In 1492 when Columbus set sail for India he ended up in America. Today, when you set out for India, you get to India – it’s your bags that go to America!
Travel post 9/11, a time of much heightened security and official paranoia has seen what seems to be a marked increase in lost luggage. It is apparent to us due to the number of travellers arriving at our hostel minus their bags. Thus far, they have always turned up sometimes as soon as the next day or often as long as five days later.
Miyuki-san, a young and pretty lady arrived without her bags at 2AM this morning. She was obviously exhausted after a long flight from Tokyo via San Francisco. United Airlines lost her bags en route causing her to miss her connecting flight from San Francisco to Toronto.
Although tired and in an obviously stressful situation, Miyuki-san, bless her soul, always kept a smile on her face. She’s still smiling as I write this even though she is having difficulty reaching an Airline representative. I can hear her on the phone and she’s talking to a machine. We all know how frustrating that can be.
Last night after she arrived here, all she really wanted was a hot shower and a bed. The hostel was pleased to oblige her. At the Canadiana we have taken steps to aid lost luggage victims. We now keep a supply of shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes etc., in order to provide just a little comfort for the weary traveller.
Miyuki-san can teach us a lesson in forbearance. She handled the entire situation with grace and equanimity and then, there was always that beautiful, warm smile.
Miyuki-san reunited with her bag, smiling? and travelling light.