Heading Back to the States
March 18th, 2023
Because of the railway strikes happening during our study abroad week, me and Bryce were unsure how it would affect the tube line we needed to take back to the airport. To be extra prepared and combat any obstacles that may have come up, we left the hotel at 3 am for our 8:25 am flight out of London. The tube was running and all went smoothly so we got to the airport about 4 hours before our flight was due to take off. Security was actually kind of a lengthy process but it went smoothly. Once we were through security we got some coffee and I ate some of the snacks I brought with me because I was not purchasing anymore overpriced airport food after my last experience at JFK – I came prepared this time. We had to wait and watch for our gate because it was not listed on our boarding pass when we checked in. Once it popped up on the screen listing the gates for our terminal, we hopped on a train to the C gates and waited there until our flight boarded.
On the flight home, I got so much more room. When I checked in at Heathrow, I got to change my seat to a row with only two seats in it that was right behind a row with three seats. So basically I had a whole extra seat’s worth of space that I could put my backpack in, which left me with plenty of leg room. I was a lot more comfortable on the flight home than I was coming to London.
I had such a great time on my trip, but I missed home by the end of it and was ready to fly back. Everything went smooth returning to the states, and I got back to Indianapolis around 6 pm. My boyfriend picked me up and we got Chinese takeout for dinner. After eating, I showered and promptly feel asleep around 8 pm. I slept for 13 hours straight and think I defeated the jetlag coming back so while I was exhausted from traveling, the adjustment wasn’t anything too major.
This experience was so incredible. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to experience another country and all the history in England. London was beautiful and I can’t wait to go back some day, but first I have to become a physical therapist, make some trouble, and hopefully see some strides made in our healthcare system, per Dr. Groce’s request!