The Beginnings of My Trip- Sunday 5/15/11

Hello Everyone. If anyone can remember, I told you all about a trip I was taking to Europe the last two weeks in May. When I got back I went straight into taking two classes, working two jobs, and being a counselor at Fashion Camp. If you convince me, I might tell you all about it sometime, but first I thought I might catch up on my trip...even if it is two months later. It is better than three. I thought the best way for me to tell this tale would be to copy what I wrote in my travel journal with a few blanks and some pictures added as well.

Sunday 5/15/2011
We are traveling to Paris today. Lubbock to Houston, a 6 hour layover, then a flight to Charles de Gaulle. I'm having a hard time because Uncle Todd is basically dying this week. It's rough, but I'm trying to enjoy this trip.

A reminder for Old Lady Hannah: I'm traveling with 30+ girls and Dr. Fowler for an International Retailing class after my second full year of college.

11:10 p.m. CST or 6:10 a.m. in Paris
We're  about 2 hours from touching down already. The flight has been good but long since I can't sleep well on planes. I'm sitting between two women. One just sleeps and the other is a sweet Ukrainian woman who was visiting her son in Houston while he works at a research hospital for a year. She teared up a little when she said she would miss him. She also speaks 4 languages. Ukrainian, Polish, Russian & English. When I asked her if she thought in Ukrainian and translated to English, she said no, she is basically fluent. She laughed when she told me how she didn't realize "How are ya?" (in a Texas accent) was a way of saying hello. Her name is Galina and she is so very naturally beautiful and has kind eyes. She told me I did not look very American and that she could see the Norwegian and Swedish in me. She also said it "does not matter if you are Swedish, Ukrainian, or American as long as what is inside is good." Perfect travel companion.

So here is a plane photo. My right eye really starts to show the sleeplessness.

Tomorrow is Paris. Get excited.

Always,
Hannah