Last week I flew to Hawaii, scooting out of Aspen just before snow, snow and more snow. Maui will be my sunny slice of paradise until mid-February. For seven years I’ve traveled solo every winter, sharing those journeys, hits and misses, with you.
Having had my wings clipped the past 2 years and still dealing with Covid regulations, I’m not as breezy about this year’s travel. But pent-up wanderlust won out over Anxious, Reticent and Careful. I’m still carrying around the Careful baggage but taking it on the road.
UNITED ON UNITED
Can we all agree that with any airline it’s a tough ride these days. That’s why I’m sharing this sad but gracious story of a crew and its passengers united in grace.
Just as my plane was taking off from DIA (Denver) for Maui, the pilot did a quick turnaround, landing back at the airport. An elderly man, diabetic, needed medical attention. The only doctor on board, sitting next to me, hurried to help the crew. Shortly after the jet bridge was put in place, the Paramedics boarded our plane. A seizure. A stroke. The gentleman died.
We sat at the Gate for 3 hours. United, DIA and the city of Denver needed to deal with this tragedy by the book. The atmosphere in the cabins was subdued, respectful and throughout the process I heard no grumbling nor one complaint.
Three hours later, the bridge was removed. We departed with the crew putting on smiles, returning to work. Although they appeared to shake it off, this was a young crew, a first-time event for everyone. My seat mate, the only passenger who shared their experience, got busy and spent the flight quietly reassuring each of them they had done everything possible, providing the couple dignity and grace throughout the process.
This is America’s humanity as I know it.
ALOHA, MAUI
Wherever I travel it takes me a week to find my footing but with a little friendly help, I’d call every day since my arrival an adventure.
If you want to see more Maui photos, check out my hirschfrench Instagram #mauilife daily photo. Beginning with Ceviche (first photo above), I’ll get back to making and posting recipes in my next blog. My friend, Leslie, is making Opakapaka for Christmas Eve dinner so maybe she’ll let me share some pictures with you.
Wherever you live, please be joyful and stay healthy over the holidays.
Thanks for sharing your adventures, love reading it. happy holidays.
Thanks for the news about week one. I can see the colors and smell the coffee. Looking forward to seeing the outfits you said, ‘yes’, to!
Enjoy the lovely weather. Wishing you and Hawaii Happy Holidays.
XX
Wonderful post! So enjoy your travels and insightful thoughts . Merry Christmas!
Great post Mary … that rooster is a star. I so appreciate how you made the very sad plane episode uplifting and in particular reminding us that most place travelers are civilized. Of course all this happened before the booze service started.
Mary, you make every place you are an adventure!
Glad you can travel again.
Sounds like a successful week one! I look forward to the rest of your adventures.
Can’t wait to see all the fresh food you get to eat and cook during these winter months! What a fun change of scenery. And the birding! Happy holidays! xxx Christy
Thank you for your wonderful posts.
Maui! Not too shabby! The food looks amazing. So much fresh produce, fish, etc. Have a wonderful time.
Mary, It has been such a treat having you on Maui! A curious spirit just like my own. Where is the blackened fish from? I hope your readers will pray for Opaka, the storms have made fishing Opaka very hard. We are on 4 lists for this light, buttery and flakey fish. It will be a festive holiday regardless!
Impressive blog considering you have barely arrived!
You have shopped, discovered interesting food
and sent your blog!
Thank you! Cheri
A good friend has left Indiana twice during the pandemic for Hawaii. It seems they do a good job by requiring testing before arrival. And it’s not a bad place to hang out for a while! I love the respect given to the gravely ill passenger….gives me faith in humankind. Looking forward to more updates from the tropics!!
P.S. I’m reading The Lincoln Highway (that runs through Ames, as you know). Bill and I were married on Lincoln Way!
Delightful pictures and wonderful stories. I look forward to more as I remain an armchair traveler.
I so enjoy your adventures, pictures and recipes! What a delightful way to spread Christmas cheer to all lucky enough to subscribe to your blog. I can wait to see more photos from your Christmas in Maui!! Aloha!!
Can’t wait I meant!
Oh, Mary! How you manage to capture wonderful photos with informative captions so soon after you arrive at any destination. I guess you just have that very special “eye.” I can’t imagine how the elderly gentleman’s travelling companion/wife must have felt. I’m sure you will have many adventures and observations to share with us this winter. Merry Christmas!