I was looking forward to sleeping in for the next couple of weeks. After snoozing three alarms, I finally got out of bed. I finished some last-minute packing and got ready for the airport. Once all of my bags were ready to go, I headed downstairs. I am really going to miss the Ibis Hotel’s breakfast. What will I do without my cappuccino, plate of eggs and sausage, bowl of yogurt, and freshly baked pastries every morning? I took my time and savored every bite of breakfast, and then it was time to head to the airport.
Karl, our trusty driver, helped us load our bags onto the bus. I will miss the games of Two Truths and a Lie, Wavelength, and Imposter that went on in the back of the bus. I will not, however, miss the turbulence and motion sickness. On the ride to the airport, everyone seemed eager to get home. I felt torn. I wanted more than two weeks in Europe, but at the same time, I was looking forward to some rest and time with loved ones.
I shed a few tears and enjoyed the views on the drive. Before I knew it, we were at the airport. My bags felt a little heavier than they were when I first arrived, so I held my breath when they were weighed. Luckily, there were no baggage issues. We said our farewells to Dr. Feick and headed toward customs. The customs line to leave Germany was just as long, if not longer, than the line when we arrived. We made it through in a little over an hour. I grabbed a few final German snacks to bring home with me and then got on the plane. It was fun to have a row and section of the plane with the rest of the group because we were able to talk before takeoff. Once we were in the air, I fell right asleep. The only times I remember waking up were for the meal services. Before I knew it, we touched down in the land of free water and free public restrooms.
The customs line at Washington Dulles Airport was brutal. It was hot, slow, and I was itching to get home. It took so long that a small group had to rush to our gate for our final flight to Pittsburgh. Fortunately, we all made it in time, and the flight home went smoothly. I am going to miss Germany, but I am glad to be back home.
