Ah, the joys of travel.

SO! What did I decide? When last we talked, I was faced with de-training in Baltimore,
getting a rental car and driving to Annapolis or risk staying on the train to DC where a
rental car awaited my arrival, which corresponded with my need to return to DC and my
return ticket to NYC.

So just were did I get off? Baltimore International Airport. Amtrak makes 2 stops
in Baltimore- the second stop is the airport. And this is where being an Avis Wizard
member comes in handy. I was able to make a new reservation on my Blackberry and
have it waiting for me. I just missed the shuttle to the terminal, but I paid a taxi drive
to take me there. I told her I was in a bit of a hurry and that I needed to get to the car
rental counters safely, but quickly. She chatted amiably and told me how close I was to
Annapolis and that it was a straight shot, etc. As we approached, I said (in exactly these
words) “If it makes any difference, I’m Avis.”

“Oh, I’m Bea, honey.”

I love that. It did make a difference. She wasn’t thinking about my complete and utter
focus on getting to the Avis counter, but on the connection to another human being. I
tipped big and told her it was nice to meet her.

I flashed a big smile to the Avis employee, mentioned that I literally made the reservation
minutes ago, but I was on the stranded train and needed to quickly get on my way. I did
not scream, bully or push- but smiling, I told her that anything she could do to get me to
my car would be appreciated. This woman who has probably seen and heard it all, typed
like the wind, offered to cancel my first reservation and handed me the keys. Love her!

By 2:45 I was driving to Annapolis- yes, it is a straight shot and as luck would have it,
my hotel (and the location of my work) was right off of the highway, on this side of town.

I had one hour to pick up a few props, check in, get dressed and make it to the conference
room. I decided to check in, and then, IF there were time, and IF there were a nearby
store, I would run quickly to buy my items.

A handsome young man stood waiting behind the counter. I love young people. I really
do. I was young once myself. But I have often found that young people in the service
industry don’t always understand the challenges of the business traveler, because they
haven’t walked in the shoes. This young man was still wearing flip flops.

I believe in courtesy and hold the belief that you get more bees with honey. I smiled,
placed my credit card and Gold member card on the desk and gave my name.

“Have you stayed with “us” (this brand”) before? he asked.
“Yes, I’m a gold member.”
“Oh, that’s great. Do you have a reservation?”

“Yes, yes I do and I really need to check in quickly.”
“Oh, that’s OK, you have plenty of time.”

Really? I have plenty of time? I was so perplexed by that I could barely react. Again,
smiling, I said, not really, that I was late because I needed to get to the meeting in the
Harbor Room.

“Oh, that’s OK; they’ll be there till 6:00. You have lots of time.”

I decided I needed to take some of my own advice, adjust for my “audience” and speak
politely but a little more firmly, in order for my tone and actions to match my intention.

“No, I really don’t. I am the speaker who is to begin at 4:00. They’re waiting for me.”

“No, they’re not. It’s barely after 3:00, you have lots of time.”

I thought that if this young man told me one more time that I had lots of time, I might
have to scream.

“Actually, I don’t. I need to change clothes, freshen up and if possible, run to the store
for a few things. Is there a drug store nearby?”

“Oh, sure, it’s right there.” He pointed. I looked. I saw trees.

“Right where?”

“There. Right outside the parking lot.”

“All I see are trees.”

“You can’t miss it.”

Famous last words. I intend to never use that expression, because if someone says, I
can’t miss it, I guarantee you, I can. I did. I never did find the drug store, but I did drive
several blocks, locate what I needed and drive back to the hotel.

I ran back in, grabbed my waiting keys and went to my room where I changed clothes,
freshened lipstick, hair, etc., smiled at myself in the mirror- something I strongly
recommend- breathed deeply, and walked back to the lobby and found my conference
room. I silently slipped into the back of the room, where the Vice President of this group
was speaking. He quickly acknowledged my presence and asked if I didn’t mind waiting,
just a half hour or so as they were running a little behind.

I smiled. No, I didn’t mind. I didn’t mind at all.

-Greta

Ah, the joys of travel.

I am by no means an airline “million miler” (not to be confused with the mile high club) but I have seen my share of Admirals Clubs, been upgraded to first class and shown preference in various hotels all because of the sheer volume of points or miles. I had no idea the kinds of perks granted to a traveler simply because they flash a Loyal Member Gold card. I love my perks and count my blessings. But even that, can not eliminate the frustration of being on an Amtrak Acela express that breaks down outside of Baltimore when your actual destination is DC. This happened yesterday afternoon shortly after 12:00 noon when I had a presentation to do in Annapolis at 4:00 PM. The original plan was to go all the way to DC, where I would pick up my rental car, drive the 40 minutes or so to Annapolis, then drive back to DC the following day (today) for a meeting this evening.

I was traveling in Business Class, the QUIET car. It did not remain quiet for long. It seemed everyone had someplace very important to be and they needed everyone else on the car to know about it. Cell phones were flying, voices rising. The poor conductor had to make a pass through and barely escaped with his life. What did these people think he could do? Get out the jumper cables?

I marveled at the bus that soon pulled up along side us. Men in shiny orange jumpsuits jumped out with big tool belts who quickly set about getting the train in motion. An hour later (with no air conditioning) I realized I really might not make it. I had to quickly decide whether to risk going into DC, hit afternoon traffic and make my virgin drive to Annapolis, or run an equal risk of getting off in Baltimore, finding a rental car and driving 20 (?) minutes to Annapolis. Either plan had its risks, but Baltimore is at least in the same state and judging by my Blackberry map, closer. As we approached an hour and a half, I emailed my clients with a report, but urged them not to give up yet. Eventually we started moving… very slowly. Apparently we did not have full power, Captain Kirk and I hoped we would soon pick up warp speed. It was now 2:15.

My main concern was my presentation: my theme for this new client was “Making a Positive First Impression” You do not get a second chance to make that first impression, you know! I am to spend the next 4 months with this team of 14 designers and consultants who literally go around the world making presentations and many of them have done it for years. I have been hired to add a fresh respective. I could imagine the first impression I would be making- barging through the door, huffing and puffing, completely flummoxed and unkempt, with seconds to spare. I hate being late. I also hate wrinkles. So of course, my suit was in my luggage. I had a couple of props to buy because I was going to have plenty of time. I was dressed in jeans- nice jeans, but jeans none the less, and a fabulous Carrie Bradshaw sweater with feathers. Ooh, great first impression.

Stay tuned tomorrow for what happened next.