The first day of the big adventure was a travel day.
I met Korie at Brussels airport two hours before we were supposed to check in. She guided me through all the airport procedures.We tried to get our seats swapped when we checked in, but ended up in separate chairs after all. We did get plenty of time to get to know each other better but then again, bloggers already KNOW each other, so it felt more like old friends catching up , really.
The flight was pretty uneventful, I sat next to a lady who hardly spoke a word, and behind a tall guy who kept leaning all the way back in his seat. It was a bit bumpy here and there, but nothing major.
We landed half an hour earlier than planned, which was cool.
I got all my fingerprints taken at customs, but that’s just normal procedure when you arrive here.
It will be interesting to see if they’re going to want me to that again when I proceed my travels? LOL!
Anyway, I even got my suitcase back and I was all bright eyed and bushy tailed and ready to meet Melli at the exit. Only, when I came out, there was no Melli. Nobody carrying a sign with Jientje or “Bombshell” like I imagined there would be. My cell phone does not work here, and I did not have a go phone yet either, so I’ll admit, I did feel a little disconnected! To make a long story short, I discovered there is always a friendly person and a helping hand for you somewhere. There was this very nice lady I met who called Melli ( thank you so much Ma’am!) Melli turned out to be held up in traffic and parking the car way down the other side of the airport.
I spotted her even before she saw me, she had Mom struggling behind her trying to keep up. Well all is well that ends well, we found each other!! We got into the car, ready to face the rush hour traffic, but the roads were not nearly as busy as we expected them to be! So Melli then just made a few detours and wrong turns, paying toll for the same couple of hundred yards like three times over before we got home! But I was sitting next to her having the time of my life and I was in awe!!
“Look at that barn!” “Wow that truck is HUGE!” “Wow look at those colors!!! “It’s BEAUTIFUL!!!
I cannot imagine why Melli usually says there is nothing to see where she is, I think she has no idea how beautiful it really is!!
l feel so welcome here! We had a lovely meal together. Melli made a delicious Chili, there I was with the whole family at the kitchen table, it was so homely and warm, this is more than I ever dreamed of. I get to see the real people, life like it is, and I’m having the time of my life here!
I slept like a rose, with the sound of the crickets in the background, and even the little birds I hear in the morning sound different than mine do at home!!
So there, this is what I have been up to. Please forgive me if I’m not going to be around visiting much. There is a BEAUTIFUL piece of the world out there, waiting for Melli and Ella and me
… and our cameras !
33 comments:
True story! All of it! Now... we must get OUT of our jammies and into our clothes and OUT of the house and INTO the car! Let's GOOOOOOOOOO! I have THINGS to show you!!!
thanks for the update . . . it is all so exciting. Have a good day.
How exciting. Your adventures await!
How funny! I am reading both your blog and Melli's so I wouldn't miss a thing!
Big hug,
Your little sister
This is so much fun. I am so excited for you both.
Thursday Thirteen - Fiendish Facts
Wonderful!!
Glad you and your luggage arrived at the same time :)
Have fun and more fun!!
What fun!
What a fun post! I can imagine that most of the time, any ride with Melli would be fun. I hope to see more of your travels and adventures, but I know you're busy LIVING them just now -- I know we'll see more when you get home, if not before.
Ah ja hé Jientje, die vogeltjes daar fluiten in het Engels! ;-) Have a great time and we'll be happy to follow it from here! xxx
I am thrilled for you, but so disappointed that I couldn't have you for myself! Looking forward to seeing the US through your eyes. Have a wonderful time Jientje!!!!
Glad you made it safely to the US! Hva e agreat time, looking forward to hearing more of your thoughts and experiences here!
Well I'll know how to find you with that bright yellow suitcase!
Oh dear, I didn't realize Ella was coming too. I hope I won't have to make up an extra bed!
See you in four days!!!!
And you have time to do a post !! Enjoy the whole experience .. sights, smells, sounds etc !
Oh Yay. I am so excited for you Jientje. This post has put me into a really good mood. A lovely way to start the day. (((hugs))) Kim
Glad you made it safe, you have fun, looking forward to see all the pictures.
hehehehe, this is so fun reading your post! It is like a daily adventure story, except, unlike a book you can keep reading, we have to read and WAIT!!!!!!!until the next post! HOW FUN for you! tune in tomorrow....hehehe
I so envy you.
Wonderful first post from America, Jientje! The cell phone problem happened to me too in Singapore. Me and my husband had to change our mobile SIM cards with new ones to stay connected. Say hi to all our friends from me. I love your collages! Melli's house looks real warm like you said, and everyone must be awesome as they seem to be on their blogs... Read More. Ugh, I'm blabbering full of excitement here ;). It's okay if you can't visit, I will be waiting for more updates ^_^. Hope all of you have a splendid time. Well, I'm sure you will.
What a wonderful post -- and I am such a sentimental nut I am sitting here all teary-eyed.
Thom is driving us to the airport to pick you up. When you get here just look for the tal, loud, obnoxious guy and the angelic and patient, short, fat lady!
I'm looking forward to seeing the United States through your eyes. You always have an interesting slant to things. Enjoy your trip - I'm sure we all envy you.
I can hardly wait for your next post Jientje. Loved your yellow luggage and your shoes.
Have a blast!!!!! What a sweet friend you have!!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B
I love this post. I'm so glad your here and it sounds that a great first day. I love the photos. Totally awesome :)
I wish you were coming to visit me here. Lucky Melli. I would love to see my home through your eyes.
Reading both blogs to get the full story. can't wait to see and hear more.
After all the waiting it's really here, I'm so excited for you! Have a wonderful time traveling and meeting everyone!
Sounds like a lot of fun is about to be had!
Have fun Jientje. My husband is from the States and we will be visiting next summer. I am sure you're going to take all sorts of wonderful photos.
I am happy you arrived safely and you found Melli ! that must have been a shock, to find yourself on the other side of the world with a phone which doesn't work ! I haven't thought of that at all, because when I had been to the States the last time there were no mobile phones yet ! I had wanted to make you a surprise and call you just before you got on board, but I didn't have your mobile phone n° anymore ! Melli told you.
Enjoy your stay, so many things are different in this part of the world. but kindness and feeling home exists everywhere. That depends on the people and I am sure you are and will be in good hands !
Glad to hear you have arrived safely. Now go out and have a wonderful stay and take lots of photos to share later when you return home safely.
Joyce
This is SUCH a FUN adventure! I'm sorry I've been missing it!
How fun! I am now sure you are having an awesome time! :)
Post a Comment