They say time flies when you’re having fun, and yeah it sure does. I woke up this morning with a pit in my stomach and not only because I was worried about my bag being immensely overweight, but because I was not ready to leave. I headed down for one last Ibis Hotel breakfast and then headed back up to grab my luggage and say goodbye to my room. It feels like just yesterday Brooke and I were walking in the door laughing at how close together the beds were!
We headed out to Karl’s bus one last time and had our drive to the airport. When we got into the Munich airport, lines were long and there was not much time to sit around. As we boarded the plane, I dreaded the 9 hours ahead of me. This plane was better than the way to Germany, it had more space and a nicer screen. I was sitting next to a very nice father and son, whom I later struck up a conversation about cars with! This is the first time that I have ever had a conversation with a stranger about the European automotive industry, and honestly I hope it is not the last.
I spent the time reading my book, watching movies, and attempting to sleep. Finally, we landed in Washington D.C. and headed straight for the disastrous border control line. Tired and disheveled, we waited in line hoping a miracle would happen so we didn’t miss our flight. Since I was flying back to Philly, I had to say goodbye to everyone really quickly as we all made a run for the gates. I wish I got a real goodbye with everyone, but we all yelled “see you in Pittsburgh” as we went our separate ways.
When I landed in Philadelphia, I looked out the window to see rain and dreary weather. However, I had the most amazing surprise waiting for me right at the bottom of the escalator in the airport, my brother. He just recently got back from his military deployment and I haven’t seen him in over a year. Him and his girlfriend were holding a dumb big head of me that has been in my closet since my senior year of high school. This was the best surprise I have ever gotten and although I was a little sad about coming home, this was a great way to be welcomed back.