The Finale

It has come to an end and I have made it home safe and sound but it was another adventure in itself.

As you all know I was supposed to be home Friday December 16th. My flight was supposed to leave at 2:50 pm Netherlands time but my flight was delayed. As well I was only supposed to have an hour and a half delay in between flights. Okay so lets start from the beginning.

As you all know I did a lot of shopping in Europe whether it was for such items as souvenirs and thus I needed to purchase extra luggage to come home with. I called British Airlines ahead of time to buy an extra bag. I also bought a bag scale so I could weigh my bags. They both weighed in (according to my scale) at 24 kilos each. This is one kilo over the actual weight it was supposed to be but I hoped they would let me pass. When I got to the actual  airport apparently my two checked luggage's were weighing in at 29 kilos. They made me unpack them and check another luggage. So I had to check one of my carry on's and pull out one of my backpacks to add stuff into there. I got one bag down to weight but the other one was still over weight and there was nothing I could do about it because it was all breakable souvenirs so they needed to stay packed away. I ended up paying so much money in over weight charges... and really this was just the start of my day and hate for British Airlines. So finally I just end up paying the over weight charges and the lady at the counter now tells me its 1:50 and my gate closes at 2:10. Sonya and I made it to gate and had to say goodbye :(.... I don't like goodbyes and really this whole time it has felt surreal until actually being at the airport and saying goodbye. I cried, she cried and it was a sadder part to the day, and not the last for crying. I than make my way into the airport to run to my gate. I make it there in time just to find out that my plane had been delayed and thus the gate was not even open. My plane was not supposed to be arrived and boarded by 3:30 which would give me half an hour to get to my next gate. Of course things did not go according to this plan. The plane did not end up coming until 3:30 so by the time we boarded and got headed out and made it London (an hour behind Amsterdam) it was not in time. I made it to my gate 10 minutes after it closed but they still would not let me in. Since Heathrow was closed the day before and they were dealing with "weather" conditions that day as well (it was not snowing) A LOT of people missed their flight. I than had to wait in line for customer service for way over 2 hours just for them to tell me I was not getting another flight tonight and they had rescheduled me for the next day. The worst part about the whole situation aside from missing my plane and really wanting to be home already was the lack or organization and helpfulness of British Airways. If they would have sorted the abundance amount of people that missed their flights because so many planes were delayed they would have been able to get more people on different flights that night by rerouted them or putting them on different connecting flights. I really felt that British Airways customer service was horrible, and it was just so frustrating after being away for four months and really just wanting to get home already.
I ended up being put up in a five star hotel with dinner and breakfast but man I was hungry  by the time I actually got to eat. If I was eating at this hotel or staying at any other time it would have been a very enjoyable experience but when you just want to get home it is not.
Its more a lot of anger, frustration, sadness and tears.
Anyways I got booked on the 12:00 flight the next day and this was a relief in itself since the other flight was at 4 and I did not want to take that one I just wanted to get home already.
The next day things went a little smoother, as in I got on my flight but it was a long day. I got hassle again about my carry on and they wanted me to check it in but this was not happening. Not after all the hassle they already gave me, and their horrible customer service I would never do anything to benefit them again.

Now comes the good stuff. I MADE IT HOME. I was a little behind again as the plane took off later than it was supposed to from London but we landed around 8pm Canadian time. It took me a little bit to get off the plane, go through customs, and get my bag but all worth it to walk out that gate and see my amazing boyfriend standing there waiting for me. As well his parents came down to surprise me and welcome me back to Canada.
Oh how nice it has been to be back in Canada.


So now that I have been home it has been quite an easy adjustment. I really was not that jet lagged, I definitely missed the food like cheese and how much flavour it had, and I missed the big beds and just the familiarity. I have started going to the gym again, I have spent time with my boyfriend, seen my mom, and will be seeing more family and friends as time passes. It has been nice talking about my trip and reflecting on my past 4 months abroad.

School Recap
I ended up finishing all assignments with time to spare and getting school done very well. All my grades (still waiting to find out on some but from what I think) turned out well and I am happy with how they went. It was a good semester and quite a nice easy semester. It was laid back, I learned some and I ended up with some good professors. I am going to miss the school and flexibility I had but am looking forward to the structure and people at the University of Windsor.

Exchange Recap
It was an unbelievable amazing experience. I made lifelong friends, have lifelong memories and have something on my resume to distinguish me from others. That aside it was an experience in my life that allowed me to learn and experience all together. I experienced things people will never do in their whole life and I got to learn new cultures, new foods, and a lot more about myself. I wouldn't change anything that happened for anything ( maybe except the journey home )

Really this is the end to another chapter in my life in order for other chapters to open up. It was an amazing experience but I am more than happy to be home. I missed my friends and family, food and structure. I hate British Airlines and Heathrow and will avoid with everything I have to ever fly with or through them again. I am not ready to start my Canadian life again with school, friends, structure, gym and eventually after the holidays to start eating well again.

Thank you all for reading throughout these past 4 months it has been enjoyable sharing my experiences with all of you.

:)

Mickey