I'm back in the States! It was a crazy, crazy journey home. Bolivia did her best to try to keep me there as my flight was delayed by about six hours, meaning I needed to spend the night in Houston. I ended up doing the mad dash through the airport to catch my connecting flight to Texas in Miami, instantly regretting packing all of my books in my carry-on bag (seriously, who does that?). I did enjoy a beautiful vanilla latte in a Starbucks Christmas cup though so the airports weren't all bad news. And my family and the boy were there to meet me in Sea Tac for a real good welcome home.
And then I froze to death :)
The transition back to the States has been pretty easy but it definitely feels a little weird to be back. Bolivia wasn't just a trip, it was a life and that life is over now. I miss it. When people ask how Bolivia was, it's really hard to answer because I feel like I'm trying to summerize a lifetime and that is difficult. I always just say "wonderful." But if I could say a second word, I would also say hard. Bolivia was wonderful and hard. God was so good and carried me through all of it.
This is probably my last blog post. But I wanted to thank you guys for reading and making me feel like what I was experiencing was worth reading about. So Gracias :)
And Chao for now!
Showing posts with label Plane Ride. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Plane Ride. Show all posts
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
“It is a strange thing to come home. While yet on the journey, you cannot at all realize how strange it will be.”
While in Santa Cruz for the best/hardest day of my life, I was able to stay with Dr. Carmiña's family in their lovely home. I am expecting some reverse culture shock when I get back to the States but I wasn't expecting it to occur before I touched down in the good ol' USA. I'll be honest, it made me nervous.
My first clue that I may not be prepared to re-enter my old life (ten days from now!) was when Dr. Carmiña asked me to please fasten my seat belt when I got into her car. Whoops. I've only worn a seat belt twice in the last three months -and both times were in a airplane, not in a car. I wouldn't have even done it then if the flight attendant hadn't blasted it over the intercom. The vehicles that I ride in regularly don't even have seat belts.
Dr. Carmiña then apologized that the air-conditioning wasn't working very well. I almost laughed out loud because I was thinking about how I'd forgotten that cars even have air-conditioning and what a glorious invention it is. Seriously folks, there is cold air that blows and it keeps you refreshed even when it's freaking hot outside. How wonderful is that?
When I entered la doctora's home, I was only more impressed. "There's a flat screen TV and a computer with internet and leather couches and HOLY SMOKES, is that microwave? This house is amazing! This house is like...my parents' house...and...it's like MY house." It was such a weird moment. Seriously, I was genuinely excited to use a microwave. A microwave. Who knows what my reaction will be to other household appliances...like a TOASTER :)
I recently read article on how to give your fridge a makeover. I was thinking it would be about how to keep your fridge clean but nope, it was actually about how to keep your fridge pretty, literally pretty. Things like use labeled french canning jars to store leftovers in, buy products with pretty packaging, wrap cheese and meat in butcher paper and tie with twine, put a vase of flowers in the fridge...have I just been in South America too long or is this ridiculous? If people's priorities are to put petunias in their fridges, not sure that this is the culture with which I want to identify.
Plus, there are mangoes here.
My first clue that I may not be prepared to re-enter my old life (ten days from now!) was when Dr. Carmiña asked me to please fasten my seat belt when I got into her car. Whoops. I've only worn a seat belt twice in the last three months -and both times were in a airplane, not in a car. I wouldn't have even done it then if the flight attendant hadn't blasted it over the intercom. The vehicles that I ride in regularly don't even have seat belts.
Dr. Carmiña then apologized that the air-conditioning wasn't working very well. I almost laughed out loud because I was thinking about how I'd forgotten that cars even have air-conditioning and what a glorious invention it is. Seriously folks, there is cold air that blows and it keeps you refreshed even when it's freaking hot outside. How wonderful is that?
When I entered la doctora's home, I was only more impressed. "There's a flat screen TV and a computer with internet and leather couches and HOLY SMOKES, is that microwave? This house is amazing! This house is like...my parents' house...and...it's like MY house." It was such a weird moment. Seriously, I was genuinely excited to use a microwave. A microwave. Who knows what my reaction will be to other household appliances...like a TOASTER :)
I recently read article on how to give your fridge a makeover. I was thinking it would be about how to keep your fridge clean but nope, it was actually about how to keep your fridge pretty, literally pretty. Things like use labeled french canning jars to store leftovers in, buy products with pretty packaging, wrap cheese and meat in butcher paper and tie with twine, put a vase of flowers in the fridge...have I just been in South America too long or is this ridiculous? If people's priorities are to put petunias in their fridges, not sure that this is the culture with which I want to identify.
Plus, there are mangoes here.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Leaving on a Jet Plane: Part Three
Another excerpt from my journal:
Flight #3 Miami ->La Paz -> Santa Cruz
Yikes, what long day! I am proud to say that I was a traveling expert by the time I hit Miami airport and even took the sky train to my next gate! I was pretty proud of myself -only asked directions once too! So there I am walking toward my gate, feeling like a pretty smart cookie when I almost go head first down a "going up" escalator! Folks, it was a close call. I literally had my hand on the railing before I realized what was about to happen. And if being unable to go to Bolivia because you have a broken neck due to falling down an escalator isn't the dumbest thing you've heard all day, I guess I owe you something. But I made it to my gate, neck unbroken (pride slightly shattered) and even had time to call the boy and Momma too.
Be right back...THEY HAVE DINNER ON THIS FLIGHT, Praise Jesus! I am so hungry!
(6 hrs later) Ok, I'm back now. Although I scarfed it down, the airplane ravioli was most likely 150% of my daily value of sodium! I am still thirsty from it!
Anyway, the flight was pretty enjoyable despite the fact that they made us wait in the plane for over an hour so they could load our luggage. I would have been more upset about it but it gave me extra time to text people at home. During this time, my mother told me that the flight was 17hrs. I about cried. But she was wrong. Thank the Lord.
Joey and I had a great texting conversation too, it made me miss him a bunch but I know where I am where I am supposed to be.
And where am I? Well, for the most of the plane ride, between two men. One showed me a picture of his sweet, beautiful girls. The other was quiet but I'm fairly certain that I was leaning on him for half the night. :/ I slept a lot better on this flight than I thought I would -although it's impossible to tell for how long. Time is so abstract on an airplane.
Looking out of the airplane as we landed, there were pretty sweet mountains and the lights of the city were glowing. I was surprised to see that La Paz was not as nice as I expected. Not that I am bad mouthing La Paz, I'm not -but I expected it to have more skyscrapers and less brick, being one of the biggest cities in Bolivia. It certainly had a rustic look to it. There were a ton of cedar block buildings and every few block there were these beautiful white churches. Absolutely gorgeous! I like Bolivia already and realized I've missed being in another country for sure.
I'm glad I got the opportunity to travel alone, to prove to myself that I could do it! But I don't really want to do it ever again -although I'll have to on my way home. It's much more fun to experience new things with someone. I know God is with me though!
Right now we are sitting on the plane in La Paz, waiting to load new passengers and take off for Santa Cruz. And that is where I suppose the real adventure will begin!
Flight #3 Miami ->La Paz -> Santa Cruz
Yikes, what long day! I am proud to say that I was a traveling expert by the time I hit Miami airport and even took the sky train to my next gate! I was pretty proud of myself -only asked directions once too! So there I am walking toward my gate, feeling like a pretty smart cookie when I almost go head first down a "going up" escalator! Folks, it was a close call. I literally had my hand on the railing before I realized what was about to happen. And if being unable to go to Bolivia because you have a broken neck due to falling down an escalator isn't the dumbest thing you've heard all day, I guess I owe you something. But I made it to my gate, neck unbroken (pride slightly shattered) and even had time to call the boy and Momma too.
Be right back...THEY HAVE DINNER ON THIS FLIGHT, Praise Jesus! I am so hungry!
(6 hrs later) Ok, I'm back now. Although I scarfed it down, the airplane ravioli was most likely 150% of my daily value of sodium! I am still thirsty from it!
Anyway, the flight was pretty enjoyable despite the fact that they made us wait in the plane for over an hour so they could load our luggage. I would have been more upset about it but it gave me extra time to text people at home. During this time, my mother told me that the flight was 17hrs. I about cried. But she was wrong. Thank the Lord.
Joey and I had a great texting conversation too, it made me miss him a bunch but I know where I am where I am supposed to be.
And where am I? Well, for the most of the plane ride, between two men. One showed me a picture of his sweet, beautiful girls. The other was quiet but I'm fairly certain that I was leaning on him for half the night. :/ I slept a lot better on this flight than I thought I would -although it's impossible to tell for how long. Time is so abstract on an airplane.
Looking out of the airplane as we landed, there were pretty sweet mountains and the lights of the city were glowing. I was surprised to see that La Paz was not as nice as I expected. Not that I am bad mouthing La Paz, I'm not -but I expected it to have more skyscrapers and less brick, being one of the biggest cities in Bolivia. It certainly had a rustic look to it. There were a ton of cedar block buildings and every few block there were these beautiful white churches. Absolutely gorgeous! I like Bolivia already and realized I've missed being in another country for sure.
I'm glad I got the opportunity to travel alone, to prove to myself that I could do it! But I don't really want to do it ever again -although I'll have to on my way home. It's much more fun to experience new things with someone. I know God is with me though!
Right now we are sitting on the plane in La Paz, waiting to load new passengers and take off for Santa Cruz. And that is where I suppose the real adventure will begin!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Airplane Tips
I bought my plane tickets!! The trip is officially from Sept 14th- Dec 10th. Non-refundable too, so I guess that means I'm going!
It's a 21 hour flight to Santa Cruz, so I googled "airplane ride tips" and these are some of the suggestions that I found: (My comments in italics)
1) Participate in the in-flight exercise video, should your flight provide one. (P90X -The plane ride version).
2) To relieve pressure in your ears, research the Valsalva maneuver (holding your nose and blowing) beforehand and know how to perform it correctly. (You could just chew gum. But if you want to entertain your neighbors-go Valsalva baby!)
3) If the airline you are traveling with provides blankets, it is a good idea to sleep with the blanket over your head to block out light and also if you like privacy. (Did someone actually get paid to write this?)
4) If you want earplugs but didn't bring any, use tissue. (Or use the extra gum you have since you are going Valsalva...).
5) Take Sudafed to help relieve pressure in your ears during takeoff and landing. Please note, however, that if you fly to Japan or New Zealand, Sudafed and other cold cures that contain pseudoephedrine are considered controlled substances and are illegal to bring into the country. (Konnichiwa. You are under arrest.)
6) Try your best to sleep well (Never would have thought of this one on my own! How do they come up with this stuff?)
I get an especially funny mental picture if you combine numbers 1-4 : A blanket wearing man with tissue paper in his ears, holding his nose and blowing while exercising :)
It's a 21 hour flight to Santa Cruz, so I googled "airplane ride tips" and these are some of the suggestions that I found: (My comments in italics)
1) Participate in the in-flight exercise video, should your flight provide one. (P90X -The plane ride version).
2) To relieve pressure in your ears, research the Valsalva maneuver (holding your nose and blowing) beforehand and know how to perform it correctly. (You could just chew gum. But if you want to entertain your neighbors-go Valsalva baby!)
3) If the airline you are traveling with provides blankets, it is a good idea to sleep with the blanket over your head to block out light and also if you like privacy. (Did someone actually get paid to write this?)
4) If you want earplugs but didn't bring any, use tissue. (Or use the extra gum you have since you are going Valsalva...).
5) Take Sudafed to help relieve pressure in your ears during takeoff and landing. Please note, however, that if you fly to Japan or New Zealand, Sudafed and other cold cures that contain pseudoephedrine are considered controlled substances and are illegal to bring into the country. (Konnichiwa. You are under arrest.)
6) Try your best to sleep well (Never would have thought of this one on my own! How do they come up with this stuff?)
I get an especially funny mental picture if you combine numbers 1-4 : A blanket wearing man with tissue paper in his ears, holding his nose and blowing while exercising :)
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