Navigating Through the Airport

Hola mis amigas!!

We are coming at you live from 30,000 ft above the beautiful land of Belize. Boy oh boy was it an adventure getting here. I am currently on the biggest caffeine high of my life. I swear there is more caffeine than blood running through my veins right now. But anyways, let me tell ya about my experience in the airport....

So I left my house at 3am this morning. I got to the airport with no problemo. Dad dropped me off right at the entrance (curb side service and all **thanks Dad😘) I headed over to the counter that said “United economy” to check in my bag (this was the first mistake). Apparently with united airlines, you have to use the kiosk thingy to check in and print the tag for your own bag. I’ve only ever flown delta or JetBlue that do it for you. So I got my tag and my boarding pass and checked in my bag. I got up to security and you would not believe the size of the line!!! Thankfully a really nice security guard decided it was time to open up more than one counter just as I was approaching (Idk why he didn’t think of this before??) and I got to zoom right to the front!

My flight was on time, I got on the plane and got everything situated. Just as we were about to take off a woman stands up and screams “we aren’t on the right flight.” Now we were already moving and on the runway to take off so I just assumed the pilot was just going to take off and say “oh well that’s your problem.” What did he do instead? HE TURNED THE PLANE AROUND TO LET THEM OFF!!! I literally could not believe it. The family got off and we were on our way (only delayed a few minutes). I finally landed in Houston, and that is where everything fell apart. I seriously don’t know who let me fly alone because I am just a disaster in the airport.

My flights were booked separately, which meant that I had to uncheck my bags, recheck them, and go through security again (annoying!!!). So I went to baggage claim and got my bag, and somehow got so screwed up on where I was in the airport. I was collecting my bags from terminal C, and I knew I had to walk to terminal E to meet my group. So I started walking. If you’ve every flown into Bush International Airport in Houston, you know that they don’t have very detailed signs. I soon realized that I was walking the wrong way and ended up at terminal A.... Panicked, I call my team leader because I honestly couldn’t figure out the airport for the life of me! She told me to stay put and that she was on the way to save me (what an embarrassment!!) She helped me get through security and meet up with the group. Our flight was delayed 2 hours but we are on our way now! I am sitting between Carissa (a girl in my group) and a native of Belize. She is an older woman that was so pleased to hear about our stay and what we had planned in Belize for these next two weeks. She gave the best advice, food recommendations, and touristy spots to visit. The entire plane ride she told stories about her childhood. The pride she had for her country was amazing. This trip is off to a great start!

Everyone on this trip is from all over the country (Colorado, Pennsylvania, Cali, Vermont, and of course NEW YORKKK!!) These girls are already super sweet and I know these next two weeks are going to be amazing!! Even though our flight was delayed I didn’t mind at all because we were able to play games and get to know each other better.

***UPDATE***

We have just arrived at Monkey Bay and now it is time to eat! I will try to write a blog tomorrow about the living conditions and my first night on the island. But for now.... Adios Amigas!!