and so we began.

We arrived back from Amsterdam last Tuesday, y'all.  And now it's Monday.  What can I say, friends?  This whole "trying to finish school while doing summer activities and everything else" thing is a bit much for me.

And on top of that, when I finally started to think of posting this weekend, I was met by complete uninspiration.  That uninspiration where you feel far too behind to post, and aren't sure what to write about.  Or how to write it.  Yep, that kind.  *shudder*

Finally, upon opening Lightroom, I was greeted by the several pictures I'd taken on my very first day of traveling, all shot at airports and on the plane.  For some bizarre reason, it was what I needed to get me...moving.  I loved that day, because we had this exciting week ahead of us, waiting to be lived.  I was going to Europe, spending time with my daddy. There was so much energy and laughter, and so much to look forward to.  I miss that feeling now, but I simply hope I lived life fully that week as I should have.  It's a gift.  Such a gift.

And for some reason or another, I like taking pictures at airports.  Generally, most are taken at the beginning of my trips: on the way back I'm tired, and ready to be home.  But "beginnings" always excite me.

So basically?  Now in those questionnaires when I'm asked "what inspires you?" I can resolutely respond, "airport photos!"  How awesome is that?

The day started by taking a cab to the airport (very legit. or maybe it's just me.) and listening to people bashing Opera Winfrey on the radio...my dad and I kept glancing at each other and laughing.  Upon arriving, we learned that our flight had been delayed forty minutes, meaning we got to enjoy some white chocolate mochas.  Any trip that starts with Starbucks is automatically a good one.  Definitely.



my brand spankin' new toms, before i got them hopelessly dirty on the trip (but i still love them--great shoes).  also, excuse the blurriness factor.  *cough*

 From there, we flew to Newark Airport, where we had an epicly long delay (six or seven hours? yeah).  We spent it eating sushi, looking up some things online, waiting, snacking at Auntie Anne's pretzels (which I had always thought was "Aunt Annie's" for some reason...well then), waiting, taking pictures, and oh, doing a little more waiting.  Though actually, looking back, it wasn't at all as bad as it feels like it should have been.

If that makes sense or anything.  (I don't think it did.)

going on one of these awesome trams is now on my bucket list.

 this sushi place was darling, especially for being inside an airport and all.  Just saying.

i absolutely love reading auntie anne's napkins, bags, and cups now.  very fun.



researching some things in amsterdam.  it's a serious matter, y'all.



beautiful new york skyline in the background here.  i still need to visit that place (only been to the airport there--sigh).



But no, for this gal who's not a huge fan of airplanes, it was the six-and-a-half hour flight to Amsterdam that was the killer that day.  We were in row fourteen, right in front of an emergency exit.  Meaning that our seats didn't recline.  So we're squished in the middle/window seats, with another woman on the aisle.  Oh, and half way through the flight our televisions stopped working.  Just lovely.

Now here's a little something about me: I cannot, not, not sleep in any form on transportation.  Oh, I wish I could, but no.  At 3am, I had my light on and was getting caught up on Religion papers at an incredible speed.  My father thought I was insane, and the lady sitting by us was out cold...seriously, she probably slept five out of the seven hours of our flight.  Jealous!

Finally in the morning, while trying to wake myself up by listening to Florence+The Machine (gorgeous album, by the way), I fell into a light, light sleep.  Sigh.

Buuuut, pretty soon came this:

Not only a gorgeous sunrise and deep, azure sky, but Europe as well.  Eeeep.  It was definitely my favorite part of the flight: landing.  (Yeah, I know.)




So we began.  And I'm quite sure there will be more to come.

Do you like airplanes, and flying?

with love,
hannah