Newark Airport. a pleasure as always...no seriously

Well…my journey begins and it’s off to a good start. After wasting 5 bucks at curbside checking just to watch the man roll my bags 15 feet and then drop them off with me to wait in line for half an hour, I proceeded easily through security and decided to get a drink. Water and an Odwalla.

The line was crazy at the stand and they made some huge announcement saying that there was only ONE line and motioned to where I was J yay I got in the RIGHT line. Anyway, that’s not the point, there were some rather disgruntled looking business men who were not in the right line and I stepped back and motioned for them to step in front of me. They openly acknowledge that I was in front of them but I explain that I am in no rush and merely buying water (and an odwalla but I left that out…) then quick small talk…and I step up to the register (one of 2) and ask if I can get a water and an odwalla, the machine was being really slow or something so I am standing patiently while the guy is apologizing. I simply said: “Oh don’t worry about it I am not in a rush…” and then the manager comes out apologizes and says “I got it” and they both direct me towards the cooler and tell me to go ahead and take the water and Odwalla. FO FREE!! HAHA

I like being a good, patient person.

Now I am sitting here waiting for them to tell me when I can actually get a seat assignment…

Okay so my pre-life-changing adventure jitters have subsided (for now) I think it was a combination of: the flight attendants willingness to speak to me in French (mostly because I refused to speak English), the FREE CHAMPAGNE AND WINE WITH DINNER (yes both) and Regina Spektor, that allowed for this temporary feeling of confidence and elation. ‘cause that’s also probably also the champagne, wine and altitude… haha

There is something about speaking in French with someone who’s first language is French that I find especially satisfying. I remember 4 years ago (the last time I embarked on such a life changing adventure) that French people would approach me speaking English, then when I tried to answer in French , they’d continue in English. That is until my French became good enough that they realized our conversation would be more successful in French

This time around. I am starting off there. It’s different this time and I love it.