Here I Go!

It's that time of year again! Travel season!

Alright so every year I start off the summer travels with some mushy reason of why I like to travel and blah blah blah. Then the post is then usually followed with some type of epic fail on the way. So let's get started with these few important bulletins.

1. I'm Getting Married!

As most of your know Tyler proposed to me a few months ago! I said goodbye to him this morning...I've never felt the heartache saying goodbye to someone as I did this morning. 

2. Libby + Flying = Oil + Vinegar

Flight delays, cancellations, lost bags, broken train, 9 hours on the Tarmac, eye infections, and so on. Let's be honest, with the exception of the first trip, I have terrible travel luck. Not to mention I could make myself sick and the thought of having zero control over a giant metal bird carrying my body in the sky. Come on people, how in the world does that not terrify you? This year is going to be different. At the end of this post I will update you until I make it to my destination as it unfolds.... Uneventfully. 

3. Traveling Abroad Terrifies Me

Many people seem to have this notion that I am reckless and fearless. False. Traveling is tough and it takes every nerve in my body to get started. I would be lying if I said getting on a plane and flying to another country, exotic or typical, comes easily. Yes, once I get there the fears drift away and I settle back into my normal travel routine. However, the build up and even moments on the trip I really have to work for. There have been many times I've been paralyzed in fear and I've had to say over and over in my head to keep walking and to just go talk to someone. Today I had that moment. I wanted to turn around and run back through the security to my parents. So why do I do it?

4. The Love of Learning

I've always been fascinated with the world and learning about it. Seeing a text book or article is not enough. I want to learn while living it. To me and this alone it's worth the struggle of all of the above!

Travel Update:

1:24 July 5th

So far it is going smoothly. I made it through the airport in Pittsburgh, landed smoothly (minus the guy taking up half my seat, the toddler kicking my chair, and the ear piercing baby screams) in Toronto. I booked seperate tickets to save many. I have a few hours to kill at Starbucks before I can recheck my luggage. Time for way over priced salad and tea!

Getting through the gate I was amazed at the airport.I am unsure if I did not notice it last year because we were in a hurry but this airport is the future. Everywhere there are iPads connected to various table sizes and offering plenty of chair options. These iPads connect with the restaurants surrounding. If you wish you are able to order food and staf will bring I right to you. However, they are also free to use without any purchases. I loved this airport and will post more about it later. 

I took a seat next to my gate and enjoyed a nice relaxing 3 hour meal before leaving. A couple named Joan and Nate were flying to Italy. We talked about our families to pass the time.

6pm: Yay I am on the first long leg of the journey, an 8 hour flight to Frankfurt. The plane was a double decker plane. If I could afford one of those pods I could totally get used to flying. 

The flight went pretty fast with a mixture of sleeping and movies. I was surrounded by 50 kids taking their birthright trip to Israel!

2am (8am Frankfurt): Totally exhausted I exited the plane and looked at the monitor. I was shocked to see my flight to Ashgabat was on the screen when it didn't;t leave for another 6 hours. Speaking with the lady I asked if they didn't get many connections and that is why my later flight was already on the board. She explained they post everyone's connecting flights who were on board. When I told her which flight was mine she stared at me perplexed and admitted she had never heard of that city and country before. This is the 5th time I have gotte that response since I left home!

2:30 (8:30 Frankfurt): I found the quickest place to get horizontal and sleep listening to Bassnectar for four hours!