I Still Prefer the Destination

I love to travel. The exploration, adventure, & learning that comes from being plopped down in a new location is something I can only describe as one of my passions. The buildings, colors, smells, food, people, geography, flora, landmarks, and just the "feel" of the city beckon me to look up various airfare prices at least once a week so I can pick a new place to explore.

Growing up destinations were mostly domestic and travel was often completed by car. With the family van loaded up we'd trek out for summer camping trips in the National Parks, visit Colorado to see the aspen leaves quiver in the October wind, drive to Disney Land, or head north to Oregon to visit relatives. The travel days were part of the adventure as we would stop in cities along the way. Visit the quirky roadside touristy stops. Pick up fresh produce from the stand on the side of the road. Although the time spent in the car was often frustrating with 3 kids often bickering about something, a) it was always the fault of my brother or sister and b) it's part of the things that (now) make each of those trips special. The trips that required airplanes; Indiana/Ohio trip to visit family and friends, Cancun for Fanta e pan, Florida to catch the cruise ship after time spent at Disney World were not only exciting because of their destination but because of the airplane ride! Of course when back on the ground and loaded into the back seat of a car you either get 3 cranky kids or some of the best radio talk shows the world will never hear coming out of the Fanta bottle...but don't let me digress into family vacation stories.

But, oh airplane rides! They were different. How is that plane rides with your family or friends are always a million times better than a complete stranger? Is it because you're not afraid to spill over into their seat and use that shoulder as a pillow? Is it because you can agree on "time shares" for the window vs aisle seat? Because you're comfortable with passing out if you really are tired? Have someone to chat with when all the movies are lame? Someone decides that it's time to drink and your row single finishes all the red wine on board? Or you know, my personal favorite- playing truth or dare with the entire group your traveling with (all recent 8th grade grads) and get the "this is a reminder for those in economy class, that the service buttons should only be pressed if something is needed" announcement and then bursting into laughter as the other passengers try to settle in for sleep on a 16+ hour flight to Osaka, Japan.

Problem is, I'm becoming not so much a fan of the actual travel part...as in the traveling from your residence to your destination and don't even get me started on the return trip. As I sit here in the Munich airport waiting for my last connection flight of the day you can bet that it's really just these long transatlantic flights I'm talking about. Travel solo has it's perks- better chance of moving seats, not having to worry about someone else's eating schedule, but it gets boring. No Dad, this doesn't mean you should have driven up to SFO to keep me company while I sat there forever. First of all- I'm thankful that my return trip wasn't impacted at all by this week's storm. Second- I'm shocked that we've actually been early on both arrivals today. Third- I really do want to head home and I think that's what kills me. And if that fact isn't enough...I have to work in the morning. Yeah, not one of my more brilliant planning moves.

When traveling by train or car you really don't have the stop and wait torture. If you've stopped it's for the night, fuel, food, or a I-80E road closure (that was a fun road trip day). Well, when you're on a layover you're just there. There in the airport terminal with normally my luck the partial construction These over night flights are particularly the worse for me cause I'm ready for sleep when we are boarding (which is why I napped), then I'm being served food,  and just when I think I'm passed out for good... it's time for more food? I'm so confused and definitely not in need of airport food, not even a beer. Why did they serve me breakfast at 4pm local time? How come it was so hot on the plane I couldn't sleep? And why is it so dark? And why am I so grouchy? And tell me again why I agreed to book tickets with a 2.5 hour layover in Munich? The flight is less than 2 hours!

Ironic part? I already know I'll be looking for a new travel destination by the end of the weekend. BUT flights within Europe are so much less painful than this one. And don't let this talk you out from visiting me...it really isn't that bad I'm just super tired, anxious to get to Naples, & beginning to wonder if I can wait another 24 hours to pick-up Signore Nico.