By the time the little plane on the movie screen in front of us had gotten only a quarter of the way across the Atlantic, most of the passengers on our flight were quite happily pickled, and in absolutely festive moods. It didn't hurt that Uncle Jupiter had bought their drinks, of course, but he had also entertained them—which, somehow, was much more intoxicating. Who didn't love to laugh? He'd been up and down the aisles, shaking hands, tickling little kids and leaning awkwardly on just about every aisle seat's arm-rest, chatting with anyone who'd chat back—and everyone wanted to talk to this wonderful, funny man. That included the tiny Pomeranian he'd bonded with earlier, who followed him up and down the aisles, and spent quite a few hours in his arms, too.

I wondered why he'd bought a seat at all, and smiled. The King of the Heavens was holding court—and a wonderful court it was.

Needless to say, sleeping was out of the question on this flight. It was the middle of the night, and I knew I was tired, but how could a card-carrying Ninth House Sagittarius sleep when there was a party going on? An international, airborne party. How could it possibly get any better? Besides, I was traveling with all-powerful Zeus himself—and he was in fine form. Every little Sagittarian cell in my body was delighted, and running on high. As was my favorite Uncle.

He had absolutely endless energy. By the time we were halfway across the ocean, Jupiter had been in and out of his seat about seven times. He'd been to the cockpit twice, and in the galley with the flight attendants trading jokes. There was literally not one person on this flight who didn't know who he was—and he loved it. I think the only time he took a break was when the movie came on. And, of course, what type of film would Uncle Jupiter choose? A comedy, about a boy and his dog, of course: "As Good As It Gets." How appropriate. Some of the more exhausted partygoers took advantage of the quiet to catch a few hours of sleep, but as soon as it was bright and he heard them stirring, Jupiter was back on the job.

The trip went far too quickly. Even though we were headed to a wonderful, magical place, I realized that Sagittarius truly does enjoy the journey at least as much as the destination. The pilot seemed to feel the same way—about this trip, at least. When he announced that we'd be landing in a clear Swiss sunrise, he sounded a bit disappointed. Jupiter was delighted. He leaned directly across me to see through the tiny window, once again knocking the breath out of me, as the pilot thanked Mr. Huge for the wonderful trip, on behalf of himself and the flight crew. The entire cabin applauded, and the Captain added, "And I think they'd like to thank you, too."

Jupiter stood up in the aisle, faced the back of the plane, and took a deep bow. The applause continued. Was he embarrassed by all this? Hardly. He loved it. I realized that my favorite Uncle could also be described, at times, as a bit on the pompous side—but who cared? He had a right to enjoy the appreciation of so many satisfied customers.

Suddenly, he noticed something through the window that got his attention. He sat down in his seat quickly, and I wondered if it was imagination, but I could have sworn I felt the plane jiggle—just a little. He pointed right past my nose, and stuck his great big arm around me, hugging me hard. "Hey, look, Babe, the Alps. Cool, huh?"

I wiggled sideways a little so I'd be able to breathe, and looked down on the most beautiful, snow-white peaks I'd ever seen. Jupiter began to wax poetic, and I had to stifle a grin. "I mean, of all the great places on this great planet, this is truly, truly one of the greatest. Look at them babies! Big ol' rock giants." Jupiter was thoroughly enjoying himself—and we hadn't even landed yet.

I couldn't believe how fast the nine hours had gone, but soon we were on the ground. I excused myself to run to the ladies room when we passed one, and heard Jupiter outside the door, laughing and saying goodbye to his friends. Several of the women in the ladies room stopped on their way out to hug me and thank me. Although I was in no way responsible for their delightful adventure, I thanked them for my "Uncle Guy," apparently what I'd be calling him for the rest of our adventure.

I have to admit I was a bit apprehensive about passing through customs with Jupiter, and as I came out of the bathroom, I tried to hint to him that he should try to behave—just a little—when we got to this most serious part of our journey. I had been overseas myself several times without Jupiter—although I could never picture going without him again—and I had yet to actually see a customs officer smile.

I was about to be corrected…

Next Week: Customs, a Limo Ride and Lake Lucerne

Read the entire Cosmic Café Saga.
Cosmic Café Archive

Kim Rogers-Gallagher is a well known columnist, lecturer and author of Astrology for the Light Side of the Brain and Astrology for the Light Side of the Future(ACS Publications).