Departing

I am leaving for the Netherlands today, in the afternoon, although I'm eyeing the rain outside and wondering if Newark will delay my flight. I think departing international flights have priority, but Newark loves delaying flights and will do so for the slightest reason, such as "there's a small breeze, let's call it a strong wind and delay all the flights!" The later in the day, the worse it is, and my flight is at 4:15 pm. When I went to Europe in December, my flight was also delayed, but for engine repair, which is justifiable. I'd rather be late arriving than late period.

By the way, yes, that is passports plural. I tried to check in on northwest's website using my Canadian passport and I was denied! I had to use my American passport (I'm a dual citizen, for anyone reading this who may not know). I always travel internationally on my Canadian passport. It is easier. Sad but true. One of my cohorts suggested finding out at the airport in Nairobi if it's cheaper to get a visa using the Canadian passport. I will take advantage of whatever perks come along with being a dual citizen. Having the American passport makes it easier to re-enter the US, unless I have cheese, which American customs official seem to really hate for some reason.

I am pretty nervous about leaving - I've been away from home longer than this before, but never to do anything quite so important to my career! And last time I was away for a summer, I dislocated my ankle. Let's all hope nothing like that happens this time! I am looking forward to arriving in the Netherlands and putting the flight (at least the first one) behind me. I hate flying - I'm not afraid of it, but it's so tedious. The whole thing. Checking in, going through security (especially here - why do I need to take my shoes off?), waiting for the plane (being delayed), and then the actual flight. I don't like sitting for that long. At least it's an overnight flight, so I can hopefully get some sleep.

And then: babies! I am visiting my sister and brother-in-law in the Netherlands for 4 weeks. They have a 5-year-old daughter and 1-year-old twins (a boy and a girl). So this will be a working vacation, too, just not school work. Eowyn (my sister) and I are taking my older niece (Maddie) to London for a couple of days while I'm there, too. And abandoning Dave (my brother-in-law) with the twins, although I think he's done it before. I think they are also planning some nights out while I'm there, because they have a built-in babysitter and I do love taking care of the kids.

Right now, I'm just waiting for a load of laundry to be done, then I'll be officially finished the packing. I'm a bit worried my checked baggage will be over the weight limit. I tried to weigh it, but my scale is broken and I think 10 pounds off, so while I think I'm okay, I'm not sure. Did any of the Canadians notice if luggage restrictions are being lowered on domestic Canadian flights? Here, on international flights, we can still have 2 checked bags, but on domestic flights, only 1. That might make traveling back to Canada for Christmas tricky, but that's months from now. Anyway, the people in first class get 3 bags, which seems lame to me. I know they are paying a ridiculous amount of money, but come on. 3 bags per person for 10 people, and one bag per person for everyone else? How about just 2 bags for everyone? Makes way more sense to me. What is it with airlines lately that they seem to hate their customers?

All right, that's about it. Next entry will be from Europe. Wish me luck getting out on time.