Dystocia!

We have arrived...in Vancouver.

All excited to finally be off on our journey, we showed up nice and early to the airport to spend some time with two of our classmates who were there to see off us. Everything went smoothly: we dropped off our 12 big suitcases full of medical supplies at the baggage drop off, went through security without a hitch, and slowly made our way to our gate. Then we waited, and waited, and waited. A 30 minute delay, turned into an hour and fifteen minute delay, which turned into a 2 and 1/2 hour delay. After apologizing with "all their hearts" for the "brief" delay (we all wondered what a long delay would have been), we boarded the plane and looked forward to spending the next 10 hours climbing over seats to go to the bathroom, and bumping elbows while trying to get some sleep. Alas, it was not to be...Just as we were getting ready to take off, the captain announced that the plane would not be departing that night due to volcanic ash residue on the plane and would we please make our way to customs and then proceed to baggage claim to pick up our luggage. Those who wished were welcome to stay on the plane and have some cocktails, and as we were leaving we heard two men in first class order a few rounds of drinks.
So then mad dash to customs and baggage claim and back up to departures to try to rebook our flight. Then we waited and waited and waited. It was chaos with different people saying something different to everyone. We thankfully stayed put and didn't switch lines and so made it to the front in the line a mere hour and half. I suspect those at the end of the line probably waited at least another 3 hours.
Somehow we managed to fit all of our suitcases into one taxi van and returned home after spending about 10 hours in the airport. We will be returning to the airport this evening and crossing our fingers and toes that our plane actually leaves the runway.
Wish us luck!

Carolyn



The long line to re-book our flight.





Our arrival in Vancouver, after not having left.