Day1...2...whatever..

Monday 1/3-Tuesday 1/4: I am hurtling above the earth at 535 miles per hour, 37000 feet in the air. Outside these thin aluminum walls the air is -74 degrees F.  Where has my day gone? It is easy to lose 24 hours when flying east. I have traveled over 5000 miles in less than 12 hours.

I suppose I shall begin at the beginning. I changed my flight from an 0835 to a 1245 flight out of LAX. Jim was kind enough to drive me to the airport on his furlough day. Much thanks to him and Christy for letting me occupy their garage for 2 weeks.

LAX is a monstrosity of an airport, 7 terminals and a never ending river of cars and people hurrying to get somewhere. I arrived 3 hours early. An hour in line to check my bags had me dreading security, but it when surprisingly smooth.

They happen to be remodeling the terminal, giving no space at the gate for the gathered passengers, of which about 100 were 16 or younger. Turns out I got to spend a plane ride with a quarter of the Doningtown Marching Band returning triumphant from the Rose Bowl Parade.

 

Their Director, Mr. Lewis who I had a long conversation with, reminded me much of Mr. W, my former jazz band director. It must take strength and patience beyond that of a normal man to coordinate and plan such an adventure for 400 youths. They almost never made it. 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40823807/ns/local_news-philadelphia_pa/

Changing my flight time gave me only an hour gate to gate in Newark, a situation I much preferred to the 5 hours that I had originally planned for. We were about 25 minutes late. I was in plenty of time however, they were just beginning boarding as I walked up.

Both of my flights were full. I was fortunate to have an empty seat next to me on the Dublin leg. Transcontinental flights are very odd. You board, showing your passports for the 4^th time to various agents. Once on board, you are served a dinner…if it can be called that. I ate the salad. Then they turn out the lights, as you try to get comfortable in a seat that doesn’t quite fit your body in about 4 ways. After 4 hours they turn on the lights again and serve breakfast. Didn’t I just eat dinner?

The young woman next to me is going to Dublin on business, recruiting for Google. What an awesome gig! This is her first business trip abroad. She has no problem falling asleep, unlike myself. I decided to not take Benadryl as I originally intended so that I am not foggy when we land.

I don’t think that the fact I’m almost there has set in yet. I’m sure as the jet lag catches up  to me it will sink in. I already have heard the musical Irish voices, even in speech they are amazing to listen to, like water on rocks.

Customs was a breeze, as was finding my hostel, thanks in no small part to a few friendly bystanders. Once there I ran into a fellow American who is backpacking across Europe. He leaves for London tomorrow and then on to Brussels. "No return ticket!" he told me. I commended his courage, and told him he can always wash dishes on a boat back to America. It sounds harsh to me now, but he seemed to appreciate the sentiment in which the advice was offered. 

Everyone wants to learn English. I have met no less than 4 people that have come here to learn the language. What an amazing way to immerse oneself. I sat down with 2 Frenchmen during my sandwich lunch and helped them with grammar, which they appreciated to no end. But I can only do grammar for so long. Eyes grew heavy. Shower and nap time.

So...Day 1...2...complete already. Check out time is 10am. I have to decide if I want to stay here another day or take off.

Decisions...Decisions...