Stranded by a volcano? Just have to go with the flow.

By now most people have seen images of the Eyjafjallajokull (what could thatmean?) volcano in Iceland. Even bigger than the ash plume however has been the disruptive effect the ash has had on air travel in and out of Eurrope. Yesterday it was reported that millions of people are stranded around the world and that perhaps more 6 billion dollars has been lost by the airline and travel industry. A recent report in the London Times by a correspondent bemoaned his parents being "holed up in 4 star "misery" after coming off a three week cruise.

I can't really say, but being held up by massive airline cancellations due to a huge erupting volcano makes for a pretty good excuse for not being back to the office. It's not like anyone can say, "yes, the volcano did hold up air traffic on several continents, but you could have made it back if you really wanted to." Not likely. I mean in the frenetic pace of modern life, how many opportunities do we really get where we have a darn good excuse for slowing down and taking it easy, and where no one gets physically injured? Not many.

If I were held up somewhere I think I'd take my extra time and make the most of it. Explore the local area, read some books, catch up on my email, whatever. But I'm not in that situation so it is difficult to say how I might feel about it. I'm certainly not saying anyone would wish a volcano to erupt and cause a global calamity, but if it happens, there's not much anyone could do but just go with the flow.