Made It... Barely

When I woke up on August 11th, I fed my horses, brushed them, played with Timbre, went swimming, and ate breakfast with my family on the porch. Then it was time to say goodbye. It was really hard to leave home, but once I got to the airport, I didn't have time to think about it.

The whole saga started off with a flight delay. My 12:40 flight to Detroit was delayed until 1:25, which meant I wouldn't get into Detroit until 3 pm. My flight to Hong Kong left at 3:30 pm, so I wasn't too worried about making it, yet. Then the flight got delayed until 2. I started to panic. We had boarded the plane but then 2 o'clock rolled around and we were still sitting at the gate. We got rerouted and didn't leave BWI until 2:30. By that point, I had accepted the fact that I probably would miss my flight to Hong Kong and have to stay overnight in Detroit. Our plane landed in Michigan and I called my dad to see if he could find out if the plane to Hong Kong had left yet. It was the 3:46. The flight was scheduled to leave at 3:55 from gate A24. We had landed in gate A4 (or something like that). I got off the plane at 3:47. Another man was trying to make the same flight as I. We bolted through the terminal. Luckily he was much faster than I and got to the gate first. He told the woman checking tickets that I was coming and waited for me. We were rushed on to the plane by 3:51. Just in time. As soon as we boarded, the plane started pulling away from the gate.
Luckily, the flight wasn't full at all so I got three seats to myself. I was able to lie down and actually get some sleep.

Finally I landed in Hong Kong after a seemingly endless flight. I immediately found my way to the China Airlines counter. Thanks to my Dad, I had my baggage numbers so I was able to explain to them that my baggage probably did not make it and ask if they could check for me. They were extremely helpful and had me sit down at a place near the counter. Once they checked about my baggage, they sent someone from Delta over to talk to me where I was sitting. He got my information and Jenny's phone number and address so they could send the baggage all the way to Taipei. Then a man from China Airlines came over and handed me my boarding pass so I didn't have to wait in line. So, hopefully by now my bags are on the plane to Hong Kong from the US and will arrive in Taipei tomorrow.

Jenny and I are sitting at her home now because I have an awful stomachache (a result of little to eat, traveling fatigue, and stress). I am nibbling on some apples and hoping it goes away soon so we can go out. However, the thought of eating anything makes me feel nauseous - not a good sign. I think we'll go out soon and I am hoping my stomach makes it. It's a little embarrassing not feeling well when I first get here.

It's really hard not to miss home right now. I keep telling myself there is no point in getting homesick since I won't be home until December 24th.

Riverside I miss you!!