A few years ago, we started a tradition of answering a question during our meals at the event. Someone would pose a question and everyone would answer it. We got to know everyone much faster. We’ve kept this tradition during meals at the event but we also have the CKC team answer a question during our team meetings. It keeps things interesting not to mention we have a little fun. We thought it might be fun to answer a question for you: What is one of your worst or funniest traveling experiences? Here are a few of the CKC team stories. We hope you enjoy.
-The CKC Team
From David and Marie:
It seems like we always have someone lose his or her luggage at our Charlotte convention. I lost mine in 2005. Mike lost his luggage in 2006. Nothing like getting a call at 3 a.m. to let you know your luggage is ready. Charlotte always seems to have a bit of fun with no exception to this year. Mike, Marie, and I (David) headed off to the airport at 5 a.m. in the morning. We followed our maps and ended up at a military part of the airport.
We turned around and managed to find a sign pointing to the airport…too bad we were stuck at a light for 5 minutes. We managed to make it past the light and made it to the airport. As we approached the rental car agency, we noticed that the gates we closed. There were a few cars waiting to drop off their car as well. After 10 minutes, an attendant came out and said they wouldn’t open until 6 a.m. Too bad our flight left in less than an hour. We managed to drop off our car and arrive at the ticketing gate. Marie and I were on the same flight. As we attempted to check in, we realized that our flight had been cancelled due to a mechanical problem. The flight attendant told us we could head over to another airline counter and they would get us on their flight. We waited in line for 20 minutes and got up to the front.
As we approached the counter, the supervisor came off her break and told us that she would no longer let us change flights. Let’s just say we weren’t too happy. Marie ran over to our original airline and they said the plane was fixed and we could take that flight. You’d think that would be the end of our nightmare…nope.
We arrived into Atlanta to connect to our final flight. When we got off the flight we realized that we had to cross from one side of the Atlanta airport to the other in less than 5 minutes. I told Marie we would have to run to get there. Poor Marie had flip-flops on and we were both carrying bags. We started running. I took off with Marie running right behind me. After running for a few minutes, I heard Marie yell “David! David!” Marie was having a hard time running with her flip-flops and carrying the bag at the same time. I grabbed both bags and then we started running again. Here I was running with two bags and Marie with flip-flops. We made the gate just in time to get in line behind the last boarding passenger. I bet the passengers next to us were happy when we sat down and they realized we were in a full out sweat! You’d think that would be the end right…not yet.
When we arrived in Salt Lake, Marie had to wait for 30 minutes to get her luggage. I couldn’t find my car for 20 minutes. We can’t wait for Charlotte this year! What else could happen?
From Mike:
Well…after landing in St. Louis for one of our 2006 conventions, my manager, David, nominated me as the official automobile navigator. I reviewed three different maps outlining the “shortest” route as we traveled over numerous interstates.
We arrived at our destination and after three days our show ended successfully. At that point some members of our team needed a ride to the airport so I volunteered to take them. I dropped them off and headed back to meet the rest of our team.
While driving I noticed the landscape around me did not look very familiar. No sooner did I get a call from David asking if I was all right. I said, “Sure dude, I’m almost there.” I glanced at the next road sign and realized I was getting very close to Chicago and further away from St. Louis. So, I took the next exit, got directions from a very nice gas station attendant and made it just in time for dinner with the team.
You can imagine the humor my little adventure caused. Currently, my navigator status has been revoked until further notice. I feel very confident I can re-gain my title in the upcoming 2007 show year.
From Micaela and Michelle:
Does anyone know how to transport Salsa?
During our San Antonio convention in 2004, I invited some of the team to one of my favorite local restaurants. This place has the best chips and salsa in the world (and I should know since I’m the undisputed Chips and Salsa Queen!) Everyone loved the food and they all agreed the chips and salsa were the hit of the evening. In fact, Michelle still talks about it to this day!
Some months later, I wanted to surprise the team and especially Michelle, with chips and salsa to munch on during set up day at our CKC-Manchester convention. I carefully packed and hand carried the chips and salsa on the plane all the way from Texas to New Hampshire. I couldn’t wait to see the expression of sheer joy and delight in their faces when I revealed my “Salsa Surprise.” Little did I know, that I would be the one getting the surprise. When I unwrapped the salsa, it was bubbling and foaming inside the jar! It made a faint crackling sound. It had begun to ferment!! Later we were told that it was because of the shaking motion of the airplane.
Well, even though the salsa was inedible, the chips were still fabulous and we munched away on them all weekend. I can’t tell you how many times people would grab a handful of chips then say, “Hey, where’s the salsa?” I’m determined to bring some of this great salsa to the team, especially Michelle! So if you can help me figure how to get it to the show, you can stop by for a tasty treat!
Stay tuned tomorrow to hear travel stories from CKU!
We thought we would post a few pictures from our first day at CHA. Here is Heidi and Emily at their booth. We love the color pink!
