After a very rigorous 2 day orientation in DC, we are
finally on the way to Morocco via Brussels. In Brussels, we have a 10 hour
layover, and everyone is suffering from some serious jet lag. Belgium is 7 hours
ahead of Iowa, while Morocco is 6 hours ahead. So we've actually gone over one
more time zone than where we’ll end up. Basically, everyone is tired.
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| Visit to the Moroccan Embassy |
These orientations that we just got back from lasted 2 days
in DC, with continuous session after session. They covered everyday life,
health and safety, personal takeaways, and cultural aspects like Islam. It was
a lot of information in a very short period of time. The part I found the most
engaging was when a member of the State Department and American Councils came
and talked about future opportunities in study abroad and careers abroad (www.exchanges.state.gov and www.careers.state.gov if you’re
interested).
At the end of the day, we walked around DC for a bit. A
small group of went to see the White House and generally just meander around DC.
At the end of the next day, we were off to the DC airport to
head to Brussels. Airports get worse each time, I swear. This time we had 22
kids to get approved and check their baggage, which took a very, very long
time.
After all of that happened, we went through a long security
line, got on a tram, went over to our gate and did more waiting.
At this point, I should explain that some kids didn’t technically
had seats on the plane. Instead of having a number, they had three asterisks. This
was not me, I had seat 31 B. Anyway, as kids with asterisks were called to come
pick up their tickets for the plane, I discovered a girl from our program had
been given my seat. So I wondered, once again,
if I was going to have an issue getting on my plane. I didn't doubt it, based
on my very enjoyable experiences in airports so far. They then called my name
to approach the desk and sort this all out.
Two other boys who had asterisks also didn't have seats
because they had overbooked the plane. We waited at the front for a half hour
while the staff worked on booking a couple a separate flight that ran through
Madrid. There were multiple issues and it took quite a while. Once they finished,
our chaperone patiently and graciously explained that we all needed to be on
the fight as we were a group. She then also explained that they had given my
seat away to another student so they needed to place me somewhere. A few
moments later, a man at the end of the counter called my name and gave me a
different ticket to get on the plane. So, thank heavens, I would at least make
it to Belgium.
It turns out the only seat they had for me was in the joint
first class/business class section. Which was pretty neat. They’re a lot nicer
to you up there. There’s more food and they screw with the temperature of your
silverware. Your chair converts into a bed of sorts. I think it was God apologizing
for putting me through the O’Hare flight fiasco. The guy next to me was not as
cool as Konrad, though. Also, I spent a good portion of the flight sleeping,
but not before I could watch “Miracle” to see the Americans win the Olympics in hockey. Such a classic. |
Now we’re in the midst of a 10 hour layover in the Brussels
Airport. We can’t really leave the airport because we don’t have visas, but we
did walk outside a bit. I also got some Belgian chocolates, and intend on eating them all by myself.
By the way, I love the Belgian bathroom signs.
Anyways, we’re headed to Morocco tonight. First Casablanca,
then Rabat.
I just have to stay awake until then.
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