Delays and layovers.

It’s finally time to board my flight. This is it, goodbye China until we meet again you will be missed. Yes, I’ll miss your polluted skylines, the crazy stares and laughs we shared. I’ll miss your beautiful views of ancient buildings and new. All your sky scrapers, locals and foreigners too. The job opportunities, the adventures and weird customs and food. I’ll miss you China! Thank you for all the lessons you have taught me ,all the adventures we shared and all the friendships you lead me too. 

It’s been a long day and I’m finally aboard my flight! I got a window seat yaaay! But it’s a night flight so we not allowed to open the window shades once we in the air. I’m not one to sleep on flights but I’m so exhausted i think I’ll be fast asleep on this flight. 

Yip I was right I passed out the minute I sat down. Woke up for a few mins when we took off then realized we been sitting in the plane for about 2 hours. Flight was delayed because of the weather in China, too much smog to see in take off. At this point I can’t really keep my eyes open to worry about missing my connecting flight, I’ll deal with that nightmare when I arrive in Abu Dhabi. Until then goodnight!

Good morning world! Ah, I just love window seats. There’s nothing better than a view of endless blue skies and clouds for some reason I always imagine I was a carebear just floating on clouds with my buddies. ( I’m weird I know , such a kid at heart.) 

Vegetarian meal although I’m not a fan of eggs or baked beans, the potato and mushrooms were good! I think I went back to sleep after this. 
 10:00am Touch down in Abu Dhabi, crazy flying over and all you see is desert. Just found out that I missed my connecting flight too. Eek got a feeling this will be chaos.  Never missed a flight before so not sure what I need to do , all I want to do is get a coffee some food and go back to sleep.

After about 40 mins of waiting in a line to get the next connecting flight. I’m exhausted and everyone is mad they missed their flights etc. being pissy ain’t going to get you anywhere guys just calm down and then things will move faster. 

Finally it’s my turn. All the staff members look pissed which is understandable when they have so many customers screaming at them as if it’s their fault the weather was bad and they missed the connection. I’m going to make it my goal to make the lady I go to smile.

Ah she greets me politely and I start up a conversation first asking her how she is today and then apologizing to her for all the angry people, I myself have been on a long flight and it’s the first time I ever missed a flight. She tells me that because of the passport I hold I unfortunately can’t leave the airport so they will have to give me a bed here and I received two meal vouchers. We start talking about where she’s from (also Africa) and where I’m going etc. she’s married ,no kids and has been working for at the airport for a few years. I asked her why she didn’t opt to be an on flight assistant and she told me she’s too old (doubtful she looked young and beautiful) and because she wants kids one day so flying all year wouldn’t be a good family option. Understandable I nod. I asked her if there’s any showers around that I could use, after a long flight it would be nice to freshen up if I’m going to be stuck here for what would seem like 24 hours as my next flight is only at 03:00 am. She says there is and she can organize me a towel and everything but I have to come back to her before 2pm. I thank the kind lady for her great service and tell her to enjoy her day! She smiles and says have a safe flight and enjoy your trip in Europe! 

Ah this little conversation made my day. 

This was the weird beds we got. Not very comfortable, I got about 30 minutes of sleep in it. But at this point I’ve had the longest day ever. 

This airport is the worst there’s literally nothing to do here. Duty free section is small and there’s no starbucks so here I am drinking this tiny cup of crappy coffee. I just bought it to get a table and nap here rather.  

I’ve been plane watching for hours. How is this day not over yet?! I’m losing my mind because of jet lag and because I’m having the longest Friday. 

I went through security and this nice gentleman man asked me how I’m doing and says I look extremely tired. My response was I’m exhausted , how is it still Friday?! He looks at me so confused and laughs and asks me where I came from. I told him I left China around 01:30 /02:00 am and it’s not even 6pm here yet. This day just won’t end. He smiles and says it will end soon try and get some sleep. I thank him and get my stuff to leave and as I leave he says enjoy the rest of your Friday and laughs haha this guy though, I can’t help but smile and role my eyes at the same time.

I guess I’ll spend the rest of my time on FaceTime with my family.