... need not always be nerve wracking!
I filled in this wait by using my sketch book. It took a while for me to be called in, but I was well armed this time around. I have discovered now the pleasures of keeping my sketch book with me all the time. The sketches do not take long and keep my mind from wandering and getting stressed out by the very unequal treatment meted out to people who are 'merely' State-insured. Not that the State does it for free. I wonder where all that money goes.

... an artistically stimulating experience. 
after about 15 minutes of sketching my surroundings, the manager of this McDonald's came up objected to me and my friends sketching the customers. But looking at our outcomes and a quick sketch that a friend of mine made of him, he was flattered and pleased. The fact that we then ate our meals there, had him beaming at us.

... especially when one is tired and anxious to reach one's destination. After waiting at the Etihad Premium Transfer Desk we were given room and food vouchers. But not before the staff tried to re route us to Chennai via Mumbai and New Delhi. Being stubborn helped me on to a direct flight to Chennai, albeit almost 13 hours later. So one whole day was wasted doing nothing. Looking at the upside, I reached Chennai after getting some sleep.
Made me ponder as to how people that are constantly on the move cope. The film "Up in the Air" with George Clooney does not address the issue of our body coping with the stress of flying enough, if you ask me. The many miles notwithstanding, hotel rooms are lonely and constant travelling is NOT for me. Kudos to those who do it!

bothersome? 
I missed my flight to Chennai and had the wonderful opportunity to meet the Arne Jansen Trio, who, just like me, were stranded at the Airport in Abu Dhabi. As they say adversity brings people together and the five of us from Berlin, who had missed our flight to Chennai started to gel as a group. Although the waiting was long and we were finally provided with accommodation and booked on alternate flights, we had a nice evening chatting to each other. I missed the opportunity to go to their concert in Chennai (got down with the flu), I will definitely look the Arne Jansen Trio up here in Berlin. Wish them good luck on their India Tour.