I had a good trip, but I’m ready to be home. I’m particularly happy to be done with security checkpoints. I had to go through three today. That doesn’t count the initial check-in (which took over an hour) and the three passport lines. I can see why you want to make sure that you have plenty of time in each layover (or to reduce the number of layovers) when traveling internationally. I’m also quite glad that I had everything packed in one backpack, as I got through quite quickly at each spot once I got through the queues. I’m definitely glad that I didn’t have a checked bag. It will certainly be interesting to go through a similar experience with 47 other travelers.
This entire experience has been a bit surreal, like I’ve been in an alternate reality where things are familiar, but also clearly different. The power outlets, toilets, streets, buildings, signs, etc. were all just slightly different. There was cigarette smoke everywhere, like this was a multi-verse where its destructive powers had not yet been exposed. It was also clearly … older—to the point that modern elements (such as massive display screens on the sides of buildings) seemed jarringly out of place. Restaurants were smaller and everything felt slower (sometimes, frustratingly so).
I have watched multiple movies during my flights:
The Post—directed by Spielberg with Hanks and Streep starring, I expected more.
Lightyear—a cute, if flawed, sci-fi adventure that seriously changes Buzz’s story from the Toy Story movies— despite what the opening lines say, this was NOT the movie that Andy saw.
Elvis—another movie with Hanks that was interesting not only as a story but how it was told.
I’m attaching my final pictures from the trip. They include pictures of:
The room snacks and their prices, so that I can warn my students.
One part of our hotel’s breakfast spread.
The bathroom, so you can see just how awkwardly placed the toilet was.
An entertainingly vandalized sign in Madrid’s airport.
My ramen lunch at the Heathrow Airport in London which included a blueberry spice drink (with LOTS of ginger) as well as a nice conversation with a local Londonian (Londonite?).
The view at the Seattle airport that greets every international traveler.
I am quite glad that I went on this trip. I learned a great deal about traveling and about myself in this short period of time. I also met fantastic people and a had a good time.