As I was getting on the plane, I saw there were many empty seats in Club (British Airlines' First Class). Beet red and out of breath from running through the airport, I told the flight attendant that if there was an empty seat in the front, I'd love it. Communication; it makes the world go round. I thought the worst thing he could say was "no." Nothing gained, nothing lost. Instead he told me he'd see what he can do.
He is just another reason this summer's trip has me sounding like a broken record. Usually, I write pages upon pages about boat rides I've taken, statues I've seen, museums I've visited but this time it's been all about people. Every single country. Every single day.
My group of 28 in Spain. Those kids and adults thanked me profusely for taking them on a trip full of memories. The wonderful people of Buenos Aires. I've never enjoyed the locals anywhere in the world as I have in Argentina. My friends Olya, Alyona and Rob make every visit to the UK better than the last one. The friends from eight different countries (yes, I counted!) and students who remembered my birthday and wrote personal and touching messages on the day I was sick as a dog. God, my birthday sucked. But my friends made it all better. In fact on the 14th, Olya reenacted the gift giving from the day before since I could actually smile upon receiving it and not be crumbled over in pain. The flight attendant who could have totally said "no" but decided to ask his boss if he could upgrade me just because. My long time friend Tom who is picking me up from O'Hare.
I've been sick for pretty much the entire duration of this trip. From non stop coughing, fever, shakes, stomach pains and more, I've felt like complete crap. My phone broke, Bank of America decided to cancel my cards and sent me a new one to CA (because that's so useful when I'm in Europe!), I broke the only two things you can break on an iPad and my camera only records videos when it wants to. Truth be told, none of these things really really matter. People do.
In the next four days, I get more awesome people. Many of my MI friends live in Chicago and 7 of us will be getting together to catch up, drink and eat. Isn't that what good friends do? On Saturday, I will witness two friends promise to love each other forever as they get married on a boat on the Chicago River.
After that, it will be all about family. I will be spending 11 days with the coolest grandma around, my favorite five year old in the world, my best friend and the rest of my family at a house where I grew up.
And then it's back to California. Where I have the most supportive circle of people imaginable who will get me through the apartment search, yet another move (God bless your husbands, girls!) and the beginning of this new stage in my life. I've been living out of a suitcase since March 27th and I can't wait to have my own bed, cook in my own kitchen, watch Bachelor Paradise (is that what that new shit is called?) and be a mom of a kindergartener.
Many many things will happen in the next few weeks and as long as there are good people around, it's a wonderful thing.
Flying over the Atlantic in mega style. I'd love to get used to this but I'll settle for any ticket to anywhere! Oh, and next summer's trip is starting to get planned.
Olya taking me to Afternoon Tea for my birthday. Sandwiches and cakes not pictured. Views of Thames River and London are.
Skyping with my little man from Argentina. And half of my dad.
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