Nancy East

Hiker | Author | Outdoor Educator

We’re in D.C.

by

Did you know that labor relaxation techniques work well for flying phobias?  That and a little Xanax J

Our experience in Atlanta’s airport was probably the best we have ever had.  Everyone from the security personnel to the Delta crew and staff went out of their way to be warm and friendly to us.  This is not the norm for this airport, and sadly this airline sometimes, so we were most grateful.  The captain even recognized the two military personnel on board and applauded their dedication to our country and high fived Buddy and Lou as they left the plan.  I love old school Delta—it’s a dying breed.

Buddy and Lou did great on the flight.  The flight was fairly empty so plenty of room to spread out.  Buddy and I played Uno for two hours straight (thank you to Carla Melton for teaching him last weekend on our camping trip!  Lou and L “played games and drew pictures.”  Lou explained the physics to me of flying after we landed:  “The air on the top of the wings of the airplane go, um, really faster than the air on the bottom of the wings.”  Pretty good for a  5 year old, huh?! 

We’ll board the Ethiopian Air flight soon and that’s when the fun really begins (well, after 13 hours of air travel!)  I’m hoping the kids will sleep at least a little.  I’m giving them melatonin on the advice of another adoptive parent who traveled to Ethiopia with her young daughter.  A little Benadryl might not hurt either J 

We’re about to start boarding so better pack it up and get ready for the long jump across the pond!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. MRK

    Oh yes we used melatonin on our trip, too. And ear plugs and eye masks for all. So excited for you!

    Megan

  2. Two Little Birds

    Now thanks for YOUR comment! Funny, but I am flying to Boston later today and will have a lay-over in DC! I will try those labor techniques (sans the Xanax, but I wish!) because I have a flying phobia, too. SUPER excited to read about your journey! WOOHOO!!!!

  3. eastiopians

    You are in the air right now…only 3 hrs away from Ethiopia and I don't know if I'm going to get any sleep tonight…I am SO EXCITED!!!!! Hope everyone is getting some rest up there. Sending prayers of safe travels.

  4. eastiopians

    Will you be able to check your comments? If so, my friend Kristine wants you to know that the newest Lewi Hotel (on the water) at Lake Awassa has a spectacular pool and you can pay a daily rate to go swim even if you aren't staying there…a great place to take the kids if you want to do something relaxing while there.