KC Final Part

What made this trip so attractive was that I was able to get decent airfare, but I was required to take flights with a layover in Minneapolis in order to get the best price. My flight home wouldn't leave until 3 in the afternoon, getting me back to Phoenix around 7 in the evening. I figured I'd rest/sleep in the airport and everything would be fine.

After our arrival at the airport, we tried to settle in and get some rest. None of the seats were very comfortable and we quickly realized we were in for a very long night. We discovered another problem; the terminal was freezing! The taxpayers of KC must pay a fortune to keep the airport at what seemed to be a chilly 45 degrees! Having packed lightly, we were without warm clothing, so we just shivered and tried to get some sleep. When we discovered this was to be futile, we found a little area between the outer doors of the terminal and the inner doors to the terminal that was a little warmer than inside, however this comfort came at a price. The carpet was very course, there was a bad smell and there was constantly jazz music playing over the speakers. We decided that the warmer temperature was most important and tried to get some sleep.

This was a waste of time. After a few hours, I was thinking to myself "I can't believe I'm actually doing this. I am trying to sleep in an area that is neither inside nor outside, with music playing that is supposed to be soothing but that really makes me insane with anger." It was so ridiculous, I had my friend take a picture of me in our little area (see below) for documentation and we went back inside where we used the warmth of our laptops in our laps to stay warm. By morning, I hadn't slept hardly at all and I was concerned about my late departure. My mentally fatigued state had me very worried that I wouldn't get any rest for a long, long time, and I immediately longed to be home as early as possible. I tried to make calls earlier about changing the flight, but didn't get very good customer service and just gave up on the idea, but now this idea was planted in my head again. Not thinking it was going to be economical, I put it aside.

Worst night's sleep ever

By about 6:30 AM, my friend had gone to take his flight and I was left to await my flight in over 8 hours in a different terminal. I was using my computer outside of security, when I got a distinct and sudden impression in my mind "Pack up and go." This was not simply a thought, but almost a gentle urging in my mind. This was uncommon. I shut my lid on my computer, caught the shuttle and went to my terminal. As I traveled, I talked myself into why it made sense to go to my terminal. I figured, what was the harm? Maybe I could talk to someone that could change my flight or help me figure out how much it would cost. Maybe there would be better seats, a blanket, etc.

As I got there, I went to check myself in. As I walked up, I saw another man at the kiosk next to mine and immediately recognized him. He was Sunil Gulati, economics professor at Columbia University, and the President of the US Soccer Federation. He is the man ultimately responsible for all operations of the US Men's national team, the team I love and travel to support. He is comparable to a General Manager of a professional team, and he's certainly not a nobody. I didn't say anything to him, but watched him as he walked off and thought "Wow, I'm glad I packed up and left when I felt I should." It's not every day you see someone like Gulati checking into Delta with us.


Gulati is on the left in the above picture that was taken just a couple days ago when US Soccer announced it had hired a new coach named Jurgen Klinsmann.

Then I finished checking in at the kiosk and saw I had an option to change my flight and get home about 7 hours earlier for 40 extra dollars. I decided it was worth it and tried to swipe my card. It didn't work, and it told me to seek out an agent. I spoke to one, and she started typing into the computer. She informed me that there was a flight I could transfer to for free that was leaving in about 10 minutes and would get home by 12:00 PM.

HALLELUJAH!! She printed the tickets and I SPRINTED to security, stopping only to let the TSA take a naked picture of me.....I mean, uh, scan me for weapons. I made it home and got some much needed rest both on the plane and when I got back. I'm glad I listened to my little prompting.


All in all, a successful trip. Wish I could do it more often.