Returning home I had a 10 hour wait in the Airport in Mexico City. I eat when I am bored. Hence, novel in hand I headed toward the American franchise “Chili’s” sign and sat at a table.

The idea of eating lunch with a book appeals to me, though it never lives up to my expectations. I cannot truly get into a novel and eat. Then when I complete my meal I feel that I should give up my table.

Cafes are a different story. But I digress. I ordered a salad since I was not truly hungry – the waiter said it was good. A few hours later I started loosing my patience and my comfort with being alone. I started calling friends on my cell phone. I kept it short because I was afraid of the cost – nevertheless I was desperate to talk with friends. I told them that time was passing slowly. I was dressed in a Leonard Skinner tee shirt – most of my clothes were needed washing.

I felt a bit underdressed and feeling a bit wheezy upon entering the Airplane. An unusual looking person in my row was wearing the same shirt as I. The plane took on a surreal look. It was full. The woman next to me was interesting and fun to talk with. Though, soon I was feeling ill.

Worst case scenario was approaching – yes, I had food poisoning on an airplane. When the feeling became an urge, two hours into the flight I was trapped in my seat by a flip tray that I hade to bend / fold into the armrest because I was in the first row. Needless to say it had a glass of water, a soda on it and my untouched meal on it.

It was the first of many trips. I wore out the carpet with my trips to the first class bathroom – I find when you look like you are about to vomit no one stops you. And yes the bathroom is just as small as coach. It was horrible – I’ll spare you the details. At one point I was getting sick at seven minutes intervals.

When we landed I knew that I could not make it through customs without cutting the line. I told the stewardess. She ordered me a wheelchair. I felt so embarrassed getting into it. It was the only way I could get through quickly. I drank some water when we landed because I was feeling better. I was steered in the wheelchair by Rueben, the nicest man on the planet – I wanted to make part of my family – kindness at the right moments is wondrous.

I was herded and corralled with all the other wheel chair travelers. I was by far the healthiest looking. Within about – 10 minutes I got sick in a nearby men’s room. It did not have a door, just one of those maze like entries. I knew the people outside could hear me. I actually was glad. It legitimized me as truly needing help. He took me through all the doors that say “Do not Enter” making four emergency pit stops, before getting to customs. The worst part was having the shuttle bus held for me.

All 6’3” of me was rolled to the bus. When I got to the bus I stepped out, the chair was put on the bus in such a way that I had to step over it to sit in it. I looked quite able. I sat in the chair with my back to all the people who waited. I survived. I will try and have a cheerier subject next time.

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