Travels with Em - Days 1&2, cont'd

NOTE: I will try to post photos at a later date, when I can get to them.

The continuing story of travel from Toronto to London:
I asked the waitress for a "To Go" box for the food which had just arrived. The waitress put a cover on the plate and made a comment about how the airline always does this to to travelers. We hurried off to follow the crowds and not be left behind.

In spite of my dislike of generalities, Brazilian teenagers vacationing in the U.S. continue to ply the norm of the very first group I met. This time, the group came barreling down the wide hallway from the opposite direction. In a great hurry, happily chattering, and oblivious to the rest of the world. They remind me of the flocks of birds I frequently see that swoop and move as one large body, without apparent direction, not led by any particular leader, but so in tune with one another that they function as a single unit.

The group of teens in the hallway pressed on by, oblivious to anyone in the area, including Em and I who were directly in their path. They swooped and served as they headed toward some unseen goal. One nice-looking young man suddenly decided to bounce his basketball around the group in an an attempt to reach the front. He ran right into Em and our cherished plate of food, The cover came off the dish, the dish flew out of the bag and landed on the floor. Fortunately, the dish was face up and our overpriced dinner was mostly saved. As one, the group came to a sudden halt, silently observing the situation. One person laughed, the others had the kindness to remain quiet. The shocked lad looked at us for a minute, apologized, picked up the plate and handed it to me. Then they were all off again, just like the flock of birds, swooping, swerving, and chattering.

Em wiped up the floor and we hurried on.