Unverhofft kommt oft... erstmal Hinkommen

I never would have thought that my journey would already be such a test for my stress level... Traveled to Tegel by train, enjoyed my beloved German whole grain bread one last time, then stood in line at the boarding control for ages because of a storm (and because the airport was simply too small and crowded for the masses of passengers). At least the controller was kind enough to change my seat for the long-haul flight so that I didn't have to cuddle with others in the middle row. He also described the way to my gate in Madrid because the transfer time was tight. But now we are a bit late for takeoff, which means I had only 15 minutes to make the connection. Unfortunately, the terminal was 25 minutes away by train and on foot, and there was also a security check. So I hurried and just made the last call... Unfortunately, my luggage didn't make it with me, but I didn't know about that stroke of luck yet. Instead, I was impressed by this mega large plane with 3 rows and 3 different compartments. Everyone got a pillow and blanket. In addition, everyone had their own screen on which you could entertain yourself with (even relatively new) movies, music, or mini-games. It was even possible to check the flight status or buy internet access. (Maybe some of you think this is completely normal, but as a country girl, it fascinated me.) The service was also pretty good, after my "Airport Night Run - Madrid Edition" I was rewarded with a three-course pasta menu (at 1:30 in the morning) and (very good, strong) coffee. You could enjoy hot and cold drinks and snacks throughout the entire flight, and there was also breakfast. (Look at the photos for more impressions) My seat neighbor was even kind enough to switch seats with me so that I got a window seat. Overall, I wasn't bored during the whole flight, but eventually my butt started to hurt a lot, but then you can take a walk "above the clouds".

When I arrived in Chile, I felt like I was in cotton because the night somehow wasn't a real night. Buenos Dias Santiago, 8 o'clock in the morning, for us it's already 1 o'clock in the afternoon. First of all, I had to wait in line forever to be able to enter... My phone seems to be the only one that can't connect to the free Wi-Fi. So I can't text home or continue to Valdivia. Then I realize that my luggage didn't make it, great now I don't even have a jacket... By the way, did you know that you're not allowed to bring fruit into Chile and that's why the drug-sniffing dogs also gave me a hard time? In addition, you can only check in online for domestic flights, which would be great if you could connect to the Wi-Fi... But enough complaining, thanks to the very helpful Chileans, I will still catch my connecting flight and everything will work out with my luggage from there (I hope). But somehow I had imagined the journey to be DIFFERENT...

Greetings from the airport in Santiago

Frieda (29.08.2019) (finding her inner peace again)