By Leah Yanuszeski, Review intern
When Neil Patterson was invited to fly to Germany for a surprise birthday party for a good friend’s mom, he never thought that he would have trouble getting home.
Of course, Patterson never thought that Iceland’s Eyjafjallajokul volcano would erupt, sending a cloud of ash over Europe.
Patterson says he’s flown in and out of Amsterdam International Airport many times, and has never seen it so chaotic.
‘There were people everywhere, and the lines were really long,? Patterson said.
Patterson, arriving to the surprise party as the ‘mystery magician,? had to stay an extra five days in Germany.
‘For me it was not an inconvenience,? said Patterson. He resided with the party honoree for the five days. ‘I was one of the lucky ones, I wasn’t sleeping on a cot.?
As for waiting at the airport due to an environmental disaster, ‘Well, what can you do?? exclaimed Patterson, noting ‘Just as long as I walk away from the landing, I’m happy.?