In my second year of University I was successful in my application to study abroad, and would be spending my Spring term in Michigan. However, my journey to get there was far from smooth, in fact it was the most difficult part of my whole time spent in America. My journey began on the 2nd of January 2017 however, I didn’t actually arrive on campus until the 4th, this gives you some indication to the wonderful delays I experienced on my way, so sit back and relax because this is going to be a long one.
January the 2nd
I got to Birmingham airport nice and early to give myself plenty of time to relax for my flight and spend some time with my family. However, upon checking in I come across my first delay, I’m informed my flight has been delayed for an hour and a half, which in the scheme of things didn’t appear to be too much of an issue, I would still make my connecting flight and would get to spend some more time with my family before the dreaded farewell.
Making my way towards departures it finally sank in that I was leaving and the nerves started to set in, was I making the right decision? I said my goodbyes to my family, barely holding back my own tears as they cried, realising I wouldn’t be seeing them in person for some time. I joined the queue for security, turning round only to find my family still stood where I had left them waving and cheering me on, I will admit a few stray tears did betray me.
After making it through security I sat down and waited out the delay, after checking the announcement board, the gate would be up in 5 minutes…. 10 minutes later, still no gate……1 hour later… you get the idea. So finally three hours later the departure gate was announced and I finally made it on to the plane. But don’t think it over yet, oh no that would be too easy “ladies and gentlemen we have a slight mechanical issue at the moment. Maintenance are just taking a look at it and we should be up and on our way soon.” This was fine I would still make my connecting flight, the reality no I wouldn’t, as the short delay turned into another hour and half until we were eventually airborne.
At this point I had accepted that I wasn’t going to make my connecting flight but I could at least get comfortable for the next 9 hours… or so I had thought. An hour and a half into the flight and I was greeted by another delightful announcement, “ladies and gentlemen I’m afraid we have a slight mechanical issue, rather than risk it we’ve decided to turn back around and try and get it fixed.” One emergency landing later and I was still sat on the plane in London Heathrow, with no idea what was happening. Another hour later and I was finally off the plane, at this point I wasn’t going to make orientation. I had collected my luggage and was handed a card with a number to call to rearrange my flights. There were no available flights that night so I was provided with a hotel room and they’d rearranged a flight the next day, however my connecting flight had not be re-organised so one stressful phone call later I’d be flying to Chicago in the morning and then on to Michigan. So one day down and I had made it to London, a journey which usually takes just over an hour. A phone call to my parents and I receive the expected response of “it’s a sign, don’t go” but I was persevering I was going to make it… eventually.
Attempt two
After little sleep it was time to try again, I arrived at the airport and no delays, there was hope. In fact I made it to Chicago and off the plane with no delays. Then I went to check in for the next flight and you guessed it… the dreaded delayed sign was displayed across the board. It seemed to be a bit of a reoccurring theme, so with a two hour delay I brought some snacks and waited it out again, when all of a sudden the gate was changed… to the other side of the airport. So one mad dash and a collapsed lung later and I was on the plane. I landed in Detroit with no further delays, but I’d spoken too soon, as my luggage appeared to have gone missing and wasn’t found for another hour. At that point it was too late to head to campus and try to navigate my way to housing, so I booked into a hotel and finally get some sleep.
Finally
After waking up to a sprinkling of snow, I shoved my things into the back of a taxi and finally arrived on campus. After navigating my way round the huge university site, I made it to my residence halls and finally unpacked. Now it was time to meet my roommates, brave the -13 degree temperatures and experience “College” the American way.
I hope you enjoyed my traveling misfortune, stay tuned for studying abroad tips and a look back at my adventures.
Until next time
Sincerely Shiv
Sincerely Shiv 