Jetlag and all that's behind it...

It's 4am now. And I've been awake since an hour ago. The jetlag's kicked in after all (despite the desperate effort to avoid it). So what is there better to do than to write about the cause of this...

The trip across the Atlantic Ocean to the United States of America (now it sounds bit surreal, somehow ;p) is my first. And unfortunately, the journey didnt start too well. My worst so far! It was an early (supposedly) flight and I'd to be at the airport by 6am. I was there on time BUT only to find out that the flight's delayed for two hours!! and as if that's not bad enough, both connecting flights after had to be re-scheduled!!! (!!!) So the first (more to come later...) queue started. It went on for 2 hours. Yup, 2 hours of standing in line just to make sure we could get to San Diego within the same day. With the boss (as well as the long line of passengers) being extraordinarily calm, my Arabic colleague and I were...let's say... 'impressed'? We both agreed that if this was to happen back home, it'll definitely be a different scene. Angry businessmen, frustrated 'tai-tais', wailing kids...you get the idea? The boss said they're just known for being ludicrously polite, and especially in queues ;p

And when I thought we were finally ready to be checked in, BAM! System breakdown!! Meaning another hour plus in line (told you there's more!) to get us checked in individually on ONE machine! I tell you, by this time, I wasnt even thinking much about the trip anymore. I just want to get on my first (of three!) flight and fly!! sighhhhhhhhhhhhh

After one of the most chaotic and exhausting mornings, finally got on the plane (FINALLY!) about 20 min before boarding time! I've always been the kind of traveller who gets at least an hour to stroll at the duty free shops before I get on board, but not this time! But at least the breakfast on board was good...heh...or maybe I was just too hungry? it was past noon and we were STILL in the UK >< even writing this now wears me out ;p

The in-flight services were not great. Entertainment was rubbish. Sound system was as bad. Food...dont even wanna go there. Pasta and pizza for lunch and dinner (yes, pizza! with NO toppings but just tomato sauce and cheese). But if you're a soda person, then cool--they serve 350ml cans of all sorts! and no pudding to go with any meals, just some lousy biscuits -_-" I guess at the time of the flight, I was really not the happiest passenger...zzz...

Pasta. Yuck! (the salad was alright ;p)

After 8 long hours (and only an hour of sleep), Chicago airport for transit. There came our next queue. This time for passport clearance. I dont even want to go into the details of the queue. It's just another black spot. And for how long you ask? Not bad, 2 and half hours? #^&"@*!! and we had 3 hours transfer time to get on the next flight!! Yes, 30 min in an airport in one of the biggest US cities! We ran!! All I remember of Chicago airport was probably the shuttle train. Period.

Four hours to San Diego. 2 Hours time difference. 8 Hours behind time from point of first departure. Totally messed up. This guy who sat beside me tried to have some small chats, sorry chap, wrong time! I was probably my meanest ;p Fell asleep even before the plane took off. and slept through the whole flight! That was how exhausted I was.

You've no idea how relieved I was when we touched down in San Diego and got to the hotel. Safe and sound and a king size bed waiting! There and then I thought I'll not make another trip to this continent if not for desperate purposes.

It's 5am now. I should try go back to sleep. Enough sour recollections of the trip. Better stuff comes next ;)