2:30 pm. As I arrived at Logan International Airport yesterday, I was a ball of nerves: my stomach felt queasy and I simply wanted to get on the plane. The line to check in was short, so my parents and I grabbed a quick bite to eat. Then goodbyes, security, and burning some time until my departure followed.
Well, burning some time turned into burning a little more time...and yet a little more. I watched the monitor anxiously as my departure time ticked up, minute by minute. What was supposed to be 5:30pm ended up being about 9:20pm on an entirely different plane.
Needless to say, I missed my connecting flight.
This was turning into a night of firsts: first time flying internationally alone, first time staying in a hotel alone, and first time navigating an absolutely massive airport alone.
As I am typing, I relax on a full size bed in a double hotel room in Newark, NJ sipping English breakfast tea and snacking on an apple. I finished my book ("Wild" by Cheryl Strayed - excellent memoir!), ate breakfast, and lounged around. While arriving a day later than planned in India isn't ideal, I have learned to be patient; perhaps more patient than I ever have been.
My parents, friends, boyfriend, and Alliance staff have been wonderful at keeping me thinking optimistically. As my friend Bethany said, "Adventures my friend! Who knew they'd start so early!?" With that type of a message, I was able to relax and try to enjoy what I had no control over.
Between endless phone calls, texts, and emails, I think I am just about set to depart tonight at 8:30. The only thing potentially holding me back is where my checked bag may be...but that's a battle for later this afternoon. For the time being, I'm going to check out, find a restaurant for lunch, and dive into my next book.
Wish no delays for me!
-Nikki
So Proud of how amazingly well you handled everything in stide yesterday.
ReplyDeleteYou certainly made it easier for me to try and do the same.
may yesterday be the first of many firsts for you.
much Love Mom