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MUMBLINGS March 5, 2005
If you don't have to get to your destination at a certain
time, flying is the fastest and best way to travel.
However, you can run into difficulties these days.
Scheduled to leave Mobile at 9:30 a.m., my traveling buddy and I had to wait
three hours before taking off to Atlanta. Arriving in Atlanta, we had four
hours wait before we could get a plane to Washington D.C. We arrived at our
destination and then to our hotel at 8:30 p.m. Our schedule called for us
getting there at 2:30.
We weren't the only ones that had to wait
as Congressman Jo Bonner was scheduled on the same flight and he too, had to
wait. Also, Congressman Artur Davis of Jefferson County said he had been
waiting in Atlanta since 8:30 that morning. This would indicate that Delta
Airlines treats everyone the same.
If the airlines aren't making money now, I
don't see how they ever will because every plane out of Mobile and Atlanta was
packed. Our plane from Atlanta to D.C. was a McDonald Douglass with three
narrow seats on either side of the aisle. The planes held 175 passengers and
every seat was filled. Same way returning home but we were fortunate enough to
not have to wait.
Another interesting, and annoying thing
happened upon arrival at our hotel where we had reserved rooms several days
prior. We had asked for adjoining rooms with one handicapped. They had neither,
claiming we had not asked for such. For some unknown reason, the desk clerk
suggested she take us around the corner to the Radisson Hotel where they did
have two rooms we required. She put us in her automobile and took us to the
Radisson and left us there. Lo and behold they had neither of the desired and
requested accommodations. Equally interesting is the fact that they let us
spend the night free because the Sheraton that had not observed our
reservations properly, paid for it. We still wonder what happened and must
assume that Sheraton did not have any rooms at all.
Fortunately, we had made reservations at
another Sheraton in Alexandria, Virginia for the second night. It was a
beautiful hotel and they did fill our reservation requirements. However, the
rooms were over $200 each, which is not unusual in the Washington area.
I don't go to Washington often any more
because it is too expensive and the time is not always available.
It was my desire to have interviews with
several people and fortunately, was able to see each one of them, with plenty
of time for conversation. In fact, we had lunch with three of the principals at
the 116th Club, which my partner, Matt Metcalfe is a member. It is the club in
the midst of all the capital buildings where all sorts of distinguished
congressmen and senators eat. The club owner serves lunch and does not accept
reservations. Fortunately, the owners are good friends of Matt and took care of
us in fine style. The food was great.
Senators and Congressmen have several
assistants and their ability has a lot to do with their success. Fortunately,
Congressman Jo Bonner and Senators Shelby, and Sessions have good help. We were
able to see the chief administrative assistants of each one.
Wish I could tell you more about these
assistants, as they are outstanding and brilliant. Our Washington
representatives did a good job in choosing their help.
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