So here I am partially through my journey to the other side of the world. That sounds very "Pirates of the Caribbean" to me!
The last few days have felt really odd and bizarre. There is no question that I have felt very emotional about everything. And at any given moment the dominant feeling changed. I have certainly felt a great deal of excitement and gratefulness for sure. But I have also felt apprehensive, and scared, and overwhelmed. It changed frequently and all I can say is a big thank you to my loved ones for being there to support me unconditionally. Another big thank you to everyone who called and sent messages of love and safe travel prayers. To know I'm in your thoughts means the world to me.
I am in San Francisco now and though my flight from Toronto was about an hour delayed, I still have had plenty of time to hang out here. After about 6 hours in plane number one, I arrived safely and uneventfully in country number 2- the United States. When I first checked in in Toronto, I was able to check my bags all the way through to Adelaide but I was only able to get boarding passes for my first two legs. This has never actually happened to me before. Upon arrival I had to go back to the check in counter and get my final boarding card- however the New Zealand Airlines counter (the carrier for my next two legs) didn't actually open till 3:30, well over 2 hours after I arrived. So I went and got some food and waited. And while I waited I managed to get online and skype with a few people. I always love seeing familiar faces. Then I got my new boarding pass and headed to another long line up through another round of security which thankfully went without a hitch. In about 3 hours I will leave for country number three, New Zealand, flying about 13 hours in the air. So leg number two is a long haul and This is what I've been doing to prepare for this kind of travel:
Carry On: Since my overall travel will consume approximately two days, I tried to consider what comforts I might want during those two days. In addition to my valuables, I packed a change of clothes and layers to keep warm and cool on the plane. I also made sure to pack a wash up kit with travel sized toothpaste and face wash. Never underestimate how much better you can feel when you wash up a bit after hours on an airplane. Remember to bring any vitamins or meds you need to take too. Experience has taught me to take in one step further. What should happen in the event that my checked bag got lost and was delayed a few days? So I brought an extra pair of shoes, and another set of clothes, one of my bathing suits, a bit of makeup and some changes for underwear. I also brought any work I need, and any books or journals that I didn't want to risk losing. I had friends whose bags have been lost for good in travel. So now I am prepared but let me warn you- this is not the way to travel light and shlepping my bags around each successive airport is not exactly fun. But I think its worth it for the peace of mind.
So now, as I stare at the beast that will carry me across the ocean, I wish you all adieu.
See you on the other side!
The last few days have felt really odd and bizarre. There is no question that I have felt very emotional about everything. And at any given moment the dominant feeling changed. I have certainly felt a great deal of excitement and gratefulness for sure. But I have also felt apprehensive, and scared, and overwhelmed. It changed frequently and all I can say is a big thank you to my loved ones for being there to support me unconditionally. Another big thank you to everyone who called and sent messages of love and safe travel prayers. To know I'm in your thoughts means the world to me.
I am in San Francisco now and though my flight from Toronto was about an hour delayed, I still have had plenty of time to hang out here. After about 6 hours in plane number one, I arrived safely and uneventfully in country number 2- the United States. When I first checked in in Toronto, I was able to check my bags all the way through to Adelaide but I was only able to get boarding passes for my first two legs. This has never actually happened to me before. Upon arrival I had to go back to the check in counter and get my final boarding card- however the New Zealand Airlines counter (the carrier for my next two legs) didn't actually open till 3:30, well over 2 hours after I arrived. So I went and got some food and waited. And while I waited I managed to get online and skype with a few people. I always love seeing familiar faces. Then I got my new boarding pass and headed to another long line up through another round of security which thankfully went without a hitch. In about 3 hours I will leave for country number three, New Zealand, flying about 13 hours in the air. So leg number two is a long haul and This is what I've been doing to prepare for this kind of travel:
So now, as I stare at the beast that will carry me across the ocean, I wish you all adieu.
See you on the other side!
glad your day was relatively uneventful! it was great to speak to you before you left. salil suggested baking you a cake to send to you or for when you get back...he talked about you a lot today, asking questions. it didnt help that it is shabbat tonight and we lit candles with out you! imagine a great big piece of cyber cake, with love from salil!
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