A Passenger Speaking
8:15 a.m.
At the Hörsching airport I leave my taxi. I am carrying my laptop, briefcase and coat. I haven't even had a coffee yet! My bad mood is blown away when a friendly, smiling gentleman walks up to me and introduces himself as the co-pilot for my flight today, taking my luggage for me. Now I only need to step into the airplane before I can lean back and relax. My favorite newspaper is waiting for me, taking my thoughts away from the business appointment in Prague and back to the latest economy news – I always feel better if I am well informed. My stomach starts to flutter, and I calm it down with coffee and a croissant. When the co-pilot informs me that he has already ordered a taxi for me by satellite phone, I know that everything will be just fine. Half an hour later a friendly driver meets me at the Prague airport to take me to the center in a scant 30 minutes.
11.45 a.m.
I am back in the plane and drop into my seat. The appointment went well. Now my day will take a pleasant turn. This is my wedding anniversary. I will take my wife to Dresden, surprise her with a romantic meal at Schloss Eckberg, and premiere tickets for the Semperoper.
1.15 p.m.
After a ninety minutes flight, we land at Hörsching and my wife gets in. I almost didn't recognize her in that new outfit. The commander hands us two glasses with sparkling wine, wishing us a pleasant flight and winking at me. It is time to tell my wife the truth.
2.45 p.m.
We arrive in Dresden. Of course, she loves the present. After a 45 minutes drive in an elegant limousine, we reach Schloss Eckberg. We enjoy a 6-course meal and then we are taken to Dresden. We still have time for a cocktail before the opera starts. The premiere is great.
Still half-dazed, we drop into the soft, tan-coloured leather seats around 10.00 p.m. We silently hold hands on the way back. After an eventful day we are exhausted.
