Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Paris and the Volcano

Newly added to the list of Nightmare Scenarios for Travelers: “Stranded for days due to Icelandic volcano eruption.”

And I thought my holiday train woes back in December were bad. Turns out they were nothing compared to the recent (and in many cases, on-going) experience of thousands of travelers who have been stuck in place ever since Eyjafjallajökull decided to spew ash over much of Europe. The cost, stress, and disappointment of canceled plans that resulted from this volcanic activity are enough to make any traveler – even one not currently stuck on the road – weep.

Is there a silver lining in all of this airspace mayhem? I liked how New York Times Op-Ed Contributor Seth Stevenson heralded an "Escape From the Jet Age," by reveling in the scenery we can enjoy and the people we come across when not cruising at 30,000 feet. And when I heard that even President Obama’s all-mighty Air Force One couldn’t fly to Poland due to the ash, I thought it was a nice reminder that no matter who we are, no matter how much access, power, or money we have, we are all at the mercy of Mother Nature.

Of course, it’s easy to look for a silver lining from the comfort of your own unaffected-by-ash home. It would be more interesting to know what (if any) silver linings stranded travelers themselves have been able to find. In any case, I hope if you went to Paris for vacation, and now find yourself stuck there because of the volcano, that you'll quickly head to the nearest café, order a carafe of French wine, and reflect on those who are less fortunate than yourself. Think about those who are stuck trying to get to the French capital, and have, unlike yourself, been denied the perfectly divine pleasure of enjoying Paris on a beautiful Spring day.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I may be heartless but I don't have that much sympathy for people stuck because of the volcano! Traveling is an adventure and yeah, it sucks to be stuck somewhere. Yet, what can you do? This is an unforeseeable event!

I was reading the newspaper, there was a story about some French people "stuck" in SE Asia. Accommodation was provided to them, yet there are still whining because they have to pay for food! Seriously... get a life or don't travel.

Now, I feel for all the people who had to cancel their plans and I understand some situation may be difficult. But again, what can you do!

Melina said...

Anyone who was stuck in Paris that weekend/week got to see the city in all its beautiful sunshine glowing glory! Good thing they arent stuck here this week or this past weekend.. it would have definitely been a different experience :)