PDX->NYC->DXB->ADD->EBB

Portland to NYC-- Jan 30th, 2012

People in airports are fascinating to watch. Where else can so many different cultures amalgamate to this central place with separate but mirrored missions of traveling to a different place?  True, people often commute stressed, exhausted and angry, but it’s also fun to passively observe the similarities among the human condition.  Cultural dress and markings give clues as to where people hail from— henna on hands, men in robes, women in hijab, Australian-looking leather boots and outerwear, Euro-metrosexual sparkle jeans. I am a little embarrassed to be pulling the classic, lame American tennis-shoes-with-jeans thing, especially when I enter the fancy European and Elite airline section of JFK, trying to figure out how to get my hotel voucher and such for my next stop in Dubai. At least I'm not wearing a Disneyland sweatshirt and fanny pack…. (sorry Jenn, I know you wanted me to rock the fanny…) and the main reason I dressed like this was an attempt wear some of my heavier clothing to help out with the Draconian baggage weight rules.

Getting off the plane in NYC, I experienced a brief panic attack after realizing I was going to be spending the next two days basically completely alone getting my fanny (not pack) to Kampala.  These feelings of anxiety and self-doubt are the worst. Fortunately, I was still in the States with a cell phone, and I could make a panicky call to a good friend.... who reassured me that I was experiencing completely normal feelings, and reaffirmed the realization that I CAN DO THIS.  I then ate up the next six of seven layover hours quite quickly.... calling people I wanted to hear one last time before shutting the cell off, Skyping with a certain boy I am quite fond of, etc. Other than the reoccurring tug of terror at the idea of leaving all that I know behind, I know that there is a grand adventure ahead, full of those unknowns and uncomfortable situations that are so very good for showing us who and what we really are made of.

NYC to Dubai-- January 31, 2012

A few weeks ago I ran into an old classmate from PSU in a coffee shop and briefly discussed my upcoming travel plans.  He started talking about the idea of self-reliance, and suggested I check out a video by Robert Green on Youtube, who discusses his book "The 50th Law" co-written with 50 Cent. Yes, I meant to type that. Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLBjBqjjHc4

Just like most people, I experience a lot of self-doubt, feel lonely, and want to surround myself with people and distractions in order to keep out of that quiet headspace where it can get scary. To rephrase something Thea Elvin, a NSD with Mary Kay, mentions on one of her cds, “Your mind is a dangerous neighborhood—don’t go in there alone!”  What we think about is incredibly powerful, and still, most of the time the subconscious mind operates without our direct attention to what station it’s streaming. Some people are blessed with a natural proclivity to positive, happy thoughts. Others, such as myself, have to work a little harder since our inner critic is a bit too loud.

Learning to comfort oneself in times of stress, become self-reliant, and feel fully capable and secure without needing others—now that is powerful.

Dubai to Adi Abbaba to Entebbe, Uganda-- February 1, 2012

I passed through Dubai in a dream-like state. I didn’t get a chance to explore the city, because I needed some downtime in the hotel before heading back to the airport in the morning. It’s too bad, because pictures and maps of Dubai look amazing, it’s like adult Disneyland for rich people. I snapped some quick pictures from the plane, but never got to see the Burj Khalifa everyone talks about, or the man-made Dubai Palm Islands.  I hope I can visit the beaches one day—maybe I’ll have more time to explore during my return flight to the States… I am now finishing up this post on the last leg of my heinous journey. The plane stopped first in Adi Abbaba, Ethiopia, and now will finally get to Entebbe, Uganda. I passed out hard after leaving Dubai, then woke up, rolled up my window shade to get ready for landing—and saw my first view of Africa!

The photo above and to the right were taken from the plane above Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Entebbe, Uganda shots from the plane are below...

It’s quite an emotion to see the landscape for the first time, unlike any I’ve seen before.  I am getting more and more excited about this move, the possibilities, the things I am going to learn… Here’s some more cheesy photos to keep the folks at home happy!

Rocking my Timbers jersey on the plane, gotta represent!

American airlines could take a lesson or two from Emirates. This was also the savory snack, not even the largest meal provided!

 

Beautiful Lake Victoria in Entebbe!!