I’m sitting in Singapore, in our host family’s house fighting off jet lag by taking some time to write to you about our journey to Papua New Guinea so far. We left our hometown on Saturday, and I think today is Wednesday (jet lag is a real killer, y’all – I’m struggling).
We spent Saturday night in a hotel a few minutes from the airport, since we had to check our bags and go through security by 4am Sunday morning. Since it was also the 4th of July – we had a pretty good view of the fireworks over Tampa Bay. Our 3 suitcases weighed in at 51.4, 50.6, and 50.6 of the 50lbs allowed per bag – yay for no overweight charges! Security was relatively quick as no one really wants to argue that early in the morning (except, apparently, the Starbucks lady).
I’m sitting in Singapore, in our host family’s house fighting off jet lag by taking some time to write to you about our journey to Papua New Guinea so far. We left our hometown on Saturday, and I think today is Wednesday (jet lag is a real killer, y’all – I’m struggling).
We spent Saturday night in a hotel a few minutes from the airport, since we had to check our bags and go through security by 4am Sunday morning. Since it was also the 4th of July – we had a pretty good view of the fireworks over Tampa Bay. Our 3 suitcases weighed in at 51.4, 50.6, and 50.6 of the 50lbs allowed per bag – yay for no overweight charges! Security was relatively quick as no one really wants to argue that early in the morning (except, apparently, the Starbucks lady).
Flight #1 was 2 hours and took us to Philadelphia, where we had enough time to grab a quick snack before boarding for flight #2 – 13 hours to Doha. I wish I could say that we slept on that flight, but instead there were a thousand small children running rampant and generally causing mayhem while their parents slept. We landed with only 20 minutes until our next flight began boarding, but thankfully we were able to make our connection. On to flight #3 and our final flight of the “day” – 8 hours into Singapore.
After more than 30 hours of travel that “day” we met our host family and could finally (finally!) sleep.
Yesterday, I truly experienced the misery that is jet lag. We’re currently 12 hours ahead of Florida time, which means that my body thinks it’s 5am right now, when in fact, it’s 5pm. I’m dead tired by 4pm, and wide awake at 3am. I finally gave in yesterday and took a nap because I was getting angry from being so tired. Ugh.
Singapore is a beautiful country that is very rich and diverse with more cultures successfully integrated into one unique culture than I’ve ever seen in one place. I’m not sure that America could beat Singapore in a “melting pot” standoff.
Josh and I have explored the shopping centers, gotten a massage (I can’t even describe how wonderful that was!), eaten local cuisine, and visited the Sentosa Island Aquarium. It’s been really, really nice to do these fun and relaxing things before going to the land of no convenience, zoos, or aquariums.
Tomorrow we continue on towards Papua New Guinea. We have a 6-hour flight, followed by a 1-hour flight, and 20-minute drive before we arrive at our new home.
Flight #1 was 2 hours and took us to Philadelphia, where we had enough time to grab a quick snack before boarding for flight #2 – 13 hours to Doha. I wish I could say that we slept on that flight, but instead there were a thousand small children running rampant and generally causing mayhem while their parents slept. We landed with only 20 minutes until our next flight began boarding, but thankfully we were able to make our connection. On to flight #3 and our final flight of the “day” – 8 hours into Singapore.
After more than 30 hours of travel that “day” we met our host family and could finally (finally!) sleep.
Yesterday, I truly experienced the misery that is jet lag. We’re currently 12 hours ahead of Florida time, which means that my body thinks it’s 5am right now, when in fact, it’s 5pm. I’m dead tired by 4pm, and wide awake at 3am. I finally gave in yesterday and took a nap because I was getting angry from being so tired. Ugh.
Singapore is a beautiful country that is very rich and diverse with more cultures successfully integrated into one unique culture than I’ve ever seen in one place. I’m not sure that America could beat Singapore in a “melting pot” standoff.
Josh and I have explored the shopping centers, gotten a massage (I can’t even describe how wonderful that was!), eaten local cuisine, and visited the Sentosa Island Aquarium. It’s been really, really nice to do these fun and relaxing things before going to the land of no convenience, zoos, or aquariums.
Tomorrow we continue on towards Papua New Guinea. We have a 6-hour flight, followed by a 1-hour flight, and 20-minute drive before we arrive at our new home.
I can’t believe I get to be on this amazing journey and that I get to do it with my best friend. There are so many blessings that it would be hard to name them all. This is such an exciting adventure (yes, even with the jet lag!) and I’m so glad that you get to come along, too!
