same same but different

as i sit in the airport in taipei, not only am i accompanied by my backpack, but my trombone as well!

the entire morning had been filled with anxiety over whether my trombone would cause trouble at the ticket counter, first gate, first screening, second screening, or at the gate of the plane. it can almost become a game right? i bet the gamblers out there would go crazy betting on the winning location!

i was told that i might have trouble getting it on the plane at each stop, but was told they would let it slide through. if nothing else, i would have to gate check it. i was very thankful for each step but still anxious over the final stop, the flight attendants. turns out, my horn was treated better than i could have ever imagined. they were concerned that i would sue them if it was damaged while in the cabin, so i signed a waiver and all was well. once i put it in the overhead compartment, they even surrounded it with pillows! needless to say, it is just fine.

the next step is facing the flight attendants here in taipei. we will see!

i board the plane around 2300 and will arrive in san fran 4 hours earlier.

have a wonderful day!