Just a small problem with the hydraulics, announced the pilot.  So we won't be landing in Wellington after all, we will go to Auckland instead.  No worries. And refreshments are coming around shortly.

The passengers were amazing.  Everybody just kept reading, watching their movie, dozing.  No agitated discussions, and nobody button-holed the staff with anxious inquiries.  Not even when the pilot later explained that due to the problem with the hydraulics it was not possible to actually steer the plane, and so when we landed they would have to tow us in.  Luckily I was not aware until later that without hydraulics you can't actually land, either. 

I am in New Zealand visiting our son in Wellington, a short break away of just six days.

They cheerfully announced that accommodation had been arranged in Auckland for all of us, arriving approximately 11.30 pm, and we were all booked on a flight to Wellington the next morning.  And not to worry you folks, but just as a precaution there will be fire engines and ambulances available, so don't be alarmed when you see emergency vehicles on the tarmac.

Still nobody reacted.  You'd think they had just reminded us not to leave any luggage behind and that it was currently 15 degrees in Auckland.  All calm, everybody quiet.

We landed.  A bit bumpy, but nothing out of the ordinary.

As the plane drew to a stop, there was a sudden, spontaneous outburst of prolonged applause.  Nobody cheered, or whistled, or called out.  But they clapped and clapped and clapped.  And clapped.  Loud and long, and hearfelt.

When they clap the pilot, you know that deep down, we were actually a little bit scared .....