Tin Cans

I have found that 14-hour plane flights are easier if you pull an all-nighter the day before, and then sleep for 9 out of the 14 hours in the sky-bound tin can. But make sure to have the people sitting next to you poke you when food comes by. And when you’re in the exact center seat of the entire plane, make sure to go to the bathroom when others are already up, and not try to climb over them with the grace of a drowsy and atrophied gymnast while they sleep. Brush your teeth before trying to convince the customs officers that they should let you into their country. Don’t try to bring peanuts into an island nation, or Tuberculosis.

Also, Qantas puts a video camera on the outside of their plane, so that you can remember that you’re flying in a miracle, and see the city as the plane breaks through the clouds to land. I think whoever thought of that should be given a hug, because it is an excellent gift when you’re in a non-window seat.

After months of expectations and impatient waiting, I am finally in Australia! Thank you to all who prayed, all who advised, and to all who keep loving me no matter what patch of land I wake up on from one day to the next.