Audience: Travel blog piece for first time flyers/travelers.
Getting Through The Port
It's not always easy, but it's always worth it.
Since traveling is so expensive, my family never took vacations. I remember when I received my first car (this was around the same time I headed out to college) I felt unstoppable. I felt as though the world was mine to explore. However, there was only so far my lime green little boxy car could take me, and believe me, I pushed that green machine to its limits. I was road tripping all over the southeast with friends, and even going as far as San Antonio, Texas. I loved mobility, but like with anything else, getting a taste of travel only made me crave more. At 24 , I embarked on the trip of a lifetime to France, and if I can do it, anyone can.
For many first-time abroad travelers, the planning stage consists of figuring out what kinds of clothing to bring, as well as what fun activities and attractions to do upon reaching the destination. However, the actual plan for getting there can easily become an afterthought. I started planning for my France adventure nine months in advance. To get ready for my trip, I began
reading travel articles nine months before departure, covering topics such as
‘how to pack’ and ‘how to get the most out your trip to Paris.’ New to flying,
I could only wonder the ardors of a nine-hour transatlantic flight.
Upon reaching the airport, a nervous sensation began to spread, making my stomach feel as though it was doing back flips. I blew it off as nervous excitement, not recognizing the early stages of anxiety. As I rolled my suitcase over to the baggage checkpoint, the sensation only grew. I ignored my sweaty palms and mild chills. After one
last goodbye to Mom, I headed for security and, for me, unchartered territory.
Once, in the main airport I began heading to my terminal. Thank goodness I spotted some classmates, Madison, Typhani and other girls I recognized only by face, who were coming on the trip with me, or I might still be wandering around the massive airport. As I slyly followed the crowd, probably looking conspicuous, I gaped in awe at the magnitude of the airport, which looked more like a shopping mall. There were so many stores. I couldn’t help wondering if people paid for flights just so they could come shop or eat at the fancy food court. Fighting the urge to do some shopping myself, I finally made it to my terminal. After waiting for what felt like hours, they began boarding us. I was very nervous about who I would sit next to and prayed I would have the window seat. Lucky for me, I sat next to Kristy Johnson, a woman who exuded happiness and offered to be my travel partner through the duration of the trip. I was tucked away right by the window and ready to begin the flight!
Who knew how shaky airplanes were? During take off, the plane shook so much I thought for sure it would fall apart before we made it off the ground. I clutched my seat so tightly the color began to drain from my fingertips. The side ways tipping back and forth sent me over the edge. I began praying so earnestly; I felt a spiritual growth occur right then and there. That’s when the deep thinking began. I started reflecting on faith and how every individual who flies has to have faith regardless of their belief system. I thought about how many people were currently floating in the air at that exact moment. I thought about the clouds and how my plane looked like a ship floating amongst the clouds. I thought a lot. And as the anxiety and thoughts about death by turbulence subsided, I began thinking about the wonders of the sky and the majesty of the huge hunk of metal floating, transporting us miles and miles across the world. That was all it took. I was hooked. As scary as my initial ascent into the air was, I was finally traveling. The memories of getting there is a journey of it’s own, and make up a huge part of the experience.
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| Taken from the Lufthansa flight to Frankfurt. Photo by: Kimberly Chandler |
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