Homebound

Well waking up this morning at 415am to get ready to catch a taxi was a pain in the butt.  I didn’t fall asleep until midnight.  I watched SVU for an hour on the couch to make myself sleepy after a night at the beach bar.  I tossed and turned throughout the night anxious of waiting for the plane and wanting to wake up on time.  Once my alarm rang, I got dressed and took my luggage down the stairs waiting for a taxi.  I didn’t want to look back too much just because I would miss my home for the past month.  It had been just what I needed and my room had become so cozy.  Having to pack everything made it look alien and naked.  Sam and I caught a cab to the airport.  The driver was so sweet. He didn’t speak much English so we had to piece together what he was saying and how we should say it back.  Sam told him she liked his music, so when we left the car he gave her the CD, earning himself a big tip.  We proceeded to the check-in line and waited for our turn.  We had to pay for my extra bag in cash…luckily we had just enough money 50 Euros to cover it…depleting my stash entirely.  Then, we got to security which was a joke compared to the US.  We didn’t have to take our shoes off or put things in separate compartments and I must not look like a terrorist because I didn’t get patted down either.  We got to the gate right as they were beginning boarding and got our seats.  I was lucky enough to have the seat next to me open the whole time, but I also had to deal with a crying baby the entire ride.  Ironically, even though I took a social work class I wanted to yell “Stuff a pacifier in his mouth and shut him up!”  An hour of listening to him cry and I was 100% confident in my decision to never have children :P

 

We got off the plane and found our way to our next gate, S40.  We passed through the visa area and I got another stamp to add to my collection that will hopefully keep growing.  Then, we waited the 3 hour layover time with internet for our plane to come and board the 9 hour flight to Miami . On this plane, I was able to sit by the window and dozed off even before the plane took off.  When I woke up, they were playing movie number 1, Big Miracle.  Since I woke up towards the end, I just closed my eyes again before being woken up for lunch.  Lunch was actually pretty good considering it was on a plane.  The choice was between beef and pasta; last time I learned not to eat airplane beef, so I got the pasta.  It was tortellini in a cream sauce and broccoli.  We were also given water, crackers, bread, butter, cheese, and a salad with oil dressing in a tube.  I couldn’t figure out the dressing, so I didn’t eat the salad and saved the bread and crackers for later.  Then, I dozed back asleep and woke up just in time to watch movie #2.  I remember watching it in a daze of half sleep half awake.  Later we were served dinner, a small pizza, some grape-like fruit, water, and crackers.  I ate the middle part of the pizza and the bread and crackers from earlier.  I then slept until our plane landed. 

 

Then, we got off the plane, went through customs, went through security, and got to our gate just as they were beginning to board.  We got on the plane and I was excited to get home.  Only 4 hours separated me from being home with family and puppies.  This plane ride was really long and the movie played was crappy and unknown, so I just listened to my music and did a Sodoku.  When we landed, I headed to the baggage claim and met my parents.  Big hugs all around and we grabbed my luggage (no problem getting the alcohol through J) The ride home was just gabbing about my adventures and how the puppies were

 

The wind blew me all the way home.  Snuggling in bed along with my little noodle made the 24 hours of travel home all worth it.  No more 5 minute walks to the beach, no more internet cafes, no more walking, but I have my parentals, comfy bead, air conditioning, and a beg fit for me and the noodle.  It’s been real…