A tropical storm warning was issued for south east Florida the day we were due to fly to Los Angeles.
Flying in calm conditions makes me shake like Elvis Presley, so there was little chance I was getting on an aeroplane with Hurricane Noel on his destructive path from the Carribean.
Days earlier and the typically light breeze that keeps everyone cool on Miamis south beach was bending the palm trees over.
My round-the-world ticket could easily be changed free of charge, but Marias (advanceed fare ticket) had a tough penalty for any date changes. Unless the airline (American Airlines) issued a storm policy for that day, she would be charged an extra 220 dollars. Her ticket cost under 200.
When the CNN newscaster announced there would be a chance for TORNADOES to hit Miami we had to take action.
Visiting the American Airlines office in Biscane, Miami, I asked at the desk if a storm policy had been issued and explained my lack of courage.
"No sir," replied the lady, "all our planes are taking off today."
"Do you employ kamikaze pilots?" I enquired, wondering why planes would be taking off in such blatantly poor conditions.
"Sir, I cannot help you until there is a policy in place or you give us 14 days notice of a date change." There WAS a policy for Kingston and later the Bahamas.
"There was no bloody hurricane 2 weeks ago though was there?" I retorted.
"Have a heart," I pleaded. Please let us travel a few days later and waive Marias fees as I would like to fly with her to LA.
The witch behind the desk was unrepentent.
"Can I speak with a supervisor please," I asked, irritated.
There was no supervisor at the office so she put me on to a lady called Dorothy at Miami airport.
I explained my nerves.
"Can you assist me?" I asked hopefully.
"I am sorry but I cannot." she replied.
"Do you know anything about tornadoes," I snapped.
"Well," she replied calmly, "when I was a little girl......."
