Layovers, Layers and Delays

Well, it is now November 9th, and I'm still in America...

It seems this blog was aptly named, as a series of unfortunate events has managed to coalesce into an amalgamation of botched plans.

As my flight drew near, I allowed my harbored desires to extend this trip for a few extra months get the better of me. Calling up my carrier I inquired about rebooking the tail end of my ticket. Could I push it back a few months? Maybe give myself enough time to make this adventure a little longer? Check out South East Asia for a spell! I'm sorry sir...while Yes, it is possible, you will also accrue these here fees...

Ah. All those you say? No thank you.

Misadventure: 1 - Ian: 0

Feeling mildly defeated in that I wouldn't be able to easily rebook the flight, extending the misadventure, I was resigned to focus on the trip as it stood. I grabbed a few books from the library, started researching SCUBA adventure locales, and began some initial brainstorming for possible film projects to undertake in the Philippines.

Then, just a few days prior to my flight I got word from Pips that in a last minute scramble he would be flying back to NYC the same day I'd be arriving in Manila. Due to some permits and restrictions on his American Green Card, he had to fly back to the States and fill out some paperwork. I'd now be arriving in  Manila 12 days before Maggie would arrive, and Pips' return would be indefinite.

Misadventure: 2 - Ian: 0

OK. Not a big deal in the scheme of things. As much as spending 2 weeks solo to start the trip wasn't what I was expecting, I quickly threw my weight behind it. After considering the prospect, it was actually pretty enticing. I could go diving and hiking in some of the most beautiful locations in the world, and would be able to take everything on at my own pace. I decided Mindoro, the island just south of Luzon (easy to access from Manila) would be a perfect stomping grounds for a few weeks.

Not a bad prospect. By the time Mags would arrive I'd already be in island-mode. This would also provide a good opportunity to see how I liked traveling solo, as I was still considering somehow rebooking flights, and heading to S.E.A. after our Philippines adventure began to wind down.

Things were looking up!

Misadventure: 2 - Ian: 1

But the plot had yet another twist...

On the day I was supposed to fly, the North East was hit by a record shattering snowstorm. A freak of nature. Heavy flakes were falling in Harlem, as I zipped up my bags, then slogged through slush to the subway. Maggie saw me off, standing in the cold, wet precipitation. Wearing every layer I had packed for the trip to the tropics, I was shivering as we said our 'goodbye's. See you in Manila!

And off I went.

I relish the feeling at the beginning of a trip. I remember traveling by myself to Europe, where I was meeting up with a bunch of high school friends. The sense of freedom one has when on the go and heading into unknown territory can be electric, especially when there is not the "crutch" of family, or friends. I always feel more acutely aware of my surroundings, of how I handle myself. There's a natural tendency to push oneself to be more social, if only by necessity of circumstance. Getting directions, asking advice, and finding your way. But of course, one becomes much more receptive to the people these encounters provide when you're not surrounded by friends or family to fall back on. I find that simple questions prompt deeper conversations. We, as people, naturally want to talk to others, to communicate, to understand and empathize. When our usual avenues are inaccessible, family and friends, we seek new roads. This can turn us on to new and inspiring things.

Last year, I continued hiking on The Long Trail, a 272-mile hiking trail which winds it's way from the southern boarder of Vermont up to the Canadian border. It's a tough hike. Running along the ridge of the Green Mountains, it hits every major peak in Vermont. Steep rocky peaks are punctuated by ravines cradling cold mountain streams. It's a taxing up-and-down endeavor. The previous summer I had hiked the first 109 miles with a few friends, and wanted to pick up where I left off. Due to time restrictions and work schedules, it became apparent that none of my compatriots would have the time to take on the adventure I was proposing, so I set off solo instead. Again, heading off into the unknown was somewhat daunting at first, but immediately I fell into rhythm with myself. The first night, I met a fellow North-Bound hiker, and shared stories and a meal. The next day, we ran into a family (parents, daughter and dog) heading in the same direction. I spent the next week hiking and living with these folks, learning about their lives, their reasons for hiking. They in turn took me into their family. It was an incredible trip.

OK. Back to the present. Heading to JFK to catch my flight. I'll be alone for a few weeks, but it's always been exciting in the past, and I'm feeling pretty good about the situation as a whole. Here we go!

Misadventure: 2 - Ian: 2

"Hi, I'm checking in for flight 982 to Manila via Beijing."
"Oh dear..."
"Excuse me?"
"Well your flight is delayed due to the weather."
"OK, no problem, got my novel."
"Right sir. Although, the delay will interfere with your connection in Beijing. You won't make your connecting flight."
"Oh...so what do we do?"
"Well, I'll put you on a flight for tomorrow."
"Okay, fine."
"Actually...I'm sorry. Tomorrow's flight will also be delayed, you'd miss your connection then as well."
"Hmm."
"In fact, due to limited flights between Beijing and Manila, it might be almost a week before we can get you on a flight."
"Wonderful - you know I've labeled this trip a MisAdventure - I have a blog and everything..."
"I'm sorry, sir."

Misadventure: 3 - Ian: 2

After considering my options, I rebooked the flight for November 10th. I'd now be on the same plane as Maggie. While I lost those 2 extra weeks, and the possible enlightening moments they seemed to offer, now we'd be traveling together. In that interim Maggie and I were able to meet up with Pips here in the States, and had time to see friends and family before taking off tomorrow. While circuitous in it's development, the plan has seemed to work out really well.

Anyhow, it's a long flight to the other side of the world, around 24 hours of travel door to door, and I'm going to need someone to tickle...

Misadventure: 3 - Ian: 3 - Maggie: 0

Tie game MisAdventure. Make your move.