By the time I was outside the plane heading from Paris to Beirut, everyone had boarded. I asked the airline staff if my bags were on the plane. Her computer search came back negative.
Negative!! my production bag! that took weeks to prepare and my personal bag were not on the plane.
I had dreaded this so much and there it was. As I boarded the plane, the flight attendant reading my name, said she was wondering where I was. I had alerted a close relative who works for MEA that I would appreciate help making sure the luggage was safe. The luggage was not there. What I was offered instead was a fancy wide seat in business class, first class treatment to newspapers, VIP food and a lounging chair.
Double checking about the luggage proved fruitless. Now owing them a favor, I could not complain anymore and was almost ready to walk out of the plane wishing I could protest that I would not fly without the luggage.
The doors of the plane were locked within eye sight and the cushy seat
forced me to relax and shut up.
4 or so hours were spent partly worrying, partly letting go, partly sleeping, and partly anticipating the emotionally charged arrival that every trip to Lebanon carries.