The Friendly Skies Prove Friendly Indeed
As I put this website together, I’ve mentioned along the way my love for reading. I had an experience last week with my Kindle that threatened to harsh my reading vibe. Fortunately, it turned out okay and I want to share it here in this blog.
I was traveling back from a trip, and I was transferring flights in Denver, Colorado. It was a long trip and as I traveled, I did one of the routines I’ve devised to make the trip easier and more enjoyable. Only this time, I was tired and not paying attention. Not good.
I love my Kindle, and I use it all the time. It’s an important part of travel for me because I enjoy reading. A few years ago, I bought a Kindle Paperwhite which is a Kindle version designed to be a pure reader- easy on the eyes and designed strictly for reading. Paperwhite Kindle is not backlit like a computer or ordinary Kindle.
I find it interesting to discuss reading with other readers I meet as I wander around. I’m always interested in their perspective on reading and especially on the topic of real books vs. e readers. Most purists opt for real books, but I am of the opinion the Kindle is far superior to a real book. I know, I’m a radical!
The experience of holding and reading a book is something most readers comment on when discussing new ways vs old ways, but I favor the Kindle. I agree, holding a book is nice- there’ s a little comfort there, a little nostalgia, a little warmth, but I like being able to enlarge the font with a few clicks better. I also like the way Kindles don’t tire your eyes out or require a light source. Most of all, I love the portability of the Kindle. You can carry your whole library on a small device that weighs a couple of ounces. Super cool!
Back to my story. My Kindle is very light, and I didn’t purchase a case because I like it to be easy to carry and use. I can read with one hand, which I love. As I travel, I’ll pull it out of my backpack and put it in my back pocket. Then, when I settle into my seat, I pull it out and put it in the back of the chair in front of me.
I recognize the danger of forgetting it, but it seems like the best way, especially when space is so tight, they pack you in like a sardine in your seat. I was connecting flights in Denver, and I was super tired. I put my Kindle in the seat in front of me and forgot about it.
When I got home, I realized I had left my Kindle in the airplane, and I was super bummed. I thought about calling the airline, but decided against it, it seemed unlikely I would get it back. I chalked it up as a travel mishap and decided I would just have to get a new one sometime soon.
About 3 days later I got an e-mail from United Airlines that said, “Hey, we found your Kindle, do you want to come to Denver and pick it up, or would you like us to mail it to you?” I was so happy! I paid the shipping and got my Kindle back today. Hooray!
I was surprised they found it, figured out it was mine and made the effort to return it. What a great thing. United won some points with me on this trip, for sure. So that’s my Kindle story of the day. Something bad turning into something good. Kudos to United for making the skies so friendly.
Have a super week!
Ernie