All started off well. I managed to pack five months of clothing for many unexpected weather conditions into a check-in, a carry-on, and a back-pack. And honestly, the backpack has been the great pain in the ass, because that’s where everything that didn’t fit was thrown in. But that’s ok. In Knoxville, I left my parents through security, and not long afterwards, since I left my American phone at home (no need for it otherwise, really), my mom came up to my gate with a gate pass to see me off. Which was wonderful. The assistant was incredibly helpful prior to boarding, for the first bit of the flight, I watched Knoxville pass below me and spotted out Neyland Stadium and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. Then I slept the rest of the first flight. (Oh, and my backpack had to go under some empty seats, since it didn’t fit under mine. Whoops~ Ohhhh well.)
When I woke up, the plane was informed we would be taxiing for about 15 to 20 minutes above Newark, and if weather conditions did not allow us to land, we would be forced to land in Allentown, PA, to refuel. Mind you, this flight departed 30 minutes late, and I only had an hour and 40 minute layover to my transatlantic flight. But! The plane landed, and someone picked me up with a wheelchair so that I didn’t have to figure out my way around Newark; which was convenient, minus the fact that people are incredibly unobservant. And when he took me to the check-in desk, where the SAS woman told us, “It’s too late.” Although, they really should’ve only begun boarding. So I got a green sticker to push me through, I got put in the front of the security line (since unfortunately in Newark I had to change terminals; what a pain in the butt), went through security, including the fancy-shmancy new full body scanners. And while I still disagree with their use, when you’re scared you are about to miss your flight, and after the last flight you missed resulted in you staying overnight in a foreign country you were not supposed to stay in, you don’t give a damn, if I may be honest.
So I rushed through security, left my wheel chair guy, since he wasn’t coming through apparently, and rushed to my gate, which fortunately, was very close. There were people still boarding the plane, and in fact, I might’ve been the last one. But I made it. Someone helped put my baggage in the overhead compartment (ohhh the joys of being short), I put my oversized backpack at my feet, (the joys of being tiny! An oversized backpack does not inhibit your comfort!) and was in awe by the high standards of the plane. This plane included touch screens offering movies, music, games, and of course, flight information. The tray setting in front of me was super fancy too. And I had plenty of room. Unlike my trip to Poland last year on Icelandic Express. That was a nightmare. So this, this economy class seat was like a luxury treat. I slept most of the time, and really only woke to the hands out of food. (Stereotypical college student, yeah?) They gave us free almonds, free beverages, and then a nice free dinner. Which was actually quite good. Although, the dessert. Oh goodness, that was delicious. Some sort of apple strudel, I think. Delicious, delicious, delicious. I wish they had given more of it. :c Then I slept some more. The sleep was all right. I really really should invest in a travel pillow. I would use it so much, and I would feel better rested through all my crazy travel plans. Woke up to a nice sandwich and Greek yogurt for breakfast. Honestly, I don’t like Greek yogurt, but I figured I should make myself eat it so that I am well-fed for my wait in Copenhagen. Then, since there was really only an hour left in the flight, I played Tetris on the lovely entertainment system in front of me, and watched as we flew into Copenhagen. Which was absolutely gorgeous looking at the bright sea and the bright green grass.
Oh, and I spoke with the girl sitting next to me. She was coming home from New York after spending a few weeks working and then vacationing in America. She loved the heat, she loves New York, and she just feels at home in America. She travels a lot (her dad’s a pilot, so that helps), and she’s been to America plenty of times before, including Georgia, and wait for this… Tennessee! Dollywood! Gotta love it, hahaha. But really, I always find it so funny when people feel more at home in America, and I basically say the same thing about Poland. I feel more at home in a foreign country than the country I was born in. Something keeps pulling me away from America, and I love that. Anyways, we parted ways, I had to get my luggage all together (oi, packing for five months is a pain… I’m really glad that I’ll be coming home with my parents so we can repack everything far more efficiently. It’ll make life sooo much easier.) Went through security, yet again, after arrival. Yay for Europe and not requiring the removal of shoes! However, something decided to trigger the security scan thing off on me, so security had to give me a pat down; ya know, make sure I wasn’t carrying anything to use to kill everyone. I’m pretty sure what set off the alarm was my “Sisters” ring… Though it didn’t in Knoxville… So I don’t really know. But whatever. It really wasn’t a problem. Sat down to type up my first blog entry, and then a precious child began to run away from his father toward the mini play house next to me, so his family was laughing at this kid’s antics while his poor dad ran after him. So that was adorable. Now, I’m just chilling in the airport, since my flight doesn’t leave until 11:15, and it’s only 8, so I won’t know what gate it’s going to leave from for a good while. Unfortunately, I’m typing this in word since I can’t seem to pick up the free WiFi. I don’t know whyyyyy I can’t use the free WiFi, since it’s free. Stupid computer.
… Just kidding! It’s actually not free. Well that’s super unfortunate. I really would’ve liked to send my parents an email saying I arrived in Copenhagen safely. Ah well. Time to get to reading! And probably should see if my flight might’ve been put on the Departures list. Although. I doubt it.
Oh, so I got to the airport, and my mother’s godson, and my uncle and aunt were there to pick me up. It was really awesome, going through Wroclaw, seeing everything, and then seeing my apartment. Yes, I’m going to live alone, and go to work, and it’s going to be a phenomenal experience. I’m so excited. The apartment is GORGEOUS. But… it’s on the top floor, hahaha. With no elevator. Take that, laziness! It’ll be a good work out, to say the least. But really, it’s wonderful, and the room I have to sleep in is upstairs, and it’s just awesome. (: I’m really excited. I can’t believe I’m here. I was in the car, thinking, wow, I’ve been waiting basically at least four years for this opportunity. For this moment, where I’d be in Poland, living on my own, figuring things out. My uncle and aunt are helping so much to make sure I’m safe and ok, and understand what’s going on. My mom’s godson has been such a help, and he chose a 4 pm appointment for me as opposed to the 7:30 am one, so I’d say that was a wonderful choice, as I am exhausted. Slept a bit, and then my uncle and I went around Wroclaw, got public transport tickets, found a place for me to use internet for free in the Galleria (aka, awesome mall), and also figured out the way to walk to my work. The square is absolutely gorgeous, and it’s just… welcoming and cozy. I feel so at home being in Poland, I really do.
Really, though, this is going to be such an adventure. My first job ever? Outside of America. My first single living experience, in an apartment? Outside of America? No dependency or roommates, just all on my own. Who else would do that but me? Honestly. I’m crazy, but I love it. (: I just can’t believe it. I really have been waiting for this moment for years. And then it hit me. This is it. This is the beginning. I am here, and I am going to take such advantage of it. There’s so much to do and see, and it’s so unlike America, where it’s hard to really get around and do things on your own. But here I am, with opportunities under my nose. Anyways, continuing with the day, my uncle and aunt got me some food to get started, and aside from that, well… I’m exhausted, because my uncle ran me around to show me to places and what not. So it is so time for bed. For proper sleep. For the continuation of my journey, well-rested. Heck. Yes.
Day 1 = August 7/8. Ya see, considering I had no internet access, I couldn't upload it that day. ;D
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