It has begun!

        Today was the big day! The day that I boarded the plane to Philadelphia, to start off the long journey where I will arrive in Altdorf, Switzerland after a full 36 hours of traveling! It began this morning at 6:00 am. I didn't sleep at all last night, I was extremely excited for the incredible adventure I have in front of me. My parents then drove me to the airport, where we had to triple check that my two large suitcases were under the 50 pound weight limit, both passed with about 1 pound to spare. My parents and brother were able to pass through security with me, and take me to the gate. When it was time for me to board, we had to say our goodbyes, I was able to talk dad out of singing 'So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen', Goodbye', but non the less it was emotional to say good-bye to my family who I wont see for a year. I will miss them so much, but I can no longer see myself staying at home for my Junior year. la
        After a 5 hour flight from Philadelphia, we were about 30 min. late because we had to circle the airport for 20 min while we waited out the thunderstorms. The pilot actually told us that we only had 20 min of fuel left and might have to re-route to Pittsburg, if the storm was too nasty to land. Thankfully, we landed in Philly, but it took me about 40 min. to get off the plane and find my next gate. The Philadelphia airport is really big, and by the time I found the gate, I couldn't walk much further with my heavy bags.  I had about 3 hours to kill in the airport, and thankfully they have internet! I watched a movie, had a snack, and talked to a few people back home.
       Hopefully my next post will be in Switzerland! And I will post pictures as soon as I figure out how to up-load pictures onto my Netbook.