Ethiopia Trip Journal Entry #1

6-24-2009

We just got off of an 8 1/2 hour flight from Charlotte, NC to Frankfurt, Germany. For an 8 1/2 hour flight, it wasn't all that bad; we were able to choose what in flight movies we wanted to watch via an in-demand option (I watched Gran Torino and some of Seven Pounds). The meal wasn't too shabby either (think a glorified TV dinner).

Despite the relative luxury (I use that word rather loosely) of the flight, it was definitely appreciated when we finally landed. Being able to stretch out after being human sardines for 8 1/2 hours was nice (major understatement). Although, my legs were pretty weak from the lack of use (almost fell multiple times down and up stairs).

Anywho, Frankfurt's airport is pretty spacious... and void of many people (at the time of writing anyways). After entering the airport (there is probably a fancy, technical term for "entering" but it is only my second time flying, so you'll have to forgive me) we "claimed" our baggage and all was well, or so we (really just me) thought. I proceeded to grab my big, heavy bag, but unbeknownst to me,one of the handle straps ripped during the flight over. Needless to say ( but I will, because it probably isn't "needless to say"), it was quite awkward to carry around. It would be impossible to describe in words how I had to carry my luggage, so if you really need to know I will panamime it for you later.

Random trip notes thus far:

- Woke up at 3 AM to catch our 7:30 AM flight from LAX to Charlotte, NC.
- Sat in the very last row of the first flight inbetween Elise and some spacially challenged lady (she crossed the arm-rest boundary repeatedly, often initiating elbow-to-elbow contact with me, but instead of moving har arm back to where it came from, she would leave it there so our arms would be awkwardly touching until I would relent and move my arm even though mine was there first).
- I finally met someone with a real, authentic southern accent.
- Sabrina said a contestant on the Bachelorette reminded her of me (he was kicked off literally 30 seconds after she said that... plus he seemed like a loser, he was cheated 4 different times, so I guess his luch with the ladies is close to mine... similarity?)
- Somewhat related-random note, several otherssaid they should nominate me as the next Bachelor... stop the nomination. Also, Mabel said I should go on the show, because "it's possible for someone like you (meaning me) to maybe find love." Thanks for the confidence boost.

I am finally done now. Write again later, probably when we finally reach Ethiopia, but maybe when we get to Dubai. Later gators.