Vacations are great ways to forget everything one leaves behind, and just relax. Of course, it may be necessary to define what the word “relax” means, since we seem to work harder to have fun.

This past week, we took a trip and flying was the mode of travel. I didn’t look forward to traveling by air, mainly because of the mask restrictions. However, it turned out just fine. Everything about masks, the “sir, pull the mask over your nose” remarks, and the “please observe social distancing” has relaxed a bit. But we still had to wear the masks, of course.

I had forgotten the one reason to expect encouragement, and I had to be reminded. That is ... people! They can be such fun to watch and to encounter ... and they can be so nice.

My seat was on the aisle. The plane was packed. Fred was three seats behind me, seated on the aisle, as well. 

The gal next to me was friendly and effervescent. Immediately, we began to visit. As we talked, she asked me where we were staying? Which hotel? I couldn’t remember. I began searching in my head, going through the alphabet. Let’s see ... Hilton? Holiday Inn? Omni? Darn.

I turned around to find Fred. Oh, there he is, three aisle seats back. Fred? Fred? Hey. Psst!

Across the aisle and two seats back, on the aisle, sat a guy that was about my age, and looked like Danny DeVito. He looked at me, and said, “Who do ya want?” in a New Yawwwk kind of accent.

I’m leaning over into the aisle. I point at Fred, who can’t hear well, and the noise of the engine would drown out my words. I call his name. “Fred! Frederick!” Soon, “Danny DeVito” is calling him. Danny is two rows closer. Hey, Freddy!   

Fred looks at me. “What?” Danny DeVito, says, “She wants to know whehhhh you ah staying?”

Fred. “Embassy Suites.”

Danny DeVito looks at me, says loudly in his great New Yawk accent. “You are staying at Embassy Suites.” 

“Thank you,” I remark, laughing, since now about 50 people are listening, I am sure.

I turn to my right, and answer the gal next to me. “We are staying at the Embassy Suites.”

When we arrive, I get up to take my C-pap bag down from the overhead bins. And guess “who” is right behind me. Danny DeVito-guy says in his Yawky sense of humor, “I see you have a C-pap.”

I turn and he says, “See? Mine is just like yours.” I laugh. He is just one example of the friendly people one meets while traveling. Oh yes, there are a few corkers. But they make it interesting for the rest of us. 

However, traveling makes one aware of what a great country of people we are.

Two days into the trip, a group of us met at a sports bar to gather with other KU fans to watch the Final 4 game between KU and Villanova. When the Kansas team made a basket or a great play, the crowd cheered and we slapped each other’s hands. I didn’t know them, but we had this interest in common and were instantly friends. 

That’s what unity does. And as Americans, we have that connection as well. Whether it’s an encounter on a plane, or at a game, there are many good reasons for us to be united and not divided. 

And these reminders are encouraging.   

Judi Tabler lives in Pawnee County and is a guest columnist for the Great Bend Tribune. She can be reached at juditabler@gmail.com.