On the 15th of February at the beginning of a five-week trip across Europe and Israel, my friend Cliff and I took an Al Italia flight from Frankfurt to Tel Aviv, changing planes in Rome. Because the first flight was between two European Union countries, there was no customs check. We had a two-hour layover and knew there would be a customs check before flying to Israel.
We landed about a half-hour late; the next flight was in another terminal. As we left the plane, Cliff and I wondered if we would be spending the night in Rome. As we cleared the Jetway, we saw a tall, blond woman wearing an Al Italia flight attendant uniform holding a sign that said: Tel Aviv.
When we joined the group, she made a quick count, then an about face and marched away holding up the sign and saying, "Follow please." We followed, about 20 of us. Fast. Cliff and I made jokes about whether we could keep up. We also said if she were not ex-military, she had us fooled.
After a long march she swept up to the customs area and pointed at two lines we were to join. We obeyed. All 20 of us. Customs proceeded quickly under the eye of our leader. When we were all through customs, she counted, turned and marched us to the gate. We made the flight in plenty of time. Once we were in line, she turned and marched back to her other duties.
It is a small joy for an old sergeant to follow someone confident who knows exactly what she is doing.
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