Up, up, and away -Travel Day

I definitely know better than to be so disorganized. But with everything going on with my house, my head has not been preparing for a vacation. I could pack pretty quickly if I had to, and I had pulled several items out and laid them on the bed. The problem was more that I didn't put my load of laundry in until 10:30pm the night before my flight, and that I didn't discover I had packed (in boxes) all my travel items, such as travel towels, sleep sac, and pouches for organizing, until about midnight when I was ready to put everything together. Luckily, I found an old travel towel that isn't my favourite but will work in a pinch. I finally went to bed at 1:30 am, setting my alarm for 7:15 so I'd have more time to get organized and also because I had someone coming to pick up a dog kennel I had put up for sale. You'd think I'd have slept terribly since I wasn't technically fully packed, but in fact I slept like a log. Not long enough though, I was exhausted when my alarm went off. So not only was I racing around, throwing my still wet laundry into the dryer, but I was also trying to make sure that the garbages were all empty, and the place was neat and organized for when my realtor comes while I'm away. The plan was to leave at 9:00, but in true Kirsty fashion, I looked at the clock as we were leaving and it was 9:30. Thankfully, Ian had offered to take me to the airport and also to do the dishes while I packed, and take out the recycle and garbage. He was a life saver. You'd also think that I'd calm down once I got in the car, but no, I decided I had too much stuff and started going through my bag. This also happened when I went on my big trip....déjà vu! I took a few things out of my small bag and then decided to unzip my backpack in the back, while I sat in the front. I grabbed the bag of almonds I had bought as a snack.....and the whole thing dumped into my bag and all over the back seat. This is the point where I should have stopped. Nope, I still went through my bag and then was panicking because I was later than I thought I'd be at the airport and now my bag was wide open and had to be put back together. I managed to get it put back together and made it to security without there being too massive a line up. It still took me about 30-45 minutes to get through though. And...just because it wasn't my day, security told me I had too many liquids. Even though I've never closed the TSA approved plastic bag before, apparently now it had to seal. Annoyingly, I had to ditch a brand new jar of face and body cream, a brand new sunscreen, and makeup (which thankfully was pretty much empty). I begged and pleaded  to keep it all and I'm pretty sure the lady would have let me but her boss was watching the whole ordeal. At least I kept my bug spray! It really just was not shaping out to be a good day. I couln't relax once at the gate either because I was worried that there'd be no room in the overhead compartment since I was zone 5. There was tons of room as it turns out. It was a nice big plane and I had tons of leg room. I sat beside a nice guy named Alex who is from Calgary but lives in Toronto. He was a bit of a nervous flyer so I think the chatting helped him, and the time went by very quickly. Once in Toronto, I discovered that I didn't have to go through customs or security so wouldn't be losing any more liquids! Phew, one good thing finally went my way. I wandered around a little then headed to my gate. Checking one of the tv's I discovered my flight was delayed by 2 hours. I wandered towards the new gate on the other side of the terminal, and settled in. As I sat, my gate changed 3 more times before I finally headed to the new spot of departure. As I did, I started to worry about what would greet me in Cuba. I was already nervous arriving at 10:40, my new arrival time would be close to 1am! Usually this wouldn't stress me out because I could contact the right people, however, I didn't make the bookings and had nothing but international phone numbers to go by. My dad came to the rescue and found a Canadian number. The guy coulnd't do much but he reassured me that chances were, everything would be fine. 

Finally, it was time to board. I was flying Air Canada Rouge, my least favourite airline, but actually it wasn't too bad. I had an aisle which helped the claustrophobia. There was a substantial difference in leg room between my two flights, with Rouge being quite a few inches less. The flight was uneventful and I read for most of the time. The declaration cards were passed out and were so complicated. Everyone kept asking what we needed to fill out and one of the flight attendants was more than grumpy about it. Finally, we made it. Coming off the plane was like hitting a wall, it was so humid! I lined up for passport control, choosing the slowest line, of course! Once through I had to put my bags through a screening machine. The 5 security ladies standing there didn't even look at the screen, fine by me! I loved that they were all wearing fishnet stocking with designs in them with their uniforms! I was one of the first to leave the secure area since I only had carry on. There were names and signs everywhere, with people calling out to me. I was starting to get nervous when I didn't see my name. Finally, near the back, I saw the tour company logo and headed there. He led me to a taxi and also got in. As we were leaving I thought I better ask if it's actually me he's picking up! Luckily, I was the right passenger. We arrived at the casa close to 2 am. He rang the bell, banged on the door but, nothing. I could tell he was getting really frustrated. I asked if they knew I was coming and he said they did. Finally, the next door opened and a guy was there. My door opened too, but it was a guest who heard what was happening and came down to check, which was really sweet, but maybe slightly unsafe? Anyways, the pickup guy got out of there as fast as he could and the man from the casa led me in. I assumed that he was taking me in but it wasn't my place since we had been ringing the other bell. He led me to a room and told me what time breakfast was at, without speaking any English! Haha, there were a lot of hand gestures and luckily I could figure out "ocho"! The room was clean, there was sort of ac and at least a huge fan! I didn't think I'd sleep that well, and it did take me awhile to fall asleep but then I slept until my alarm went off. Thank goodness that travel day is over!!!