I posted a few days ago about the email I received from my brother after he landed in FRA on LH. The email didn’t go into specifics, but here are some more details about his “experience.”

My mom and I were sitting in the first row of the F cabin on LH A340 from ORD – FRA. Maybe 1.5 hrs into the flight, a passenger in the second row began to play the drums on his tray table. By “playing the drums”, I don’t mean gently tapping the tray table with his fingers, I mean performing for a 100+ person audience with his hands, fists, palms and feet for the bass (I think that’s what it’s called on a drum set). I didn’t think much of it originally – perhaps he was
really getting into some of the tunes he was listening to. As the flight progressed, not only did he continue drumming, but the rhythm and noise intensified. Don’t get me wrong, he was a very good drummer. If I wasn’t trying to sleep, I may have enjoyed listening to him. Unfortunately, I was on a redeye.

Several hours later, the passenger in the second row began to use the shoulder light on his seat as a stage light. First, he positioned it on himself, and then began to shine the light on the other passengers in our cabin. Let me reiterate this is LH in F while the entire cabin is trying to go to sleep.

When perhaps 1.5 hours remained on the flight, the passenger was getting tired just as a flight attendant asked me if I had witnessed the events of row two. Based on the FA, apparently the drummer was heavily intoxicated, but the crew ultimately decided not to intervene further. The FA did suggest, however, I write Lufthansa about my experience.

This is certainly one of the most bizarre (and hilarious in a sad way) stories I’ve read in a long time. I’m surprised the FA suggests he write Lufthansa. Does anyone with experience think they’d actually offer him some compensation?

Regardless, I figured many would get a kick out of this.

My friend Joe posted these on Facebook, and they’re both excellent, so I figured I’d pass them on.

I love these types of videos!

I know I’m a bit late here, but I wanted to wish those that celebrate a happy Thanksgiving! A sincere thank you to all those that have made blogging so rewarding, from frequent readers to frequent commenters to frequent emailers. I really appreciate the friendships I’ve been able to make through my little travel hobby, so thanks to everyone that checks in frequently.

For those of you traveling this weekend, happy bumping and more importantly safe travels. My thoughts are also with those in Mumbai and Bangkok, and on the aviation front to the 15 Air France crewmembers that are trapped in a Mumbai hotel.

Check out this Lufthansa site which showcases their premium product. It’s actually quite well done overall, and much better than United’s Suite Dreams website.

 There was one part (other than the all around cheesiness) that cracked me up about Susan and Brandon’s “Lufthansa Moment.” Anyone want to guess what it is?

Update: Just went over to Channel 9 and saw that he posted about it earlier this morning with a similar analysis. Scary!

One of my major frustrations with international travel is staying in touch with those at home on a regular basis. In the past I’ve either stayed in contact via email, which is simple but not personal, or by buying phone cards in the country I’m in, which is personal but a hassle. I refuse to pay the outrageous fees for international calling on my cellphone, so have never even thought of that as an option.

While I’ve heard about Skype in the past, I only downloaded it about two weeks ago. I was a bit apprehensive since I’m technologically illiterate and was concerned it would be tough to use, but it couldn’t have been any easier. My brother and I agreed that we’d communicate via Skype while he’s in Egypt, and it has worked out great so far. Not only is it better than talking on the phone in terms of quality, but it’s free, so there’s no need to rush the conversations. Of course the caveat is that an internet connection is needed, but that’s included in my brother’s room rate at the InterContinental in Cairo.

I totally dig Skype, and plan on using it in the future for all my international communication needs, assuming I can get internet access for a reasonable price.

I got an email this morning from my brother regarding his ORD-FRA flight last night. Haven’t had a chance to discuss the details with him yet, but the email gave me a good chuckle.

Landed. Very nice flight. There was a guy in F, however, who was playing the drums on his tray table as people were trying to sleep. Will give you details later.

I, for one, have a hard time picturing this!