A Compilation of Short stories
Viewing comments for Chapter 95 "Last Flight to Paris."Expressions
20 total reviews
Comment from estory
I think you told this little humorous story with plenty of great suspenseful buildup, especially with those frustrating and cryptic messages between the tower and the El Al flight. You also had some really great, detailed descriptions of the take off procedure in the cockpit of the plane on the runway, and that placed us right in the middle of the scene listening to it all. I loved how you broke the punch line and using the German accent accentuated the impact of the joke. estory
reply by the author on 13-Sep-2021
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I think you told this little humorous story with plenty of great suspenseful buildup, especially with those frustrating and cryptic messages between the tower and the El Al flight. You also had some really great, detailed descriptions of the take off procedure in the cockpit of the plane on the runway, and that placed us right in the middle of the scene listening to it all. I loved how you broke the punch line and using the German accent accentuated the impact of the joke. estory
Comment Written 13-Sep-2021
reply by the author on 13-Sep-2021
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Awe, Thank you so much, estory, not only for a wonderful review but also for the lovely stars. You are one of the very few who actually got this story. Thanks so much again. Ulla:)))
Comment from Bill Schott
This story, Last Flight to Paris, you tell a fun tale of getting to move up to the cockpit and see the crew there. The next part with the missing passenger turned it into a particularly memorable experience. You told it so well.
reply by the author on 14-Sep-2021
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This story, Last Flight to Paris, you tell a fun tale of getting to move up to the cockpit and see the crew there. The next part with the missing passenger turned it into a particularly memorable experience. You told it so well.
Comment Written 12-Sep-2021
reply by the author on 14-Sep-2021
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Thank you so very much, Bill, I so appreciate it. Ulla:)))
Comment from ExperiencingLiphe
I'm glad no one was missing. I bet that was terrifying for the pilots and everyone involved. I don't know if I could sit with the pilots. Flying doesn't bother me, however, if I was in the very front I don't know if I could do it.
reply by the author on 12-Sep-2021
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I'm glad no one was missing. I bet that was terrifying for the pilots and everyone involved. I don't know if I could sit with the pilots. Flying doesn't bother me, however, if I was in the very front I don't know if I could do it.
Comment Written 12-Sep-2021
reply by the author on 12-Sep-2021
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Thank you so much. Ulla:)))
Comment from barbara.wilkey
I enjoyed reading this contest entry. I could fear the worry at the idea of having to wait and even worse of what a missing passenger could mean. Thank you for sharing and good luck.
The pilots asked whether I was comfortable, and I answered that I was. (Omit 'that')
A dark blue tinge was appearing above in the upper part of the horizon making it clear that the night was rapidly closing in. (Omit 'that')
We now knew that if a passenger was indeed missing they would have to empty the plane. (Omit 'that')
They laughed so hard that they immediately asked for permission to take off. (Omit 'that')
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2021
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I enjoyed reading this contest entry. I could fear the worry at the idea of having to wait and even worse of what a missing passenger could mean. Thank you for sharing and good luck.
The pilots asked whether I was comfortable, and I answered that I was. (Omit 'that')
A dark blue tinge was appearing above in the upper part of the horizon making it clear that the night was rapidly closing in. (Omit 'that')
We now knew that if a passenger was indeed missing they would have to empty the plane. (Omit 'that')
They laughed so hard that they immediately asked for permission to take off. (Omit 'that')
Comment Written 11-Sep-2021
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2021
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Thank yo so much, Barbara. I have made loads of edits on this one. Thanks for your help. Ulla:)))
Comment from Jasmine Girl
I enjoy this non-fiction short piece. You write beautifully about your formal career. I didn't know that you wanted to be a pilot. My niece is current taking lessons while working as a fly attendant for Delta.
In the paragraph 8 in the middle, please change "T" to "t" in the following:
Then came British Airways,
I also don't understand the following:
Hast you in der oven gelooked?
So I missed the joke.
Well done and good luck.
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2021
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I enjoy this non-fiction short piece. You write beautifully about your formal career. I didn't know that you wanted to be a pilot. My niece is current taking lessons while working as a fly attendant for Delta.
In the paragraph 8 in the middle, please change "T" to "t" in the following:
Then came British Airways,
I also don't understand the following:
Hast you in der oven gelooked?
So I missed the joke.
Well done and good luck.
Comment Written 11-Sep-2021
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2021
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Thank you so much, Lisa. I have my made a lot of edits. It should be clearer now. Sorry the Jo the joke was lost on you. I've changed the wording so nobody can miss unless they've never heard about the second world war and what happened. All best, Ulla:)))
Comment from Jay Squires
as a lot of comunnication was going on [Spelling: communication.]
was not the first time I'd had the previledge of sitting [Spelling: privilege.]
we had all lined up in our respectective places [... our respective places ... although, I like the sound of yours better.]
with an incredilous gaze. [Spelling: incredulous gaze]
which would have to be identified by each and single passenger. [... identified by every single passenger.]
"El Al to Tower. We defenitetely think we are short of a passenger." [Spelling: definitely think]
the laughter broke from the Israelian [the Israeli ]
They laught so hard that they immidiately [Spelling: Laughed and Immediately]
I hate to tell you, Ulla, but I couldn't understand what the German captain meant by what he asked. In the oven? Whatever he said was enough to get the Israeli pilot to take off. It was obviously funny or you wouldn't have been continuing to laugh to this day.
Sorry to fill this up with so much in the way of spelling correction. I have a hunch you were rushing to get this sent in before a deadline. You really need to clear up the spelling before the judging begins. Just wondering: was you spell-check turned off?
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2021
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as a lot of comunnication was going on [Spelling: communication.]
was not the first time I'd had the previledge of sitting [Spelling: privilege.]
we had all lined up in our respectective places [... our respective places ... although, I like the sound of yours better.]
with an incredilous gaze. [Spelling: incredulous gaze]
which would have to be identified by each and single passenger. [... identified by every single passenger.]
"El Al to Tower. We defenitetely think we are short of a passenger." [Spelling: definitely think]
the laughter broke from the Israelian [the Israeli ]
They laught so hard that they immidiately [Spelling: Laughed and Immediately]
I hate to tell you, Ulla, but I couldn't understand what the German captain meant by what he asked. In the oven? Whatever he said was enough to get the Israeli pilot to take off. It was obviously funny or you wouldn't have been continuing to laugh to this day.
Sorry to fill this up with so much in the way of spelling correction. I have a hunch you were rushing to get this sent in before a deadline. You really need to clear up the spelling before the judging begins. Just wondering: was you spell-check turned off?
Comment Written 10-Sep-2021
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2021
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Thank you so much, Jay, and for all your help. I'm rather embarrassed to have made so many spelling, mistakes I normally wouldn't have done. I made the cardinal sin to be in a hurry and it was late. I should have known better.
Now, I have changed the wording of the last sentence.I hope the joke can be better understood now. Lufthansa is the German national airline, and we all know what happened to the Jews in WW2. It was a daring remark. Thanks again. Ulla:)))
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Ohhhh! I get it! Glad you got it cleaned up before the voting. It was otherwise quite goot!
Comment from Robert Zimmerman
Hello Ulla.
This is a very entertaining story. It's great to have the opportunity to sit in the jump seat in the cockpit if you have the chance. The dialogue from the German pilot sort of summed up the entire experience.
I used to play basketball years ago with a captain for delta airlines. One night after the game we were talking about something that happened during a flight and he told the rest of us that his job was boring. Actually what he said was, "it is 99% sheer boredom, and 1% sheer terror." we all thought that was pretty funny. I used to fly on business nearly every week for 30 years. I'm glad I'm done with that part of my life.
Robert
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2021
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Hello Ulla.
This is a very entertaining story. It's great to have the opportunity to sit in the jump seat in the cockpit if you have the chance. The dialogue from the German pilot sort of summed up the entire experience.
I used to play basketball years ago with a captain for delta airlines. One night after the game we were talking about something that happened during a flight and he told the rest of us that his job was boring. Actually what he said was, "it is 99% sheer boredom, and 1% sheer terror." we all thought that was pretty funny. I used to fly on business nearly every week for 30 years. I'm glad I'm done with that part of my life.
Robert
Comment Written 10-Sep-2021
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2021
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Thank you so much, Robert. Ulla:)))
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You're welcome
Comment from Janetsue
I imagine that a lot of interesting and funny things happen during a flight, especially when they are being observed by a flight attendant who is also a writer. It is wonderful that you can share your experiences through posted stories.
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2021
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I imagine that a lot of interesting and funny things happen during a flight, especially when they are being observed by a flight attendant who is also a writer. It is wonderful that you can share your experiences through posted stories.
Comment Written 10-Sep-2021
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2021
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Thanks a lot. Ulla:)))
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
I enjoyed reading your contest entry, Ulla. You did a good job with the details and the progression of your story. Your well chosen words made me feel as if I were on the plane with you. How exciting to get to ride in the cockpit. Your story flowed well with all of the other 'things' going on as the plane you were on awaited its turn to roar down the runway. I enjoyed reading about the other planes in line and the discussion about the 'missing' passenger. The bit of humor lightened the mood a bit.
Best wishes in the contest.
Respectfully, Jan
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2021
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I enjoyed reading your contest entry, Ulla. You did a good job with the details and the progression of your story. Your well chosen words made me feel as if I were on the plane with you. How exciting to get to ride in the cockpit. Your story flowed well with all of the other 'things' going on as the plane you were on awaited its turn to roar down the runway. I enjoyed reading about the other planes in line and the discussion about the 'missing' passenger. The bit of humor lightened the mood a bit.
Best wishes in the contest.
Respectfully, Jan
Comment Written 10-Sep-2021
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2021
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Thank you you so much. Ulla:)))
Comment from Mary Kay Bonfante
This is a fascinating and exciting story, Ulla, and I always love reading about your experiences during your career as a flight attendant (as well as some other interesting life experiences). You should seriously consider publishing some kind of autobiography.
I'm somewhat perplexed about the outcome of the story, and don't understand the humor of the German pilot. I'm sure commercial planes don't (and never did) have large, industrial ovens, and I haven't the foggiest idea of how his joke solved the mystery of the missing passenger.
I know this is a somewhat macabre connection to make, but I am also stymied as to the reason for the humor in this situation, when I think of these three words: Germans... Jews... ovens? Why was everyone laughing?
Here are some errors and suggestions:
That night we flew an MD82 a bigger version of the DC9.
-->
That night we flew an MD82, a bigger version of the DC9.
It was not the first time I'd had the previledge of sitting in the cockpit,
-->
It was not the first time I'd had the privilege of sitting in the cockpit,
A dark blue tinge was appearing above in the upper part of the horizon
-->
A dark blue tinge was appearing above in the upper part of the horizon,
Our small talk soon ceased,
-->
Our small talk soon ceased
El Al, was in the front,
-->
El Al was in the front,
Next was Lufthansa, wherever they were going in Germany,
-->
Next was Lufthansa, wherever they were going in Germany.
By now, we had all lined up in our respectective places ...
-->
By now, we had all lined up in our respective places ...
El Al was at the start of the runway,
-->
El Al was at the start of the runway.
They were the first to be cleared for take off, They got their clearance, but to our astonishment their plane didn't move an inch.
-->
As they were the first to be cleared for take off, they got their clearance; but to our astonishment, their plane didn't move an inch.
There was a short silence when all hell broke loose.
-->
There was a short silence, when all hell broke loose.
With all due respect, How can you suddenly be ...
-->
With all due respect, how can you suddenly be ...
with an incredilous gaze.
-->
with an incredulous gaze.
"Tower to El Al, Have you come up with a result?
-->
"Tower to El Al, have you come up with a result?
As you know there are several planes behind you all awaiting to take off.
-->
As you know, there are several planes behind you, all awaiting to take off.
By now, all formality had be given up,
-->
By now, all formality had be given up;
All passengers would have to come off and so would the luggage which would have to be identified by each and single passenger.
-->
All passengers would have to come off, and so would the luggage, which would have to be identified by each and every single passenger.
We definitly think we are short of a passenger."
-->
We definitely think we are short of a passenger."
until the laughter broke from the Israelian airline.
-->
until the laughter broke from the Israeli airline.
***
I am sure there is a very reasonable explanation, and I hope that I don't feel too foolish, when you kindly explain what it is... also, I don't know how the image you chose is related to your story.
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2021
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This is a fascinating and exciting story, Ulla, and I always love reading about your experiences during your career as a flight attendant (as well as some other interesting life experiences). You should seriously consider publishing some kind of autobiography.
I'm somewhat perplexed about the outcome of the story, and don't understand the humor of the German pilot. I'm sure commercial planes don't (and never did) have large, industrial ovens, and I haven't the foggiest idea of how his joke solved the mystery of the missing passenger.
I know this is a somewhat macabre connection to make, but I am also stymied as to the reason for the humor in this situation, when I think of these three words: Germans... Jews... ovens? Why was everyone laughing?
Here are some errors and suggestions:
That night we flew an MD82 a bigger version of the DC9.
-->
That night we flew an MD82, a bigger version of the DC9.
It was not the first time I'd had the previledge of sitting in the cockpit,
-->
It was not the first time I'd had the privilege of sitting in the cockpit,
A dark blue tinge was appearing above in the upper part of the horizon
-->
A dark blue tinge was appearing above in the upper part of the horizon,
Our small talk soon ceased,
-->
Our small talk soon ceased
El Al, was in the front,
-->
El Al was in the front,
Next was Lufthansa, wherever they were going in Germany,
-->
Next was Lufthansa, wherever they were going in Germany.
By now, we had all lined up in our respectective places ...
-->
By now, we had all lined up in our respective places ...
El Al was at the start of the runway,
-->
El Al was at the start of the runway.
They were the first to be cleared for take off, They got their clearance, but to our astonishment their plane didn't move an inch.
-->
As they were the first to be cleared for take off, they got their clearance; but to our astonishment, their plane didn't move an inch.
There was a short silence when all hell broke loose.
-->
There was a short silence, when all hell broke loose.
With all due respect, How can you suddenly be ...
-->
With all due respect, how can you suddenly be ...
with an incredilous gaze.
-->
with an incredulous gaze.
"Tower to El Al, Have you come up with a result?
-->
"Tower to El Al, have you come up with a result?
As you know there are several planes behind you all awaiting to take off.
-->
As you know, there are several planes behind you, all awaiting to take off.
By now, all formality had be given up,
-->
By now, all formality had be given up;
All passengers would have to come off and so would the luggage which would have to be identified by each and single passenger.
-->
All passengers would have to come off, and so would the luggage, which would have to be identified by each and every single passenger.
We definitly think we are short of a passenger."
-->
We definitely think we are short of a passenger."
until the laughter broke from the Israelian airline.
-->
until the laughter broke from the Israeli airline.
***
I am sure there is a very reasonable explanation, and I hope that I don't feel too foolish, when you kindly explain what it is... also, I don't know how the image you chose is related to your story.
Comment Written 10-Sep-2021
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2021
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Hi Mary Kay, thank you so much. I have made all the edits and plenty more. It's a shame not many got this. Maybe they haven't heard about WW2 and what happened. Ulla:)))
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You're very welcome, Ulla. Was that actually the joke? About WW2 and the ovens? I'm amazed that the people on the El Al airline could joke about the Holocaust, which is still a highly sensitive subject for most Jews (and many supporters), even though many years have passed. Also, how could the plane take off, when the missing passenger still hadn't been located?
I can begin to understand how the moment could be perceived as liberating, but it's not an exchange I could imagine happening for, perhaps, another hundred years!
I hope you don't mind my honesty, here.
Love and blessings, Mary Kay xoxo
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All I can say, is that they, the Jews have a lovely sense of humour. I know, many friends of mine are Jews and they are the first ones to joke about themselves. A way of surviving all the prejudice? Perhaps. Ulla:)))
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You may very well be right, my friend!
