The Prague conversation came up again tonight. I dislike having this conversation because it just makes me grumpy which isn’t entirely fair to anyone but even if I know I shouldn’t feel a certain way that doesn’t solve it.
The Captain and I planned a trip to Prague for my birthday in June. We found a great deal and both of us were really looking forward to it. Plus I have this whole legitimately insane thing about my birthday which I am sure would cost me zillions in therapy to untangle, but nonetheless I was super happy to find this steal on a cushy excursion to a romantic old city where we could spend my b-day together.
Except a few weeks ago The Captain discovered that he has a non-negotiable obligation on — guess it — THE DAY OF MY BIRTH. And of course I get that it’s an obligation and I know he had to prioritize it, but I’m still super bummed out about it. Normally I would move stuff around and leave the next day, but the tickets that we got at such a bargain come with a steep penalty fee for changing — $500. And anyone who has tried to change a ticket knows you don’t just pay the fee, you also pay the difference in ticket prices for the rebooked flights and in this case it would be more money than I make in two months. The prices now are ridiculous! Apparently only kings and queens and Instagram models can book tickets to the Czech Republic in May for a June trip.
This is probably my least favorite thing about air travel. Yes, we all want more legroom and it would be awesome not to feel like a sardine in a tin on every journey, but for that pleasure we also have to face a stiff penalty for making a change. Is any other industry in the world this impossible when it comes to changing a reservation?
Now the date is marching ever closer and we have to make a decision. In the grand scheme of things this is a very high class problem to have and I know it. But in the micro lens of my life I still feel blue that I’m spending yet another birthday alone and either way it will cost us $500. At some point I’m going to have to shake it off and get out of this grumpy feeling. Just not tonight maybe.
(Image caption for this is entitled “Bob stands on another thing.”)
