Today began super early. We were up before 5 and left our hotel around 6. The airport in Bilbao was our first stop of the day. Once we all got checked in and went through security, we had about an hour or maybe more to wait for our flight. Our flight was to Madrid, Spain and only lasted a little over an hour.
The Madrid airport was HUGE! We had troubles getting our boarding passes and finding where we needed to be. Eventually we got it all figured out and made it to our gate. This flight would be our longest flight of the day and essentially take up the entire day.
We boarded our plane and it became official. We were now leaving Spain and Europe. There was no turning back now....even though I would have liked to. The flight to Dallas was between 10 and 11 hours. Due to the plane not being filled, I was able to get a middle row and have all three seats to myself. I loved this! I could literally lay flat acrossed all the seats. This made the flight go by rather quick. Unlike the flight over to Europe, I slept about 80% of it. They played a couple movies and some shows from NBC. The movies didn't interest me, so I listened to the music station. This time, they had American music and played songs I rather enjoy. Before leaving Madrid, I loaded up on water, Fanta and chips to help get me through the long day. We were also served pizza by the flight attendants.
I was a little nervous about flying over the ocean again, but was so exhausted from the trip that I didn't really focus on it too much. I started getting excited about going home and getting to see my Maggie!! We finally made it to Dallas and had one flight to go!!
As soon as we landed, I turned on my phone. This was the first time I was able to use it since Chicago ten days ago. I made a phone call home and texted a few friends. We were finally back in the United States and just had a few more steps before heading back to Sioux Falls.
On the flight you have to claim the things you bought overseas. Then, you have to go through customs and they ask you tons of questions. I was asked where I had been, who I was with, where I was going, why I was going there and a few others. Customs was really the last stop before our gate. We had a short time to wait in Dallas, and then boarded our flight to Sioux Falls.
We had a very entertaining flight attendant. He was originally from Texas and had a strong accent. He made it enjoyable by adding humor and telling us about himself. I was freezing on this plane. I could barely sleep due to being so cold. I curled up in my seat and managed to get some shut eye before landing.
Once we arrived in Sioux Falls, I was ready to get home. I was one of the first people off the plane and I headed straight for the baggage. My mom and dad met me at the airport and helped with my luggage. I didn't take time to talk with anyone, I just grabbed my stuff and bolted out the door. Mom and dad brought Maggie along, and she was waiting for me in the truck.
On our way home, we made a stop at McDonalds (real American of me) and I got some food. It was about 10 or so when we got home, and I basically went straight to bed. Even though I was excited to be home, I was sad to know that Europe was now over. I had such an amazing time and would do it all again in a hearbeat. It was really a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget! I made a few good friends and experienced things I thought I would never get the chance to. It was a blast!
So long Paris, Barcelona and all the other great places I got to be.....
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