When I boarded the plane, there was an elderly woman dressed in Russian doll-esk attire already seated in the seat next to the one I was assigned. She was in the isle seat and I was supposed to have the window in this particular section of 2. I pointed to my seat and she gave me a challenging look simply by raising her brows. Not in the mood to cause a fuss, I sat in a seat I wasn't assigned thinking I would eventually get kicked out and the problem would be solved.
Just after, the elderly women put her head down on the arm rest. It was now clear to me that this woman was struggling in some way. One flight attendant after another began to question her health. Some simply asking, another taking her pulse, eventually deciding her health was not good enough for the journey. They called her son to come get her and assisted her off the plane.
After the woman was escorted off the plane, I moved to yet a different seat, one a few rows behind the one I was originally assigned. The plane was half empty and I could pretty much choose to sit where I wanted. I didn't choose to sit in my original seat because I was haunted by the health of the poor soul that wasn't allowed to stay. I lift up my prayers for her health and hope she is in good care. Little did I know this woman's health would foreshadow how my trip would go.
The first three hours, no problem. Hours four, five and six not so much. I am a 21 year old abled body, why was this plane ride so trying? For starters, I didn't drink nearly enough water before the trip as I should've. They fed us dinner at 5pm and breakfast at 10pm on my body clock. I wasn't really hungry but I ate anyway. When I wasn't eating I was trying to sleep, knowing that I got into Berlin at 7am and would have to stay awake another 12 hours in order to adjust. For all of those who know me, the fact that I couldn't sleep is unheard of. My body ached, I couldn't get comfortable, then I had to pee. I want to apologize publicly to the poor woman who sat behind me as I tossed and turned all 8.5 hours. At one point my back was on both seats and my legs were cross-legged up against the window.
Surprisingly, this was the most comfortable position I managed the whole way.
Didn't sleep a lick, but refuse to let jet leg get the best of me! And although the struggle, Pete and I are gratefully safe and sound. 4.5 hours until I am letting myself go to bed, of course the weariness sets in only after landing.
My body now has my full attention, as it should've from the start. Water. Sleep. Food.
This all seems overly dramatic, but I'm my goal isn't to sugar coat the study abroad experience. Its to share my experiences as they come. Of course, not all was bad, Pete and I did have some fun! :) Not to mention a view of earth like never before.
P.s. Berlin time is up and accurate!
After the woman was escorted off the plane, I moved to yet a different seat, one a few rows behind the one I was originally assigned. The plane was half empty and I could pretty much choose to sit where I wanted. I didn't choose to sit in my original seat because I was haunted by the health of the poor soul that wasn't allowed to stay. I lift up my prayers for her health and hope she is in good care. Little did I know this woman's health would foreshadow how my trip would go.
The first three hours, no problem. Hours four, five and six not so much. I am a 21 year old abled body, why was this plane ride so trying? For starters, I didn't drink nearly enough water before the trip as I should've. They fed us dinner at 5pm and breakfast at 10pm on my body clock. I wasn't really hungry but I ate anyway. When I wasn't eating I was trying to sleep, knowing that I got into Berlin at 7am and would have to stay awake another 12 hours in order to adjust. For all of those who know me, the fact that I couldn't sleep is unheard of. My body ached, I couldn't get comfortable, then I had to pee. I want to apologize publicly to the poor woman who sat behind me as I tossed and turned all 8.5 hours. At one point my back was on both seats and my legs were cross-legged up against the window.
Surprisingly, this was the most comfortable position I managed the whole way.
Didn't sleep a lick, but refuse to let jet leg get the best of me! And although the struggle, Pete and I are gratefully safe and sound. 4.5 hours until I am letting myself go to bed, of course the weariness sets in only after landing.
My body now has my full attention, as it should've from the start. Water. Sleep. Food.
This all seems overly dramatic, but I'm my goal isn't to sugar coat the study abroad experience. Its to share my experiences as they come. Of course, not all was bad, Pete and I did have some fun! :) Not to mention a view of earth like never before.
P.s. Berlin time is up and accurate!
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