Amsterdam Symphony Plays While Flight is Delayed

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "It's not revolutionary, but a small Moleskine notebook is my one travel must-have. It's great for noting things you want to remember and it takes up hardly any space in your bag."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Japan. I'd love to take a month off and visit the cities, temples, and countryside. I'm fascinated by the country's juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern ambitions."

Travel Motto: “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” –Terry Pratchett

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window."

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Flight delays are really annoying. You know what would make them better? If airlines had, I don’t know, symphony orchestras that came onboard and entertained passengers while they wait. But that would never happen.

Wrong! Well, the airline didn’t have anything to do with it, but the Amsterdam Sinfonietta recently played an impromptu concert from the aisles of a KLM 747 flying from Shanghai. The group had just performed in Shanghai, and was heading back home. When the delay stretched toward an hour, members of the Sinfonietta grabbed their instruments and struck up some music. Watch:

Not a bad way to pass some time while waiting for your departure!

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