June 16, 2003

Nighttime.

Our driver was napping in his taxi in front of the hotel when we stepped out at 3:00 in the morning. We arrived to the airport in plenty of time for our flight - traffic isn't usually a problem that early anyway. Our flight out was on El Al airlines, known for their strict security measures. We answered all the standard questions while our stuff was being x-rayed and searched.

As they checked our laptop bag, dusting it with little white cloths, one of them set off a buzzer. They dusted and tested again and all was clear. Still, we were met with some interesting news: "We can't let you take this laptop with you on the plane."

We've had several friends whose laptops have been taken in a similar fashion never to be returned (one as recently as a few days ago), so Marthame stood ground: "We can't do that."

The supervisor was called over. "We'll send it on the next plane, sir."

"We've known people whose laptops have never arrived, and we simply can't take that chance."

The supervisor's supervisor was called over. "We'll give you a baggage claim check for it, and you can pick it up from them very next flight."

"If you give us a letter saying that you'll replace this computer if it doesn't arrive, then we'll leave it with you. Otherwise, we can't."

There was a lot of consultation, and a lot of nervously looking at the clock. Someone ran off with our passports and tickets, and came back with boarding passes. Finally, a compromise was suggested. "You will have to check the computer bag under the plane, but you can carry the laptop in your carry-on baggage."

"Fine."

A man from security then accompanied us through the rest of the process, right up to the departure gate, apologizing the whole way for the delays. It was a fine way to put the absurdities of this place behind us for a while.