Contiki Day 1. From Toronto to Athens, September 4th 2011.
Sunday Morning. I went to bed very late and I got up early, I wanted to make sure I would be able to sleep on my overnight International flight. I booked this trip back in December 2010, so I had a long time preparing/waiting for this. I was a nervous wreck that morning, feeling nauseated and stressed out. I almost didn't want to go anymore. Almost. It was just nerves though. It was just hard to realize that after almost a year of planning, it was time to go. I had my shuttle pick me up at home promptly at 10 am and drive me to the airport. With the time difference, I was to be landing in Athens around 7am (midnight for me.) I wanted to spend the day in the city, so I absolutely had to sleep on the plane. I figured, with all the included booze with my Option Plus ticket, it would be more than easy, as I can doze off in an hour long plane trip. Boy was I wrong! Next time, I will either stay up all night before, or bring sleeping pills or something.
I was at the airport a bit too early, but there was a long line so it was ok. By the time I made it to the counter to get rid of my giant suitcase and check-in, I was allowed to check-in for my flight. 5 min earlier, it was too early still. (Another note to myself, next time, you can leave 30 min later.) In no time, I found myself on the other side of security, with my backpack and my carry-on, in a part of the airport I was unfamiliar with. And a very long wait ahead of me. I was disapointed that I didn't found any friends online leaving from Toronto, it would have been cool to have someone from Contiki on the same flight. Oh well, I'd have plenty of new friends by tomorrow anyways.
I walked around a bit, but finally caved in and sat down at the bar near the gate. That was probably my 2nd mistake. day-drinking very rarely ends up well, unless you eat a lot and do exercise. I figured I'd be fine, reading my book and nervously looking at my watch every 5 seconds.
Finally it was time to board, thanks to my priority tickets. I was disappointed in the plane, you know I was expecting a big comfy, luxury bus but no, we got the cheap-ass regular one. Pretty much the same one I take all the time for my Toronto-Quebec flights. There was only a few TV screens here and there and the closest to my seat made me crane my neck. Not a good start.
I was sitting on the window side, as I had chosen previously. I settled in, still excited. Not too long after we took off, I received my comfort package (earphones, socks, earplugs, blindfold and a blanket) and then my mini bottle of champagne. Drinking it was probably my 3rd mistake lol I tried watching a movie on my dvd player, which for some reason has decided it won't play for more than 30 min if it's plugged in. It's fine, I can read and listen to music. I also tried to watch the movie playing, it was Thor, I had to give it a try. I had a beer during snack time and pringles, seriously they wouldn't stop offering me booze lol I had another mini bottle of wine with dinner (which was some kind of rice with gray chicken) I barely touched the food as I didn't want to be sick. I ate some rice and some salad and the desert.
Sleeping didn't really work, I guess I was too nervous. I'd doze off and then wake up in a jump. The lady sitting next to me wasn't too impressed. And I hated to disturb her and her husband whenever I needed to use the bathroom. Downside of a window seat.
After an exhausting night though, it got better as I started seeing land. We had breakfast with tea, which was really good and made me feel better. All the alcohol throughout the day probably didn't help my night and the jet lag. (I always have at least 1 drink before I fly, but I'll never have that much again in the air.) But seeing the pink sky and the sun rising over the mountains made me forget it all. It was amazingly beautiful and I couldn't help but take pictures.
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