The Long Way Home

While writing this, I am on a series of long flights (today and tomorrow). Multiple 10+ hour trips that test the airplanes range and one's own sanity. Luckily for the sake of being able to stretch and relax, I have a series of long layovers on the trip which serves to lengthen the trip, but removes the stress associated with being late and worrying about tight connections. As an anecdotal study in how to kill two days time, here's what I did.

Flight #1

Ate lunch

Watched: The Adjustment Bureau. 8/10

Read a Time Magazine

Layover #1

Went for walk and got a couple small things from a local shop

Ate dinner in lounge

Did email and completed some errands online

Grabbed new Apps for The Economist, Car & Driver (Thanks iOS)

Fought off sleep

Flight #2

Crashed and slept - well even, for close to 9 hours

Ate breakfast

Watched: the whole of the TV series: "Episodes" 7/10

Watched a couple summarized World Cup matches from 5-10 years back

Layover #2

Changed into hiking gear

Skyped to home

Went for walk up local mountain in bright sunshine and intense heat for a couple hours

Back at Airport, changed into travel clothes, showered

Ate lunch in lounge

Did more email and completed some other errands online

Flight #3

Ate again, didn't need to. Felt too full

Crashed and slept poorly for 4-5 hours

Watched: Red Ring Hood. 5.5/10

Read book ( K2 by Ed Viesturs)

Watched: HappyThankYouMorePlease 7.5/10

Read more book

Broke glasses, fixed glasses

Home

:)

A long trip. Besides gaining a few pounds and getting sitting sores, did I learn anything ? I will leave the obvious comments about finding a better travel agent out for the time being. I did have to practice patience which is always a good thing - we as a society in general and myself in particular aren't patient enough. I learned (and practiced) to make the most of the time and opportunities given to you. I reminded myself how different cultures offer different advantages and challenges and not to see one without the other. And lastly I was quite happy to be getting home, to my family, and my own bed and my own rhythm.

Travel is a wonderful thing and I'm thankful for it, but a core element is its finite nature and the knowledge that its temporary. There is no place like home.