Our story resumes as I wait at the LOT Polish concourse information desk. The lovely "Anna" has disappeared, and I am waiting for her return to confirm or deny that my flight has actually been cancelled. I'm standing by the desk for about 10 minutes,…Anna has not yet returned. I'm watching the status board scroll up new flights as the older flights are being removed from the top of the board. I'm wondering how I'm going to explain all of this (again) to Nina R. & Nina S. After 10 minutes or so, I see a new flight appear at the bottom of the board. It says "Flight 683, St. Petersburg, 10:50am, Gate 6, On Time". I reach into my coat pocket to confirm which flight I was actually scheduled to fly out on. Indeed, my flight was listed as #683, NOT #1683. All I remembered was that I had a 6-8-3 -something flight number. I breathe a HUGE sigh of relief, and a wonderful calmness overcomes me again, as I now sense that I will probably reach St. Petersburg today. I inquire again to the blonde working the information desk, and about this time, another lady appears from the direction from which "Anna" (Miss Poland) had disappeared. I slyly, and half-embarrassed, stated to them that they have a new flight listed on the bottom of the board, that corresponds with my ticket number. After another phone call, they both confirm that my scheduled flight #683 is scheduled to depart on time! Whew!
About an hour before departure, I decide to leave the duty-free area and proceed towards gate 6. As I pass through the X-ray security area, the 2 security guards converse something in Polish. One of them instructs me to place my bag on the desk & "open it". Before I can reach into my pocket to retrieve the key to unlock the mini padlocks, I hear the first guard say "cell phone". The second guard then motions me "ok", and to proceed on through to the gate. I thanked them in Polish, and proceeded to the gate. I board flight #683 and assume my position at a starboard side window seat. I'm watching the baggage handlers load baggage onto the plane. I'm almost overcome with joy as for the first time in over 4 days, I see both of my luggage pieces loaded onto the plane just below me. If only somehow I could retrieve my electric razor, as I have 4+ days of growth on my face.
The flight to St. Petersburg was smooth, & on time. I was able to view the city from the air as our airplane made an approach from the south & then the east. Passport Control & Customs was a breeze. My baggage appeared on the carrousel, and I proceeded to enter the visitor waiting area and scan the crowd for the familiar face of Nina R., of which I had only seen several photos. Not immediately recognizing anyone, I shuffle my baggage off to the right to get away from the exit door. Immediately, the wonderful sight of the familiar & quite lovely Nina R. & Slava (the driver) appear. Nina & I exchange hand-shakes, and "Ochen Priyatna's" in Russian. (Pleased to meet you!)
At last, I was finally in St. Petersburg, and on my way to the apartment near downtown. For the time being, my feud with Delta & LOT Polish Airlines is forgotten. They're not going to dampen my spirits . "I've got ALL your names, Delta Airlines"!! (a la "The Out-of-Towner's"). "You'll be hearing from my lawyers on Monday!" (ROFL) Instead of 7 days in St. Petersburg, it will now only be 5,…at this point, I don't care, as I have 2 wonderful women awaiting my arrival & meeting! For the time being, life is wonderful!
--- To be continued ---
