Limbo

Today I realized that when I leave next Sunday, I will be stuck in that strange limbo of planes and airports for approximately 28 hours and 37 minutes. And that's only if we leave on time and arrive on time. No delays, which is just wishful thinking.

Now, think of this: that's just my time spent on 3 different airplanes and 2 layovers in 2 different countries. Factor in that it will take me about 2 hours to get to Richmond from home, and I will need to arrive at the Richmond airport at least an hour beforehand. This means I have an additional 3 hours of "travel time." Next, take into account that once I arrive in Richmond I will be having lunch with my grandparents (and hopefully some friends) before leaving for the airport. That's, what? at least another hour and a half?

I'll probably be getting up around 8:00 AM that morning, so by the time I arrive in Kazakhstan I will have been somewhat conscious, (I don't sleep well on planes at all), for about 36 hours.

36 hours. And the sad thing is, I'll be arriving in Kazakhstan around sunrise. Rule of thumb: Don't sleep your first day away when traveling. It will take forever to get your body on local time if you do. I mean, I'm sure I'll go to bed when I get there, but not for long.

As much as I am looking forward to this trip, getting there is going to suck.

1 week until I leave.