Boarding on BA is now done by groups; one to four or five. Since this system was introduced in December 2017 I have always been in the last group.
Very likely I will always be in the last group as I travel Basic Economy. My group has never actually been called forward to board, the hostess always forgets. Theoretically I should be left behind but I go to the gate when there’s no one queuing. The problem is that the overhead lockers are usually full by the time I get to my seat. I know, it’s a First World problem and I do have the consolation of knowing that I’m sitting in the cheapest seat.
Boarding trains in Germany should be a piece of cake, a slice of Black Forest gâteau with a cherry on top. The ticket, bought in advance on the internet, has the platform number, carriage number and seat number. On the platform there is a diagram showing the location of the carriages.
When the train pulled into Platform 3 in Berlin yesterday the carriages were shuffled randomly and ours was at the back of the train with only one door operating. We had positioned ourselves towards the front as per the diagram; so much for German efficiency and precision. I know, another First World problem.
Now it’s Baroque around the clock in Dresden.
We have all become, to some extent, incessant white whiners; our exceptional good fortune accompanied by toxic levels of trivial irritation.
Should the author find himself further perturbed by irksome first world conditions, he may apply some percipient words of Luther (whose statue he has kindly illustrated): ‘Beautiful music is the art of the prophets that can calm the agitations of the soul, it is one of the most magnificent and delightful presents God has given us’.
Keep calm and enjoy the opera old bean. Pip-pip.
Dear Christopher,
I’m not sure whether Hoof Hearted has been a reader of your magnificent blog for long, but on the evidence of the above I fear he would have objected to your stunning opening line back on Wednesday 14th September 2016 when discussing Schweppes’s change of packaging; “There is so much to get irritated about that it’s a wonder I have time for anything else.”
Keep up the great work!
I had to refresh my memory about that post and found that it attracted two jolly good comments. Thank you Masha and John.