Well, I'm off. After a three day delay - thank God I waited at my mom's rather than sitting in the airport; and damn you, Sandy, damn you. Though, I suppose that one day I'll tell my grandchildren about it. I'm heading back to 'Nam. Excited, fulfilled, and full of love, I'm happy to have experienced the US as a vacation destination.
Driving up to JFK was much less stressful and more promising that I originally thought it would be. There was only traffic at the end, near the airport. Perhaps Sandy and her watery ways scared everyone off as much as I was concerned that it was a waste of time. We walked in and within 30 minutes standing there I had a ticket and was rushed off to the gate - because the plane was leaving in another 30 minutes - like LEAVING, not just closing the doors and sitting there. Lessons learned? A) Do not take China Eastern. B) Wait three days and forge ahead with previous plans. C) Show up with one hour to go, they'll take you ;).
It was great seeing everyone I managed to fit in, in such a short period of time. Thanks to all for making a much anticipated journey and experience totally worth it. I'll try not to wait nearly two years to get back again!
Notes from the back of the plane: Sitting by the bathroom is the worst. Not only does it smell from 30 minutes after you sit down, but people crowd around waiting for it to be empty. No, sir, he's not going to come out any faster just because you're standing here.
Also. How does one board a 15 hour flight with NOTHING to entertain himself? I'll never understand.
