Berkeley
Sunday February 29, 2004
In the air between Chicago and Oakland
A very weird airplane moment: In the row behind me a guy is playing a harmonica, sort of bluesy lyrical music, quite good actually. He has a goatee and is wearing sun glasses and a baseball cap and listening to something on earphones at the same time. In all my decades of flying I have never encountered a person playing a musical instrument on a plane. A baby is crying further back in the plane which adds another instrument to the band. Right behind me someone yells sharply at him “Hey, Hey, I’m trying to watch the movie.” The guy replies, “I didn’t think it would bother you.” He continue playing, a wee bit quieter. Soon another sharp rebuke, infused with real anger: “Hey buddy, cut it out. You’re interfering with the movie.” Meekly in response, “Oh my, I just didn’t think this would bother anyone. I’m playing so softly.” “I’ve asked you twice. Lots of people are turning around at looking at you buddy, so stop it now.” “OK, OK.” The incident now seems over…
