Dramagirl
A new image every day in 2012. It kicks off with the January page of the Beatles 50th anniversary (OMG) calendar. My challenge will be to use my camera more ... probably my iPhone ... to grab snippets of each day ... the chosen will be that which I hope will bring the day's memories back when it is long gone.
The awful days of the flood disaster in January were followed by days of peace and relaxation in Honolulu with friends. I finished up my tenure as Chairman of Queensland Theatre Company after 9 years. What wonderful times they have been.
On then to two stage productions back to back, achieving my goal of completing the 8K Mother's Day Classic, getting to meet my newborn first great-niece, continuing the fun and challenge of art classes, with more travel at year's end - back to Honolulu and Vancouver for friend and family get-togethers.
Not a bad year, all in all ... and I haven't even mentioned the garden.
Here are some of the year's memories for me in images.
Lonely ...
I pride myself sometimes on how organised I can be. This afternoon, around 4.30pm I had done the online checkin thing, printed out my boarding passes and readied down for some last-minute packing for tomorrow's flights. At 5pm I got a text message from a friend telling me the QANTAS chief executive had grounded the entire international and domestic fleet. Industrial issues had, apparently, 'forced his hand.' All hell broke loose in this small part of the world reflecting a much larger reaction elsewhere. Such an action is utterly unprecedented in Australia and it took everyone ... even the government ... by surprise. There went my travel plans for tomorrow just like that.
I called QANTAS immediately ... only passengers flying within the next 24 hours were asked to do so ... and, after 40 or so minutes, got a civil, helpful and apologetic spokesperson who gave me my options: immediate refund of my fare so I could seek alternative arrangements with another carrier or a rebooking. I chose to keep tomorrow's booking open and get it covered with another. The fare I have was a great sale price. A refund would not have covered another ticket with any carrier I would think.
Ever the optimist, I can't help but feel this matter is going to be sorted sooner rather than later. I have to say the customer service rep from QANTAS did a sterling job under what must have been enormous pressure. He confessed that the normal waiting time on a phone call had gone from a minute or so to over an hour. They are probably still fielding calls now at 10.21pm.
I'm going on a holiday and can afford the couple of days delay which, I am hoping as I write, will be shorter rather than longer. Images started coming in via Twitter and the television from airports around the world where some passengers were even asked to leave aircraft or were informed as they waited in terminals to depart. QANTAS is offering hotel rooms and monetary compensation and has guaranteed to get stranded people home, presumably via other carriers. At least I am home and have my own bed to sleep in tonight. Can't image how awful it must be for so many who are stuck somewhere they'd rather not be tonight. Many, including myself, see this action by the CEO of QANTAS as irresponsible brinkmanship.
Anyway, I've pretty much remained glued to the tv since then. The Australian PM, Julia Gillard has sent the matter to immediate arbitration under legislation. The tribunal is meeting as I write and taking submissions. Hopefully the matter will be referred back to both parties in the dispute to resolve within 21 days. The first step is to dissolve any current industrial disputation and kickstart a resolution. Most people just want the whole thing sorted.
And I'm wondering whether I should finish packing tonight or wait till the morning. I could wake to find the planes are flying again. Time will tell.
Just dropped in here to dust the shelves, tidy up and see if everything is ready to record the next episode in the adventures of the serial traveller.
I take off next weekend and will be heading northwards to Hawaii and then on to Vancouver in Canada. While I am away the usual pix and traveller's tales will appear here so, if you're interested, you might like to follow me.
