“Everything that happens once can never happen again. But everything that happens twice will surely happen a third time.”

― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

Eyes burning, I sit at the main terminal awaiting gate assignment. The symphony of an airport unfolds around me: fatigued passengers doze in the seats next to me, their heads lulled to one side; hungry parents lead crying children to restaurants; businessmen proclaim loudly into their phones.

I am dismayed at having missed my connecting flight from Lisbon to Seville. Due to night flight restrictions in place by Lisbon airport, which limits flight arrivals between 0000 and 0600 hours, our flight is stalled on the runway for an hour prior to take off. This delay, coupled with a lengthy customs line, leads many passengers to miss their onward connections, including myself.

I worry about my luggage. Checked bags are notorious for falling out of sync with their owners in times of a rebook. I am heartbroken, but not surprised, when this manifests upon my arrival to Seville.

“It will come on the next flight” a middle-aged aged agent informs me. Her flat tone begets neither assurance nor confidence. Unable to answer any further questions, she tears a half sheet of paper against a ruler.

“They will call you” she adds, handing over the tracking number.

I step outside the terminal. At first, the heat seems tolerable. A breeze catches my hair. I smile. Is this the levant so loved by Santiago in The Alchemist? As I await my taxi, the sun shines stronger, and I feel its might pressing down my head. I glance eagerly at my phone app, still noting a 2 minute arrival time, the same as 10 minutes ago.

I catch my first glimpse of old Seville from the taxi window. Tall pastel homes and and narrow alleys create a dense, historical maze, inviting exploration. I lean deeper into my seat. It has been a long day, but I am grateful. I leave future travelers with the following advice:

• Be careful of layover times: waiting around is better than standing in line at the ticketing counter for a rebook.
• Advocate for yourself: customs agents may not have the same level of urgency for a departing flight, but they are also not going to be waiting for the next flight.
• The distress of travel is temporary: remember the novelty of a new place far exceeds an extended transit.

Were it not for my delay, I would not have experienced a delicious Portuguese custard pastry (top picture), explored traditional sweet shops (second picture), studied (in a time otherwise spent sleeping!), and spoke to family and friends the world over. When life gives you lemons, make your limonada.

A special thank you to my parents and hubby for listening to my woes en route.