Samantha Herold: Flightmare

The day I left for London was bittersweet. My mother told me to "just get out" of the house because she did not want to drag out our goodbyes any longer. I wiped a tear from my eye as I left her last embrace. My wonderful boyfriend and my little brother took me to the airport, where we had rushed goodbyes as I got to security.

It was sad to leave the people I value most in my life. The night before I left was spent with my absolute favorite people who I cannot imagine my life without. But as I looked on and pushed forward through the Knoxville airport security, I felt...ready. 

However, I was not ready for: ......Flightmare. 

I did not know that I was in for the longest day of my life. My original flight was cancelled the morning of my trip, and my rescheduled flight was so delayed that I missed my international flight to London. Long story short...after every single thing that could go wrong with flying to another country, I was awake for about 36 hours straight. 

At least I could watch movies  on the plane. 

Looking back, it doesn't matter. I've been in London for 2.5 days now, and every bit of stress that it took to get here was absolutely worth it. I've walked around downtown London, seen Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and Trafalgar Square. It's funny, though...so much of the charm of London isn't contained in the sights. It's contained in the little things you pass on your way to the grocery store; it's contained in the people who pass you by, speaking the same language, but somehow it's not your language. 

The people are wonderful here...at least so far. There are certainly friendly personalities in the pubs. My flat mates are absolutely lovely, and I'm anticipating a great semester.