November 12' 2010
Here I am in Anchorage again. There is now snow everywhere, and it is below freezing. The snow is white and consistent, not the soggy mud-type. It is quite lovely.
I had a good flight, I was PF (Pilot Flying), with a Captain under-going a line-check, so had a Check-Captain observing from behind. I managed quite well, stayed relaxed, and made a soft landing. Even though it was not my line check, but the Captain's, it is imperative we all do well. The Captain later thanked me for making his life easy. Its nice to fly with a nice Captain too.
I received my 10-year pin recently, a corporate recognition, pure gold... don't know what I'll do with it. Its a show-piece, I guess.
After a short nap I waited for the crew downstairs, as we agreed on meeting up for a bite at Sullivan's restaurant. While no one showed up (a common occurrence, we are all on different time zones), I left for Sullivan's alone. There, the Captain sat with two other Cathay Pacific pilots, drinking beers. Later the Check-Captain arrived. They all had a burger (it was a half price special), but I had the salmon and sweet potato. I do not eat burgers... or most meat. I like salmon for its Omega 3 factor, and sweet potato is a great slow burning complex carbohydrate. I always do things for a reason.
The chatter became a bit out of control, with each person trying to out-wit, out humor the other, leaving no rock unturned. I wanted to be more serious, to carry on a real conversation, although allowed myself the occasional chuckle here and there, feeling mostly like the guy who always suffers at a party. I found much of the vulgar humor distasteful, and the references to South Park or other TV cartoons for adults, quite uninteresting.
At one point we spoke about jazz. There was a lovely 3-man jazz band playing in the corner, and one crew member admitted knowing nothing about it. I explained a few things about the fundamentals and technicals of jazz, and how to properly listen. But then the conversation quickly turned humorous and shallow again.
To me flying a Boeing 747 is easy. Its dealing with people that's hard.
After a short interlude, I excused myself, paid the bill and left. I went again to Century 16, purchased a movie ticket, and off I went to Barns and Nobles bookshop. On the way I saw a star-filled sky, snow capped mountain peaks, and a half crescent moon. I passed by two kids playing in the snow, their little bodies bundled up to their chins in warm clothes, the mother prodding occasionally to move on, or to be careful. I rejoiced in their rejoicing. It felt good to be alone, in a quiet place. I could finally hear my own breathing.
It felt good to be me, unburdened by unnecessary chatter, by reckless noise, by constant humor. I was alone, and yet I was full, in all manners human, and in Spirit.
I saw the movie Due Date, with Robert Downy Jr. I do not recommend it. It was adolescent. And yet I could not help appreciate the acting by this very special actor.
And yes, I finally got that almond butter I was seeking on my last trip from the 24-hour supermarket before returning to the hotel.
