There is just something about Germany. The people look good, the hotels are a step forward in anticipating needs and everything is very well designed. I would have to give props and say that about the whole country that I have seen thus far. I mean they drive Mercedes as taxis here for Christ sakes!
I have spent my afternoon walking about the city which hugs the Rhein River, the gorgeous city of Cologne. I was awaken by the familiar sound of John Denver and upon answering I was asked if I would like to go to Oslo, London, Dublin, or Cologne. I politely asked for Cologne since I had never been and am very pleased with my choice. I worked first class galley and am also flying with a classmate. He hasn’t changed much since training as he was already trying to be the purser’s pet. Nice guy, good heart, speaks German and is taking me around in about 20.
While walking around the cobblestone streets this afternoon amongst the hordes of both tourist and locals shopping, it occurred to me that I don’t relate as much to the German side of me. I am officially: 3/8 German, 3/8 Irish, 1/8 Welsh, and 1/8 Norwegian. I seem to think of myself more as an Irish gal and seem more at home while there. I can’t speak much of Wales since I have never been but I did have a Welsh teacher in jr high, Mr. Preston whom I didn’t relate that much to either. Loved him but didn’t see myself as a distant cousin or anything. Germans seem (on the outside) clean cut; abide by the rules, efficient people. As I was approaching the crosswalk to continue shopping, I joined the group of people and felt compelled to wait with the mass for the light to turn green even though there was not a car in sight. I wondered what the hell these people were waiting for; let’s get the hell to the other side. But maybe it’s their patience that lays the foundation for the peaceful atmosphere that I so love when I travel to Germany.
I just realized that if you dump Wales into the UK slot with London, I was asked to choose between all my heritages as trips. How weird is that? I choose Germany, maybe I do feel connected…
31 March 2008
26 March 2008
thirty-one
The times were just as I anticipated with Rob...good friends hanging out in our high school mentality. The conversation topics are a bit more adult these days and we have our minds made up about more that a couple of things, but the beer drinking and silliness still remains.
I popped into to his quaint hotel down the road and we began our journey with a stop at Jack Russell's Pub because we liked the way it looked. After three Guinness (or Guinni as we dubbed them) we headed to my watering hole to eat some ribs. I was greeted by the normal Monday night crowd and had a silly good time taking photos and having beer chugging and burping contest. I only won the latter. Frambroise and Milano cookies replaced champagne and strawberries as we toasted to the change of the calander day. I passed out a few minutes later.
25 MAR
The sunshine made a glorious appearances and warmed the city all day long. I wore my favorite things and headed back to his hotel with my birthday Starbucks and my ipod. When he asked what I wanted to do for the big day, I just had the simple answer: a picnic in Central Park please. So that is what we did. I brought a bottle of Spanish wine for me Belgian beers for him and the rest of our feast was fresh from the deli. We must have laid out for three hours just talking and enjoying the sun. I could not have asked for more.
The West Village was calling us down to Chumleys' (which was closed) so we ducked our heads into the White Horse Tavern, another NYC institute and continued our buzz from the park. Dinner was by suggestion at Jane Tavern and was ever so delightful. A quick change of clothes and a little dolling up on my part proceeded our trip under the East River to Brooklyn. We met up with his sister and her beau to continue in our fun of the day. The bartender gave us fake mustaches so we spent a good half an hour giggling and taking goofy pics.
A long ride home was capped off with yet another beer and a slice from the hospitable Mexicans running a late night pizza shop.
I popped into to his quaint hotel down the road and we began our journey with a stop at Jack Russell's Pub because we liked the way it looked. After three Guinness (or Guinni as we dubbed them) we headed to my watering hole to eat some ribs. I was greeted by the normal Monday night crowd and had a silly good time taking photos and having beer chugging and burping contest. I only won the latter. Frambroise and Milano cookies replaced champagne and strawberries as we toasted to the change of the calander day. I passed out a few minutes later.
25 MAR
The sunshine made a glorious appearances and warmed the city all day long. I wore my favorite things and headed back to his hotel with my birthday Starbucks and my ipod. When he asked what I wanted to do for the big day, I just had the simple answer: a picnic in Central Park please. So that is what we did. I brought a bottle of Spanish wine for me Belgian beers for him and the rest of our feast was fresh from the deli. We must have laid out for three hours just talking and enjoying the sun. I could not have asked for more.
The West Village was calling us down to Chumleys' (which was closed) so we ducked our heads into the White Horse Tavern, another NYC institute and continued our buzz from the park. Dinner was by suggestion at Jane Tavern and was ever so delightful. A quick change of clothes and a little dolling up on my part proceeded our trip under the East River to Brooklyn. We met up with his sister and her beau to continue in our fun of the day. The bartender gave us fake mustaches so we spent a good half an hour giggling and taking goofy pics.
A long ride home was capped off with yet another beer and a slice from the hospitable Mexicans running a late night pizza shop.
24 March 2008
approaching the thirty range
The last day I am 30. Hmmm. It doesn't seem different than any other day other than the fact that the sun is out. Perfect day for walking pooches. As I was skipping across First Ave on St Marks, jamming to my ipod, a conversation with Amy occurred to me. She says that I fit into this city perfectly. When she thinks about New York, she thinks about chaos and just getting things done. I wonder if I arouse a sense of chaos to anyone else? I know that I feel like I am caught up in chaos every once in a while..who the hell am I kidding? I run around like a headless chicken most of the time. But it works for me. I am going to go out on a limb here and say that I have become a "fly-by-the-seat of my pants" kinda gal. It's fun to be spontaneous and not having perfect plans in your head all the time leads to less disappointment.
No real agenda when making this post but I guess, I realized something about myself without even trying.
Here's to a new year of self discovery and spontaneity!
No real agenda when making this post but I guess, I realized something about myself without even trying.
Here's to a new year of self discovery and spontaneity!
23 March 2008
taxicab tv
The great thing about having an out-of-town guest, other than the company, is to see NYC through their eyes. On the cab ride from Penn Station on the first day, I caught myself being more interested in the news cast than looking at the city. My goal with Yoder was to show here classic New York mixing in tourist things as well as real life. She may tell you there was too much real life as I had things to do and could only devote one whole day to sight seeing. I will tell you what though, we covered Manhattan.
I am sad to admit that I have already become a jaded New Yorker when it comes to ideas that first come to mind of those visiting. I had not been south of Canal Street since my visit with Matt over two years ago. Our game plan was to go as far south and work our way up till we dropped. We covered: the Statue of Liberty, Battery Park, the Bull, Wall Street, Ground Zero (still brings tears to my eyes), the West Village, SoHo, NoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown. We stopped for lunch, a sweet at Ferrara, beers at friends joint and then rounded out our day with Times Square. Twelve hours from door to door. A New York slice ended our day and we hit the hay.
Next day, it pouring down rain and although it was a completely miserable day we were troopers and made our way through Central Park. We dog walked and then practically ran home to dry off and take a nap. After we got dolled up and grabbed dinner and a few drinks before making our way to Pink Elephant to watch my friend do a little spinning. Of course I had to round out our evening at my fav, Cafeteria. As I was getting up to use the bathroom, this guy told me how much he loved my dress. He wanted to buy it. I asked him what I was going to wear. He then offered his shirt and this sounded like a great idea to me. We swapped and I had to ask him for his boxers since I wasn’t wearing panties. Suffice to say, I have new man’s shirt and got a good giggle out of Amy.
So the next day, I had some business to take care of as well. After a breakfast at the coffee shop, we headed down to Chelsea. Sidenote: It is always good to make sure things are how they should be in one’s body so I in light of the crap which occurred in January, it was time to get tested once more. So off to the free clinic we went. I filled out my card and grabbed some NYC condoms (mostly likely the ones Carol was referring to on Valentines Day) and waited. Ironically I was number 69 to be helped. The whole process took a lot longer than anticipated but my time was spent watching a very informative video and people watching. Good stuff! I would recommend it visitors anytime.
After the thrilling hours of the clinic we headed up town to check out the classic sights we had yet to see such as the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Saks, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and Fifth Ave. We went to the Top of the Rock right as the sun was setting and even though the wind was blowing 50 miles an hour we hung out until dusk. And even as a New Yorker, I was in awe.
One more walk on our last day and lunch at a café. She returned to Portland and I crossed the pond to Glasgow. Where gratefully, I have caught up on my rest and almost kicked this cold.
I am sad to admit that I have already become a jaded New Yorker when it comes to ideas that first come to mind of those visiting. I had not been south of Canal Street since my visit with Matt over two years ago. Our game plan was to go as far south and work our way up till we dropped. We covered: the Statue of Liberty, Battery Park, the Bull, Wall Street, Ground Zero (still brings tears to my eyes), the West Village, SoHo, NoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown. We stopped for lunch, a sweet at Ferrara, beers at friends joint and then rounded out our day with Times Square. Twelve hours from door to door. A New York slice ended our day and we hit the hay.
Next day, it pouring down rain and although it was a completely miserable day we were troopers and made our way through Central Park. We dog walked and then practically ran home to dry off and take a nap. After we got dolled up and grabbed dinner and a few drinks before making our way to Pink Elephant to watch my friend do a little spinning. Of course I had to round out our evening at my fav, Cafeteria. As I was getting up to use the bathroom, this guy told me how much he loved my dress. He wanted to buy it. I asked him what I was going to wear. He then offered his shirt and this sounded like a great idea to me. We swapped and I had to ask him for his boxers since I wasn’t wearing panties. Suffice to say, I have new man’s shirt and got a good giggle out of Amy.
So the next day, I had some business to take care of as well. After a breakfast at the coffee shop, we headed down to Chelsea. Sidenote: It is always good to make sure things are how they should be in one’s body so I in light of the crap which occurred in January, it was time to get tested once more. So off to the free clinic we went. I filled out my card and grabbed some NYC condoms (mostly likely the ones Carol was referring to on Valentines Day) and waited. Ironically I was number 69 to be helped. The whole process took a lot longer than anticipated but my time was spent watching a very informative video and people watching. Good stuff! I would recommend it visitors anytime.
After the thrilling hours of the clinic we headed up town to check out the classic sights we had yet to see such as the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Saks, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and Fifth Ave. We went to the Top of the Rock right as the sun was setting and even though the wind was blowing 50 miles an hour we hung out until dusk. And even as a New Yorker, I was in awe.
One more walk on our last day and lunch at a café. She returned to Portland and I crossed the pond to Glasgow. Where gratefully, I have caught up on my rest and almost kicked this cold.
19 March 2008
st patty's day
I told the boys up front, "petal to the metal, I have some Guinness to drink." Yes, it was St Patty's Day officially in Italy and my green hair scrunchy was the only thing preventing me from getting pinched. I was sooo excited to be spending my holiday in NYC as I was stuck in LAX last year. What added to the excitement was a visit from my good friend Yoder. I waited for her plane to arrive and started chatting with some gentlemen. Next thing I know, I am upstairs having a beer with these guys having good laughs.
The parade had already ended but the remnants of Irish bands and firemen stilled wandered my neighborhood. We got ready as fast as possible and headed to the old watering hole for a starter beer. We ended up talking to everyone in sight and was thoroughly entertained by three guys in particular. I had the idea that if it was this much fun uptown, downtown would be a hoot as well so we packed it up and headed south. We visited two more bars and neither of them compared to our time at BJ's. We decided to go back and on the way there, looked at each other and knew we were spent. Yep, these party girls were in bed by midnight. We did give it a good Irish go.
The parade had already ended but the remnants of Irish bands and firemen stilled wandered my neighborhood. We got ready as fast as possible and headed to the old watering hole for a starter beer. We ended up talking to everyone in sight and was thoroughly entertained by three guys in particular. I had the idea that if it was this much fun uptown, downtown would be a hoot as well so we packed it up and headed south. We visited two more bars and neither of them compared to our time at BJ's. We decided to go back and on the way there, looked at each other and knew we were spent. Yep, these party girls were in bed by midnight. We did give it a good Irish go.
mxp
My availablity was wide open for a call to work. Two days on the weekend and a “roll-able” day made me a prime suspect for a trip. I mentally had prepared prior to landing from my BRU trip and went to bed fairly early. I hadn’t heard anything so I called in to request the purser position thinking that I might as well embrace the inevitable. My phone was checked several times during the late morning hours and finally while I was wandering through Ricky’s, it rang.
“Honey, I am sending you to Milan”
“AAAHHHH”
“You are going to be in a speaker position”
“Yes! I need to practice my Italian, so perfect!”
So here I sit, waiting to go out and willing the rain to hide for my visit. The flight was exhausting! I was once again my favorite position and had a couple of people on the flight I could do without however my saving grace was 5B. So all the “what the fuck are acting liking this for” would dissipate when I got to his row. Turns out, he and his seatmate are morning talk show guys. They were good fun.
Then there was another guy, maybe an only-child, the way he plead for attention from each of us during the waiting, boarding, taxi process, he would just say stupid stuff. Well unfortunately I had to look right at him while sitting in my jump seat. He proceeds to get in a one-side conversation about this flight attendant he knew that used to be a teacher and he can’t believe how she through away her life and education. And it weird that she changed industries, to which I (fed-up) asked him if he thought were all waitress prior. He kept going on about no ambition, etc. Asked me what I did prior. Finally, out of disgust and lack of something appropriate to say, I told him that he was digging a hole with me and he needed to stop. What an asshole! I stared at the wall during landing but he still managed to pop off a bit. I hope these Italians eat him alive! : )
My day in Milan was fantastic. Roxanne, a fellow crew member and I walked down to the Duomo area looking at the shops with impeccable clothing and shoes. We stopped at a wine bar for an afternoon glass of Chianti and some accompanying noshes. After receiving our palms, we reverently stood in awe of one of the most gorgeous churches I have ever seen. A pastry vendor caught our attention and I feasted on some chocolate, hazelnut goodness.
Carol told me to pick up a little something fabulous and after falling in love several times in Versace, Gucci, and Dolce, I found a perfect shirt in Armani.
Dinner with other crewmembers followed and even though it was pouring down rain, I wore an adorable dress and heels. Just because it was Italy, my favorite country in the world, Italy.
“Honey, I am sending you to Milan”
“AAAHHHH”
“You are going to be in a speaker position”
“Yes! I need to practice my Italian, so perfect!”
So here I sit, waiting to go out and willing the rain to hide for my visit. The flight was exhausting! I was once again my favorite position and had a couple of people on the flight I could do without however my saving grace was 5B. So all the “what the fuck are acting liking this for” would dissipate when I got to his row. Turns out, he and his seatmate are morning talk show guys. They were good fun.
Then there was another guy, maybe an only-child, the way he plead for attention from each of us during the waiting, boarding, taxi process, he would just say stupid stuff. Well unfortunately I had to look right at him while sitting in my jump seat. He proceeds to get in a one-side conversation about this flight attendant he knew that used to be a teacher and he can’t believe how she through away her life and education. And it weird that she changed industries, to which I (fed-up) asked him if he thought were all waitress prior. He kept going on about no ambition, etc. Asked me what I did prior. Finally, out of disgust and lack of something appropriate to say, I told him that he was digging a hole with me and he needed to stop. What an asshole! I stared at the wall during landing but he still managed to pop off a bit. I hope these Italians eat him alive! : )
My day in Milan was fantastic. Roxanne, a fellow crew member and I walked down to the Duomo area looking at the shops with impeccable clothing and shoes. We stopped at a wine bar for an afternoon glass of Chianti and some accompanying noshes. After receiving our palms, we reverently stood in awe of one of the most gorgeous churches I have ever seen. A pastry vendor caught our attention and I feasted on some chocolate, hazelnut goodness.
Carol told me to pick up a little something fabulous and after falling in love several times in Versace, Gucci, and Dolce, I found a perfect shirt in Armani.
Dinner with other crewmembers followed and even though it was pouring down rain, I wore an adorable dress and heels. Just because it was Italy, my favorite country in the world, Italy.
14 March 2008
good seeing to
Once again airport alert was good to me. I was just getting in the mindset to go home after 3 plus hours of sit time when the bat phone rang and sent me to BRU. I printed up the pairing to find my friend Shawn was on the trip. Then I get on the plane and a guy wants to trade me for for FC aisle. So I got to work with a great crew in my favorite position to a new destination.
We debriefed for a bit then a quick nap followed. A map of the city in hand I went off on my adventure. I was told I needed to see the statue of the kid taking a piss, so I kindly asked the hotel man where I could find such statue. It ended up being like a HR Cafe that I overshoot but see tons of good things in the meanwhile. I managed to find some people from the NW and ended up chatting with them in front of this tiny statue which I don't understand why it is such a big deal There are gorgeous buildings everywhere you turn and I can only image how beautiful this city is come summer.
Experiencing things for which a country or city are know for it my favorite thing to do when I travel I had a whole wrap sheet of things to try. First was the Belgian waffle with chocolate sauce, next come one of the 320 different types of Belgian beer, the Belgian fries were next, and I also managed to have some Brussels sprouts. Sadly, I didn't get a chance for a Belgian chocolate but I may steal one from my mom's collection before I ship it off.
We meet as a crew to welcome a new pilot on his first flight and we all went to a Thai place. We spent hours laughing and eating some delicious Thai while the Irish owner Michael told us stories. He was explaining how he was going home to give his woman a "good seeing to". We all thought was hilarious and made him say several times.
A nice flight home with no drama and although my bag was heavy from all the beer I brought home, I sit here cheerfully thinking once more, what a great life I lead.
We debriefed for a bit then a quick nap followed. A map of the city in hand I went off on my adventure. I was told I needed to see the statue of the kid taking a piss, so I kindly asked the hotel man where I could find such statue. It ended up being like a HR Cafe that I overshoot but see tons of good things in the meanwhile. I managed to find some people from the NW and ended up chatting with them in front of this tiny statue which I don't understand why it is such a big deal There are gorgeous buildings everywhere you turn and I can only image how beautiful this city is come summer.
Experiencing things for which a country or city are know for it my favorite thing to do when I travel I had a whole wrap sheet of things to try. First was the Belgian waffle with chocolate sauce, next come one of the 320 different types of Belgian beer, the Belgian fries were next, and I also managed to have some Brussels sprouts. Sadly, I didn't get a chance for a Belgian chocolate but I may steal one from my mom's collection before I ship it off.
We meet as a crew to welcome a new pilot on his first flight and we all went to a Thai place. We spent hours laughing and eating some delicious Thai while the Irish owner Michael told us stories. He was explaining how he was going home to give his woman a "good seeing to". We all thought was hilarious and made him say several times.
A nice flight home with no drama and although my bag was heavy from all the beer I brought home, I sit here cheerfully thinking once more, what a great life I lead.
12 March 2008
aa to the power of three
I was kicking myself for not rolling out of bed earlier. This morning at the crack of dawn, I was up once more and gave a thought to go for a run and watch the sunrise but my leg muscles screamed no and kept me in bed. Finally I fell back asleep and didn't get up till 1130. This is the third airport alert I have been assigned this month but didn't mind this time because of the flights I am covering and the fact I need to work the system to ensure I am free come St Patty's Day. I was stressing that I would not be able to make the train in time and it took a little self talk to realize I already let go of control of the situation. Still my NY attitude was with me as I followed the stream of people through the 51st Street station. It was there, on the escalator that I saw a kid wearing a U of O jacket that the calmness prevailed. I gave the kid a high five on the way by. And just as a reminder that your are always supposed to be exactly where you are, I saw a guy in an Oregon Track sweatshirt as I exited the airtrain.
11 March 2008
embracing the morning
I have woke up early the past two mornings and I am not sure why. Perhaps it's my body rejecting DLST or just that I am getting old and wake up with the sunshine. Yesterday I milled around for a few hours not wanting to go outside because of the cold. I ended up taking a five hour nap instead of doing anything remotely productive. Today was the opposite. I looked outside to see people running and thought, "hell, I can do that". Fifteen minutes later I was out the door with my ipod attached. I ran down the East River park and when I can to a dead end, I turned west and walked up to Central Park. There were tons of runners and dogs playing in the cold morning air. I just wandered around by the castle and up around the resevivor and when a good song would come on, I would run stopping only to admire the views of the city and think of how lucky I am to live here. That this gorgeous park is only a mile away from the house. And finally that I haven't wasted my day in bed.
09 March 2008
you’ve gotta give these straight guys props
I was almost like I wasn’t supposed to go to LGW. I wasn’t listed on the flight and when they did list me, it was for the next day. Finally ten minutes before door closure, I got on. The rest of my crew had scored first class but the leader, yep that was me, was stuck in the back. I could have raised a fuss but thought my incredible sleeping power would take over instead. I have been spoiled. I love first class and have the memory of the extra space, the legroom, and the wide chairs. These features are few and far between in economy. I didn’t sleep well.
I am flying with a friend of mine, whom I never flown with prior but been in the same place and we always exchange kisses hello. He is straight but it always takes a second to be sure when the boys aren’t flamboyant. He wanted to take along to the city and I was grateful to have someone to pal around with. We have silly fun, him and I and there is absolutely no attraction for me.
We saw the sights of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Abby, and rode the London Eye for good measure, all of this in attempt to replace the pictures from my first visit. I was happy not to have to ask strangers to take the goofy shot s of my as my companion initiated most of the silliness.
A bland lunch at a pub and then we headed back to the hotel. We shared my ipod and I spent the train ride alternating my people watching between the cute guy and the overly happy lady across from him.
My friend and I said goodbye on the elevator with plans to meet in the crew room later for a few cocktails. This old lady never made it as I slept though the evening. I hear a knock at my door around 2300; it is my friend. He wanted to make sure I was okay since I never showed up. Then he asked if he could come in and sleep with me (just sleep) since I was so nice. Nice try buddy…I don’t think so.
I am flying with a friend of mine, whom I never flown with prior but been in the same place and we always exchange kisses hello. He is straight but it always takes a second to be sure when the boys aren’t flamboyant. He wanted to take along to the city and I was grateful to have someone to pal around with. We have silly fun, him and I and there is absolutely no attraction for me.
We saw the sights of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Abby, and rode the London Eye for good measure, all of this in attempt to replace the pictures from my first visit. I was happy not to have to ask strangers to take the goofy shot s of my as my companion initiated most of the silliness.
A bland lunch at a pub and then we headed back to the hotel. We shared my ipod and I spent the train ride alternating my people watching between the cute guy and the overly happy lady across from him.
My friend and I said goodbye on the elevator with plans to meet in the crew room later for a few cocktails. This old lady never made it as I slept though the evening. I hear a knock at my door around 2300; it is my friend. He wanted to make sure I was okay since I never showed up. Then he asked if he could come in and sleep with me (just sleep) since I was so nice. Nice try buddy…I don’t think so.
06 March 2008
jet-lag
The good thing about having a roommate who drives you bonkers is the motivation to get out of the shoebox of an apartment and see the city. Now that I have the peace and quite of my own place, I have no motivation to do anything. I haven't even gotten dressed yet and it coming up on 1600. I am going to justify my laziness by saying it may be due to jet-lag and I am still not on the correct time. Yes, that works for me!
After my airport alert was extended until 0130 last night and with heading to LGW tonight, I should be back to normal in no time.
Nothing much going on here except my trip this evening which has me dead-heading over and worker the purser position on the way home. It is the perfect opportunity to rediscover London and replace my photos of my first trip there.
After my airport alert was extended until 0130 last night and with heading to LGW tonight, I should be back to normal in no time.
Nothing much going on here except my trip this evening which has me dead-heading over and worker the purser position on the way home. It is the perfect opportunity to rediscover London and replace my photos of my first trip there.
02 March 2008
gili-bali-dps-gum-nrt-ewr-nyc
My mind and my body are on the same level during this journey home. Neither of us can tell you the time or the day.
My journey home began on the island where I was picked up in a speedboat and made my way back to Bali. Here is a time breakdown of my journey back to reality.
Gili-Bali 2.5 hrs
Bali-DPS 1.0 hr
wait time in DPS 7.5 hrs
DPS-GUM 5.5 hrs
wait time in GUM .25 hrs
GUM-NRT 3.5 hrs
wait time in NRT 7.0 hours
With my fingers crossed my luck will continue in both my ability to get on the flight and the blessing that is first class seating...
NRT-EWR 12.25 hours
EWR-home 2.0 hrs
I have been fortunate to sleep on both flights so far and NRT is a nice airport to kill time in as it is very organized, has great food, and is clean. So off for some real sushi and some good people watching.
My journey home began on the island where I was picked up in a speedboat and made my way back to Bali. Here is a time breakdown of my journey back to reality.
Gili-Bali 2.5 hrs
Bali-DPS 1.0 hr
wait time in DPS 7.5 hrs
DPS-GUM 5.5 hrs
wait time in GUM .25 hrs
GUM-NRT 3.5 hrs
wait time in NRT 7.0 hours
With my fingers crossed my luck will continue in both my ability to get on the flight and the blessing that is first class seating...
NRT-EWR 12.25 hours
EWR-home 2.0 hrs
I have been fortunate to sleep on both flights so far and NRT is a nice airport to kill time in as it is very organized, has great food, and is clean. So off for some real sushi and some good people watching.
magic shake
A melody of bird songs awoke me from my slumber on Sunday morning. This sleep was filled with vivid dreams since I decided to embrace the island culture and give the magic shake a try.
The rest of my weekend on Gili Twangan, the island which lost all power on the day of my departure, included activities in which I didn't even think about electricity. I rented some snorkeling gear and hung out with the fishes for a bit. Afterwards I sat on the beach and listenend to the waves flirting with the sand. A shower and a nap in my favorite place on the porch preceeded a dinner overlooking the sunset. I went to bed early after checking out the night life. The morning found me renting a bike and taking a ride around the island. There hasn't been a time since my accident ten years ago, I didn't experience fear when first balancing myself on two wheels, but today was different, I felt nothing but freedom and the childness love of riding around. I suppose it may have something to do with the lack of motorbikes or motorcars. I got ready and headed to the boat to wind up chatting with a young couple from SFO on their way to Ubud to be married. I was a bit jealous of their nerdy love but then remembered, I already have my soulmate...travel.
The rest of my weekend on Gili Twangan, the island which lost all power on the day of my departure, included activities in which I didn't even think about electricity. I rented some snorkeling gear and hung out with the fishes for a bit. Afterwards I sat on the beach and listenend to the waves flirting with the sand. A shower and a nap in my favorite place on the porch preceeded a dinner overlooking the sunset. I went to bed early after checking out the night life. The morning found me renting a bike and taking a ride around the island. There hasn't been a time since my accident ten years ago, I didn't experience fear when first balancing myself on two wheels, but today was different, I felt nothing but freedom and the childness love of riding around. I suppose it may have something to do with the lack of motorbikes or motorcars. I got ready and headed to the boat to wind up chatting with a young couple from SFO on their way to Ubud to be married. I was a bit jealous of their nerdy love but then remembered, I already have my soulmate...travel.
01 March 2008
gili
I have been on this island for a mere three hours and have gone through a range of emotions. The speadboat ride over was lovely and I even got a nap in. When I arrived and first stepped out into the water to exit the boat, my mission became a place to stay. First a note of the one thing that drives me crazy and seems to be a running theme here in Indonesia, harrassment for transport or manicure or look, look. I get that it is how they make a living and they don't know any better but it gets really old fast. So I am swarmed upon as I arrive asking me questions and so forth. Finally I found a guy that was a softer sell and I went with him to look at places to stay. Mind you the are no star resorts of any caliber here so I sucked it up and followed him down a dirt road past the chickens and stray cats to look at a room. The price $7 but I couldn't bring myself to do it. I needed a shower because it will be the last before beginning my long journey home tomorrow. We went to a second place 1000 meters away and I fell in love, first with hammock and then the room is ideal. I am currently on a mission to purchase bar soap but other than that, it is good. I set off to explore this little island maybe the size of the whole pearl district and ran into my hotel broker. We walked and talked for a bit and he ended up leading me through the middle of the island as I helped him with his English. It was fine at first but then it becomes frustrating talking to someone in English not American. We kept walking and I had the quick thought that I may wind up captured as a white slave but then the feeling of hunger quickly took it's place and I began to get cranky due to the heat and the apparent hike I didn't sign up for. An hour later, we made it back to the man road and I paid him $5 for his troubles and ran for food. Three dollars purchased noodles and a Fanta. I went to change more money as there are no banks/atms here and encountered the issue I had prior in the week. My bills are from 1996 and no-one will take them nor give an explaination of why not. Finally this kind gentleman, whose internet cafe I am using changed it and now I can pay my hotel bill of $12.50 maybe $14 with the exchange rate.
Plans, now that I have food in belly, a place to stay, and money in my pocket...maybe a little snorkeling, definatly a walk on the beach at sunset, and a hammock nap for sure.
Happy girl, who is lucky in life is today an island girl.
Plans, now that I have food in belly, a place to stay, and money in my pocket...maybe a little snorkeling, definatly a walk on the beach at sunset, and a hammock nap for sure.
Happy girl, who is lucky in life is today an island girl.
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