I've not written in a while. No other reason than it's been crazy busy between Positive Heroes and the new Knead (which is soon to open in Dean Street Arcade in Newlands). Plus I went to London for 10 days as a pre-birthday treat to myself. I slid in just as the cloud descended and flew out the day after it lifted. It's always in the timing.
My parents weren't as lucky – having to spend four extra days knocking around London. At least they had somewhere to stay – unlike thousands of people who appeared endlessly on Sky News, sleeping in various airports, apparently thrown to the dogs by the airlines. I even got a note from BA asking me to consider giving up my seat to someone who needed to be repatriated asap. I demurred because I wanted to get home. Sorry folks – but I had work to do. When I got on the plane – Premium Economy and Business were empty. Galling for two reasons – I had used airmiles to get to London and had tried to get a return seat in business only to be told there were no rewards seats available. And secondly – if there were 10 000 South Africans sitting in London – one of whom apparently had needed my seat to get home – why the hell wasn't BA using any available seat to get them home?
BA – people who have airmiles have earned them by flying on your airline. In my case – many, many times over many, many years. Free up a business seat for me if I want to spend my miles on one. Especially if the goddamned cabin is empty. And – if your passengers are stranded – bring them home. By whichever class available.
That way you won't appear greedy, and we will fly with you again.
On another front – this week I have made two purchases. A pair of boots and a chair. Both are to replace older versions, both were carefully considered purchases. And both have turned out to be a bust.
Footwear and chairs have something in common. You don't really know how comfortable they are until you'e spent some time in them. And, once you've spent some time in them – the retailer won't take them back. Because they're now used. They could give a shit that your feet are bleeding and your spine hooped and bowed. Sorry Madam, once you've walked a mile – they're yours.
My heels keep slipping out of the boots … not something I could possibly have realised without walking said distance. Plus the platform of the boot appears to be made of hardwood. I've added in heel grips and a gel cushion – no cigar – I'm hobbling around like an chimp with a wedgie. I tried to take them back and the sales assistant said: “no-one else has ever complained”. Ah well, then, must be my misshapen fault. Followed by: “you've worn them now, we can't take them back”. So that's that – then. R1200 down the drain. Thanks Nine West.
I've had more luck with the chair. Whilst a refund is not an option – I can exchange it – but asap so that it doesn't become “worn”. It's made of hard plastic, and I am of normal weight – so not sure how that would happen any time this century. But, at least there is a glimmer of hope. What I am going to have to do now; is to audition chairs until I find one that suits. What happens if I don't, is anyone's guess.