So I forgot to write about my amazing travel back to the sandbox. I wanted to see as many things as I could while I'm away and on this side of the world. So, I scheduled a layover tour in Amsterdam. I planned for months: cheese factory, boat trip down the river- recommended so that you can see all the sights in one quick hour and if time permitted, a quick jaunt to Anne Franks house. I studied the maps so I wouldn't get lost in the airport or out and about. This was going to be a trip of a lifetime and the best use of my 7 hour layover. So I boarded my plane from Detroit to Amsterdam. I got my favorite window seat and as luck would have it my neighbor was a contractor like me. Surely he knew the importance of sleep to re-adjust when going back to hell. Nope, he did not or didn't care. It was party time! He ordered a beer and asked politely, would you like one. I said no thank you. I don't drink. He said, it might make you sleepy. Well that was enough for me. I said sure- just one. Then we started chatting it up and he sure was funny. The flight attendant came strolling through with her cart and he ordered 2 more. I looked at this harmless beverage and thought, why not. I'm going back to a dry country. Another with dinner and I felt the need to doze...which I did...until I was rudely poked awaked by the knuckle head that stated, "sorry mame, I think you might have fallen asleep, I was just saying..."
Strangely enough, by the time I got to Amsterdam not only was I too tired to walk, I was also a little more than tipsy. Still I made my way with my foggy brain to the travel desk where my adventure awaited...only to be told that they overbooked and they could not accomodate me until 2 hours before my next flight. Thank the heavens for alcohol because I would have been hopping mad. Instead, with profuse apologetics they offered me the only other thing that would make up for this- a bed. Or rather a real nice lounge chair that I quickly fell asleep in for 2 hours before some screaming kids woke me- brats!
My next flight to Dubai, I must have gotten the brother because he talked every bit of the 7 hour flight...I skipped the free booze! Then we landed in Dubai (which I am not fond of anyways. Too glizy and dirty and not women friendly) and promptly got lost for 2 hours in the airport. Not good for a 3 hour layover. When I found my way, alast...friends! People that I knew from most of the bases that I've been to. It was great to get reaquainted along with a great Doc that I've worked with. There was no sleeping on that trip either.So my arrival back to KAF saw me dragging my feet, and a welcome complete with a missile attack. I can definitely say that this has been an adventure that I will always remember!
