Luck Appears When You Show Up: Notes from UA 250

Reentering the world of long-distance travel after a month’s absence, there’s a moment that comes when I realize what it’s all about.

It’s hard to predict the precise arrival of the moment, but I never miss it.

Sometimes the moment arrives in the taxi ride to the airport, but that’s usually too early. There’s still some uncertainty at this point. The baggage in my mind takes up more weight than the bag in the back of the taxi.

Did I forget something? Do I have enough money, the right passport,...