MARCY'S FLIGHT NUN TRAVEL BLOG- MY ANGRY, SURLY SELF!

 As crew members, we were often told when there were dangerous situations on our layovers.  If there were protests, etc.- we were advised to stay in our hotel. Otherwise we were free to explore our layover city to our hearts content! Of course, common sense needed to prevail!

One of my favorite layovers was Honolulu, Hawaii!  The weather, the people, the ocean, the food -- well, it couldn't be beat!  And to boot, I had a Flight Attendant friend who lived there!  So when he was in town we'd take a drive along the coast for a fantastic view of the island!

On one particular layover we arrived in Honolulu early in the evening. We stayed at the Ala Moana hotel. I felt weary, and laid down for what I thought would be a quick nap! When I woke it was a bit after midnight, and I was starving!

Down at the check-in desk I asked where I might get some food. All the hotel restaurants were closed. They advised me there was a 7-11 just a few blocks away that was open all night- so off I went in search of food!

Once I got near the store I crossed the parking lot- only to have the  hair stand up on the back of my neck!  I felt him before I saw him!

 There, standing by a phone booth across from the parking lot was a man who looked to be in his 20's.  If you've ever seen a cat focus on it's prey- that's the way he was looking at me. That thing that happens- the shiver that runs up your spine to your scalp?  That has always been my "Alarm" that something wan't right. I told myself it could be my imagination, but to be watchful!

I purchased a sandwich and some chips, exited the store- and there he was, pacing me as I walked away.  I stopped as if I had forgotten something and went back into the store. My heart pounded a bit. I wanted to be absolutely sure that my instincts were correct. I realized this guy may have seen me as an easy "mark"!  I made another purchase. I probably stayed in the store again about 5 minutes, long enough to assure the man was gone if,  in fact it was just my imagination.

My first emotion was Fear.  My very second emotion was anger! I Hate the feeling of fear! So I left the store feeling a bit ticked off!

As I exited the store a second time I didn't see him, so thought he had left!  But when I rounded the corner of the store- there he stood.  As I passed him he turned and started following me! 

 Now I'm furious! What the Heck!  Instead of staying a ways away- he was staying pretty close to me.

About a half a block towards my hotel I figured I had had enough of this guy!  The fact that there were still a few people about helped. I turned and faced him.  Instead of walking past me this guy stopped dead in his tracks, looking at me. I have a feeling the look on my face was a bit scary. 

Now- my voice is one of those that carries, even when I whisper!  So speaking in a loud angry voice probably was a bit intimidating! (Along with that "look" on my face!"

I said "Are You Following Me? ARE YOU FOLLOWING ME!!" 

The man's eyes got big and he started shaking his head.  

I continued-"Because Whenever I Move- YOU Move! I Start- You Start!  I Stop- You Stop!  And You're Making Me Nervous!!  Knock It Off Buster!!"

He put up his hands, like he was wanting to stop the one sided  conversation! He turned and walked down an alley, shaking his head as he did so! He looked back once- his eyes said he had just met a monster Lady! He actually looked pretty shook! I think he thought I was this weak female that could be stalked! Surprise!

I quickly walked to the hotel, stood for a bit in the lobby to see if he somehow followed me, then took the elevator to one floor below mine.  I walked the stairs to my floor, got to my room, and shook a bit. My "fight or flight" had kicked in, so had some adrenaline pumping. 

I've always hated the idea of the "Victim" role- and would rather fight then just give up. That attitude has served me well over the years. I have been on my own most of my life, twice moving to big cities where I knew no one. 

Looking back I wish I had applied that thinking to my personal life! It would have saved me a lot of heart ache!  But live and learn.  

My philosophy, as a senior adult:

 Walk Gently through life, but stand firm for what is right. And don't let bullies and dangerous people turn you into a victim! 

There are times when it's okay to be one's Angry, Surly Self!

I had a few other dangerous situations in my career, both on and off the aircraft.  But that's for another time.

Until next time, Dear Readers!

Life Is Indeed An Adventure, And Dangerous Situations Can Later Become Memories Of Surly Survival!