Alan muttered to one of his friends. The group of about 8 were gathered at a bar in the airport and were drinking heavily and having a great time; back slapping and in general a "good ole boy" time. Their wives were there along side them and the loud talk and gales of laughter left all observers with the feeling of embarrassment for the American rowdiness in this ancient capital, the cradle of a good part of Western culture. Those who watched looked away with red faces, thinking: "The Ugly American is here! Let me get the heck out of here!"and that is just what Alan did; he took advantage of the moment to escape to the mens room, and to avoid this embarrassing scene.....
FLASH BACK:
Now, while in St. Tropez, Alan had done a little shopping; not much because the exchange rate was very bad...he had found something that he didn't think he would ever see again; something that he did NOT own when they were so "hot" in the 60s or 70s: WHITE BUCKS! They
even had the red rubber soles that the most popular kids wore at that time! He paid way too much for them, but they were his and he had a vicarious thrill of finally having a pair!...He wore them that day, coming from France to Rome; he felt more than a little satisfied with his purchase. He felt downright proud!...and as he stood there at the baggage claim, he could not take his eyes off the bright, white beauties on his feet.
In spite of the need for a good hot shower and a long nap, Alan was in a little bit of heaven....he was thrilled with his "find", and as he stood there, hands shoved deep in his pockets, he pointed his left foot out, turned it to the right, then to the left and smiled to himself that he could be so lucky to finally have the "white bucks" that he could never have as a younger man. He stepped back, adjusted his sweater over his shoulders and waited for his bags...
FLASH FORWARD:
So, quickly, Alan slipped past his friends and in a low growl said "This is the time to go for a pit stop--I need to get out of here!"....and he headed for the latrine which he saw on the other side of the terminal. As he walked quickly toward the door, he noticed he had a following--the men from the bar were right there with him--heading into the latrine at the very same time! Inside there was a long row of urinals and before he could change his direction, two stood to his left and two stood to his right.
...and just as things were underway, the door flew open and banged against wall with a big "thud" and all the men turned, two to the left and two to the right...turned right towards Alan and his white bucks as the shocked, big-framed American woman in the doorway, thinking she was in the Ladies room, bellowed "OH MY GAWD--what are you all doing in here???"
BACK AT THE BAGGAGE CLAIM:
Alan found his friends still there, still waiting for the bags; the delay was more than a little frustrating to all of them. Alan looked down at his feet; not so much pride now about the shoes---they were no longer white! Both friends noticed at the same time and said "what the heck happened to your shoes---they were white a few minutes ago---how did you get yellow shoes???"...Alan stuffed his hands deep into his pockets and shrugged "you wouldn't believe me if I told you!"
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