Flying: Newark, Frankfurt, and KUWAIT!

Having a flight paid for I wasn't about to complain about it being a total of 22.5 hours, though I had hoped it would be the most direct, 14 hour one! 

It was a day with mixed emotions; excited, nervous, sad, happy, curious, and lucky. Of course this journey was going to be something I was thrilled to venture out and do, but at the same time I was leaving behind so many people I loved. From all of my family members, friends, and even significant others. But this was a new chapter in my life that I wasn't about to give up on.

So, my trip started at Newark Airport with checking in my luggage. I had 2 bags, fully packed. One weighing slightly over 23kg (50lbs.) and the other at a whomping 70lbs! But, the AMAZING clerk checked in both bags for FREE! What a great start! I was super prepared to pay the $150...instead, I got to cash that into dinars upon arrival. More on that later.

First plane ride. To Frankfurt Airport where I would spend a lovely TWENTY hours. Okay, I'm being overdramatic, it was 9...but still NINE HOURS! No, I was not able to leave the airport due to having to uncheck and recheck my bags. THANKFULLY, frankfurt is practically a mini-mall/casino. Yes, a CASINO. I didn't gamble (like I was going to spend money on gambling in Euros. pfft. Too pricey), but it was nice to wander in the casino and pretend to shop. Also, thank you frankfurt airport for having practically bed lounge chairs ALL over the place. I found one near my terminal and slept for, uhm, probably 4-5 hours. 

Oh, did I mention that on the flight over I sat next to a German couple who did NOT speak any English. I was cramped against the window, having to use the bathroom or just stand, but I felt horrid trying to wiggle my way by and not be able to explain to them why I was doing so. Best part, the husband had 3 beers. One as we took off, another midway through, and a last and final one when we landed---when did we land you ask, 7AM. He straight up drank a beer at 7AM. Who needs breakfast when you can have Warsteiner. Yum!

Second plane ride, MUCH BETTER. I again, sat next to someone that didn't speak English, but he was super nice! AND I got an upgraded seat, no one in front of me with amazing leg room. And, the little old man kept pulling out chocolates and sweets and shared them with me. Everytime I said "no, no thanks really. I'm okay" he kept insisting. Such a nice man. I slept almost the whole way and arrived in Kuwait at 12AM.

First thing, got dinars. Second thing, visa. Third thing, bags. Then, looking for Miss Margaret (the principal.) The airport was oddly crowded, and people were gathered in crowds looking for most likely family members coming off my flight. For a barely full flight, it looked like everyone and their mother was coming to pick up whomever. 

Though, through all of this overwhelming flight and trip, I was able to view the most wonderful sight of Kuwait from my window as we landed and drive past some of the largest houses I've ever seen. They say NYC or Vegas are the cities that never sleep, well those people have never been to Kuwait. Truly, people stay up all night. 

22.5 hours was well worth the seemingly endless wait to arrive in Kuwait. It really isn't what you would expect. Picture NYC, made with sandcastle looking buildings. Also, the big thing here is tile, not wooden floors. Probably because of the heat!