Making It Back to Berlin

As soon as I arrived in the States, I said,"It feels like a dream." I must say the last two weeks truly feel like a dream. There are only three things telling me otherwise- the fact that I have some new American goodies in my apartment. These include the new clothes hanging in my closet, the double stuffed Oreos in my cupboard, and the map posters I brought from my room in Penns Creek. The other two facts include the calendar, which I know I did not sleep for the last two weeks and my bank account. It may be a little lower. 

Before I jump in and tell you about my small but joyful adventure at home, I want to tell you what I learned on my way back to Berlin. 

So my traveling started at 11am on Friday. My dad, driving and Nicole & Sarah riding in the back, traveled with me to JFK Airport. On our way we stopped at a new favorite diner in Jersey City. Later I arrived at the airport, checked in and said goodbye. 

As soon as I arrived, I noticed my flight was delayed by 10 minutes. 10 minutes- not so bad but when you only have 20 minutes to get to your next gate to start with it's a big deal. After having Auntie Anne's for dinner, we were still waiting for our flight to board. Around 10:00 we started to board. Soon after I found my seat, I fell asleep. I slept pretty well on my flight over. We did arrive in London, at the time without the delay just like the pilot promised. Amazing! Then I rushed through customs, security and the huge airport that is LHR. London Heathrow is really a nightmare… taking a train just to get to my connecting flight. Then, I WAITED for my connecting flight. God is truly so good. I was so thankful to wait a bit but then it almost turned in to waiting for 3 hours- that was too much. Luckily, everything worked out. I was a bit later to Berlin but not too shabby. My suitcase came right out and I found a taxi. This was the best idea I ever had. If I had to do it again, I would always take a taxi. Seriously, treat yourself! Plan ahead and just save a couple bucks to get a taxi! It is so worth it and if you feel guilty… You are still on vacation until you walk through your home. That’s how I see it anyway. 

My other suggestion is do small acts of kindness along your travels. The simplest things can make traveling easier on someone else. You know at the gate, when it is filled there are only a few seats here and there… well, that can stress families out. I moved twice to help someone. It will make you feel great and they are so thankful. Both families were non-English speakers and they made the effort to say Thank you. It really touched my heart. 

So those are my recommendations. 

1. Acts of Kindness
2. Take a Taxi! 

The first week in the States will follow soon…. Working backwards.