Back in the day before all the security concerns, folks could see people off or greet folks right at the gate. There were viewing platforms and areas for the public to watch airplanes land and take off. There also were times where people could come on an aircraft to "look around".
I remember when we would be at an airport for an hour or two before our next flight. Agents would come on and ask if a "Guest or group" could come onboard to look around. I always enjoyed those times.
Unfortunately I don't remember what airport we were at, but do remember the experience. I was flying with Captain Blakesley, known to those who flew with him often as Captain Marvelous Marv.
For some reason we were scheduled to be at this airport for about two hours before our next flight was to depart. The agent came on and let us know there was a group of Amish that would like to "visit" the aircraft.
That was fine with us crew members. We were on a Convair 580 turbo prop, so I was the only Stewardess, plus two pilots- one being Captain Blakesley.
On came the Amish. They had what I thought at the time was a strong Dutch accent. Not sure if that's correct. There were probably two families with lots of children. While the ladies and children entered the cabin to look around the two men stopped to talk to the Captain. I introduced myself and told them a bit of what my job consisted of. The ladies were really interested in the galley and how I could serve 48 people from such a small space! The children enjoyed sitting in the seats, asking questions, and looking out the windows.
Meanwhile the gentlemen and Captain Blakesley were having quite a talk! Lots of laughter and animation. The two Amish gentlemen got to sit in the pilot's seats while the Captain pointed to different buttons and knobs. The laughter continued! I was curious as to what thy were finding so amusing, though I knew Marvelous Marv was genuinely funny and quite the conversationalist.
Meanwhile, back in the cabin I was passing out candy from our candy basket! The children were very polite and each said "thank you"! One little boy shyly asked if he could take some to his Father and Uncle in the cockpit- which was fine with me. As he approached the cockpit he stopped and ran back- asking for a piece for the Captain and First Officer also! I thought that was so sweet!
Once in the cockpit he handed out the candy and got a little tour. Again this little boy thought of others, asking if the other children could come and take a look. He lined up the children to each take their turn. I had a feeling this little fellow was well taught to think of others as well as himself, and had the makings of a leader!
The Amish women and I talked about baking and gardens. I actually learned a few things! For instance- If there's a frost on your garden, wet the plants down before the sun hits it and you'll save them! Never knew that one! Also- always wet the cloth you put over bread dough- never a dry one!
I did make one mistake. I was about to offer kiddy wings to the children. One of the Mothers stopped me and told me it wasn't allowed. When questioning why she explained. There were other children from the community who didn't come. It would not be right that some children have them and some would not. I understood, and thought it was a compassionate idea.
Captain Blakesley seemed to be quite a hit with the Amish gentlemen! As the group departed the men shook the Captain's hand and thanked him for a wonderful visit, both still grinning from ear to ear.
After they left I asked Captain Marvelous Marv what was so funny. He said that growing up in Iowa he was well aware of farming. They talked crops, milking, horses, and big breakfasts! He said they had a good laugh at his "milking" and "horse horror" stories! I never did get to hear those stories! I can only imagine! Ha!
Throughout the years I had many Amish come onboard to visit, though I never had any of them as passengers. My experience with these folks were always very pleasant! But the day Captain Blakesley had them rolling in the aisles and the wonderful little Amish boy who was so thoughtful- well that memory sticks in my mind as a wonderful experience!
And that's my little story of Captain Marvelous Marv and the wonderful Amish families who came to visit!
Until next time, Dear Readers!
Life Is Indeed An Adventure! And Meeting Folks From Different Walks Of Life Enriches Your Life Indeed!
4 comments:
Thank you so much for the nice article Marcy. I can only imagine what Marv said to get the Amish men laughing! Lori
Dear Lori- You are most welcome! Marv had a way of relating to everyone- and with humor he set people at ease. He was always kind to folks, so was a joy to work with.
Thank you again Marcy.
Dear Dirty Jim- You are welcome!
Post a Comment