Feb. 29th; Part Deux

I just want to say, Europeans have absolutely no regard for rules. I haven’t decided if it bothers me or not.

At this moment in time I am sitting in seat C-15 departing from Paris, France, arriving in Athens, Greece around 5:30pm. Thankfully, there is no one sitting in the seat next to me, so I have plenty of room.

It’s one of those rare moments when I can appreciate the language barrier. If I can’t speak Greek or French then I don’t have to make conversation with the people around me. That’s a bit rude, but I’m trying to savor my last few hours of solitude. I’m also in the process of nursing myself back to full health, which requires rest and medications- NOT pointless chit-chat.

In getting back to my original point, it seems as though Europeans live by their own rules. When you’re on a flight that has already begun to taxi from the gate, you DO NOT get up and wander around the cabin and open overhead bins. The flight attendants didn’t seem to mind either, it’s so lax. I don’t think I like that. I feel like there’s a certain efficiency that comes with the rules. Of course, I don’t live a pious, by-the-book life on a daily basis, however I do try and maintain a certain level of respect towards them. It’s just disconcerting is all.

I’m fairly certain that the next time I travel, unless I’m actually traveling to France I do not wish to have a layover in Charles De Gaul. What an unorganized and altogether confusing place to be. Was it built in a circle, as a labyrinth, With function and utility as an afterthought? I took the entirety of my three hour layover to figure out where to go. Once I did find my gate, I found a little stand that made great espresso and sold sandwiches that consisted of either ham...or bologna...or hamogna, cheese, and light mayo. It was fairly tasty, but it did little to compensate for the rest of the airport. I’d also like to try and only fly British Airways if I can, they are absolutely the best....so far. U.S. Airways is such a joke, and Olympic Airlines isn’t much better.

I’m excited to land*. Regarding my earlier sentiments, I’m not sure if I should go right to sleep, or try and explore Athens for a little bit. I’ll see when I get to Backpacker’s Inn.

I should mention that I’m slightly worried that the Airlines will lose my luggage. In fact, it’s a very real possibility....which is not something I’m looking forward to seeing as I’ve now been wearing the same outfit for two days. Although, it would give me a perfect excuse to create a new (and completely fabulous) Grecian wardrobe. We shall see. I hope it’s still early enough when I get into town so that I can find a sweet little outdoor cafe and write a little.

I should have thought to bring school supplies. They’ll laugh me off the island if I don’t show up with pens and paper, I’m a writer! It’s shameful enough to have left home without them in the first place.

I really have to think of a better way to stay hydrated when I fly. I’ve been guzzling water, and my throat still feels so dry and uncomfortable.

***Random side note**
Apparently if you don’t accept the in-flight meal, you don’t get a cup for hot tea. BULL. That’s the stupidest rule I’ve ever heard. So.....we’re allowed to wander around the cabin whenever we feel like it, but NO TEA FOR YOU IF YOU TURN DOWN THE OVERCOOKED MYSTERY MEAT AND SOGGY VEGGIES. Bite me Olympic Airways.
***End of Rant***

So far this has been a bumpy trip, so I’m crossing my fingers in hopes that it will pick up in the next few days.

***Random side-note: Part Dexu***
Everyone on this flight smells like Chanel #5
***Ciao***

***RSN 3***
WHY DO PEOPLE LOVE INVADING MY PERSONAL SPACE? IT’S MADNESS!
***Fin***

Oh man, I’m going to be in Greece way too soon. In fact, I bet we’re already in the country at this point.

Much love from the sky,

A. A. S.