Madam, – One aspect of the recent travel chaos which should be highlighted is the goodwill, resourcefulness and co-operation which this unexpected event allowed many people to show.
Having left Ireland for a short work-related event in south eastern Europe before the volcanic eruption, I did not envisage the long and very exhausting return route which awaited me. Crossing six countries to come back to Ireland by train, car and ferry, I was struck by how this shared problem brought out a refreshing sense of solidarity. Many of those who were weaving their way back home from far-flung places shared money, accommodation, cars, food, advice, jokes and sympathy, making the very stressful experience an edifying one also.
In this context, I would like to thank the business woman who offered me and my colleague berths in her ferry cabin, the nurses who took us to a hotel in their rented car and told us about alternative ferry options (while rustling up a midnight picnic), the 5am taxi-driver who slipped two sweets into my hand with my change, the man who offered to share his taxi from station to port with those of us standing in a long queue even though the driver was insisting he travelled alone, the train-employee who asked where I had started out from and then pushed two bags of crisps into my hand, the ferry company employee who remained calm and understanding despite the pressure she was under as the waiting list grew.
When stripped of our daily guards and faced with a common plight, a strong will to help each other is palpable. The perhaps instinctive “me first” stance was also in evidence, as expected when people have loved ones and commitments to return to, but, on balance, when we find ourselves to be in the same boat (and many of us did!) we seem to pull together. – Yours, etc,