Random reminder

Press, 31 October 1983, Page 42

Random reminder

OVER AND OUT

Green was what she was. Oh no, she was not from another planet. Just an inexperienced traveller. When the flightless kiwi takes to the air, the artificial wings require many adjustments. No such thoughts, however, entered the head of a certain Christchurch woman as her aircraft droned its way towards a South-East Asian stopover. Before departure, the essentials had been attended to. Luggage in the locker, the safety belt fastened, emergency drill listened to with rapt attention. There was that slight touch of apprehension as the awaited thrust of power in the back signalled take off. As the flight progressed, our traveller decided to ignore the advice of her friends about the effects of alcohol at high altitudes,-and she enjoyed th? predinner drinks and wine with the meal. Flushed with excitement, and now feeling full of confidence, she accepted, with feigned casualness, the headphones

for stereo listening. Coffee and music go together, she thought, and on went the headphones. She was, however, a little surprised by the poor reception, but attributed it to the altitude or the engine noise. Then a horrified yell reached her ears, and looking up she saw her daughter, whose face was puce with embarrassment: “Mother, you have the headphones on upside down!” Here she was, looking every inch the professional radio operator, ready to transmit or to receive, poised for action, alert and in control. What a faux pas; what a way to begin a world tour. Here were the ingredients for a melodrama of violent emotion. Recriminations, damaged pride, scorn, anger — anything was possible. But redemption was at hand, for our traveller saw the absurdity of it all, and between gales of laughter, was just able to squeak, “Message received. Roger, over and out”