I'm going to America...

theia · Post by **theia** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 9:47 am

...flying this Saturday :-6

Don't be fooled at the ease at which I'm writing this (the sunshine icon is just a foil). I am terrified...I rarely set foot out of the county (note county not country), I haven't been on a plane since 1986, I have never been to the US and I have to change at Chicago airport which sounds quite big with a lot of terminals (incidentally, what's a terminal? :-3 )

But I am determined to do it, God willing. And any advice/support from FG would be very welcome as I shall likely be a quaking mass by Friday when I travel up to Heathrow. Correction: I am already a quaking mass...:yh_nailbi

(People have told me that's it's impossible to catch the wrong plane. Is this true? And should I buy myself some of those stocking things to wear on the flight?)

Please take no notice of my signature...I'm after answers now...

minks · Post by **minks** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 9:52 am

theia wrote: ...flying this Saturday :-6

Don't be fooled at the ease at which I'm writing this (the sunshine icon is just a foil). I am terrified...I rarely set foot out of the county (note county not country), I haven't been on a plane since 1986, I have never been to the US and I have to change at Chicago airport which sounds quite big with a lot of terminals (incidentally, what's a terminal? :-3 )

But I am determined to do it, God willing. And any advice/support from FG would be very welcome as I shall likely be a quaking mass by Friday when I travel up to Heathrow. Correction: I am already a quaking mass...:yh_nailbi

(People have told me that's it's impossible to catch the wrong plane. Is this true? And should I buy myself some of those stocking things to wear on the flight?)

Please take no notice of my signature...I'm after answers now...

Terminal I believe that is like a branch of the airport so one terminal can house a number of "gates"

Ahhh you will be just fine, follow others when you land. Ask when you get off the plane for directions if need be. But likely others on your plane are heading in the same direction as you. Where is your final destination??

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 9:55 am

Kudos love ! :-6

The weather is turning so bring warm clothes. Are you changing planes in

O Hare or Midway ? Midway is much smaller and it will be easy. O Hare is mammoth but all you need is ticket in hand (DO NOT LOSE !) and anyone will giude you. The signs are fully explanatory.

Post by **Betty Boop** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 9:57 am

You'll be fine Theia, says she who hasn't flown since the eighties either! hehe

Are you driving to Heathrow or letting the train take the strain?

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 10:00 am

Chicago is the windy city so expect a bumpy flight when you get near but your going to be fine. Its the busiest airport in the country to my knowledge and its exciting coming in, the skyscrapers are enormous ! Would you have time to leave the airport for a look around ?

Bothwell · Post by **Bothwell** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 10:04 am

If it's Midway you will be fine and O'hare even though it's busy it's well organised, believe me after the Zoo they call heathrow any airport is good, except Dulles of course.

If your going to Chicago Theia the flight will be between 8.5 and 9.5 hours I reckon, so as long as you get up and stroll around for 5 mins every hour or so you will be fine, plenty of water and little alcohol, this is advice which I freely give and never ever follow but there you go. Where are you going to from Chicago?

Post by **Betty Boop** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 10:11 am

A friend who is a nurse thinks you should see a doctor about whether you need those stockings, people going along to a pharmacy and just buying some often end up with the wrong size and that is more harmful than not wearing them at all!

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 10:20 am

Going to a new land for the 1st time ! WHOOO! Thats a very big deal !!! I can imagine how I would feel leaving for Kongur Shan or Vyatka

or even something tamer like Cornwally....very big deal indeed !

theia · Post by **theia** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 10:42 am

Minks? Are you really saying that one terminal can house a number of gates? I think you are...cripes. But you're right...I can always ask

I'm going to Omaha...

Sadly, Nomad, it's the big one...O'Hare!! And I have just one and a half hours to check in for the next flight :-5 Windy? Right...bumpy ride? Okay...

My work colleagues keep humming "Chicago" when I'm around and waving their arms up and down and pretending to fly...

Betty, definitely the train, the day before...I'll check out the stockings thing too

Bothwell, thanks for the advice...

And Far, yes you're right...I'm ruining what should be a wonderful experience...a change of attitude is definitely needed. For goodness sake, I am so fortunate to be able to experience this...and I shall try hard to remember it

To all of you, it feels so good to read your advice and encouragement. A huge THANK YOU :-6

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 10:54 am

Essential advise....bring ample reading material and snacks for the plane ride. 9 hrs is a long time and if you need something to nibble on its in your pocket. Also ignore anyone asking if your a member of the mile high club.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 10:57 am

Far Rider wrote: Of all the places in America you choose Nebraska?

Um Thiea we gotta talk! hahahahha.... WOW ever see a corn field before? Youre gonna!

You'll love it!

Now now Far guy, Ive been through Nebraska and.....................well never mind.

theia · Post by **theia** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 11:06 am

Far Rider wrote: Of all the places in America you choose Nebraska?

Um Thiea we gotta talk! hahahahha.... WOW ever see a corn field before? Youre gonna!

You'll love it!

Far, I have been told that I may see a corn stalk...or two!! But then it may be less of a culture shock for me, coming from a rural area. I would be a danger not only to myself but to others in some of the more urban areas. As Betty will vouch, it's a slow pace down here in Cornwall and I can't imagine how I would cope with the pace in a huge city.

sherry · Post by **sherry** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 11:14 am

Are you going by yourself?

Right make sure you leave plently of time to check in. Depending on your flight and where you are going from I'd suggest staying over in a travel inn or something about a mile from the airport the night before so you don't hit any unexpected jams on the motorway.

Get a good shoulder bag with a good size inside pocket so you can keep all your documents in and so you always know where they are.

Put some sucky sweeties in there as well incase you get hurty ears on take off.

If you are nervous tell the staff on the plane, they will reassure you and generally very nice.

Try not to drink alcohol, it dries your skin out, makes you dehydrated and feel like poo.

Insead drink lots of water, do the leg excercises to prevent DVT and if you are ok with them and not allergic or anything pop a couple of asprin the day before.

And maybe put a recognisable sticker or something on your luggage so you can see it easily on the luggage conveyor belt.

As said before take a good book, watch the film and try to enjoy yourself. I love flying.

When you get off the plane you are normally herded off like sheep anyway so you won't get lost. And if you do just ask, it's not like they speak a different language.

I got lost in cairo airport once, it was very interesting *lol* especially as I can only say a few words of arabic.:wah:

theia · Post by **theia** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 11:27 am

So, come on Nomad and Far, tell it like it is...:wah: Only I could make a trip of a lifetime to what seems like the least popular state in the U.S. :-5

I know what the mile high club is (it's to do with how many times you've flown, isn't it?

) but what exactly is a redneck?

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 11:29 am

Have fun Theia! If you stop in Baltimore or DC on the way back, stay with me!

abbey · Post by **abbey** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 11:30 am

Theia love, dont worry about flying, its a piece of cake,

its the crashing you have to worry about!:eek: :sneaky:

Just joking hon, you'll be fine, have a lovely trip.:-6

Bez · Post by **Bez** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 11:34 am

it's getting to be a FG people exchange programme...Minks to the UK, Bothwell to Australia, Theia to the US....anyone here from Hawaii..my dream destination .

minks · Post by **minks** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 11:41 am

Bez wrote: it's getting to be a FG people exchange programme...Minks to the UK, Bothwell to Australia, Theia to the US....anyone here from Hawaii..my dream destination .

No but when you decide to go I will come with you hehehehehehe

Ahhh Theia, that flight is just as long as mine is going to be getting to England.

Here is something you may want to consider take along things you normally use to settle your stomach. You may encounter food you are not used to (lard is killer) As well if you have any meds pack them in your carry on so they don't get lost if baggage goes astray. Also in your carry on if you can fit it, put a change of clothes incase your baggage goes astray for a day or so. A redneck is a local. They are blue collar workers and they get a bad name cause they can appear rather un-educated. They are harmless really hehehehehe

minks · Post by **minks** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 11:42 am

Far Rider wrote: hahahah Im a redneck! a Hill billy, but there aint no hills where im from! (not many in nebraska either!

Lets see, Red Neck.... A throw back from the cowboy age... they are the farmers, ranchers that like to have a good time, drive an old truck, still believe in God, never go to college, a real workin man. They play as hard as they work, drink beer or whiskey. They prefer jeans and boots to city slicker wear...

Every body makes fun of em to be dumb, lazy, out of work beer guzzlin good for nothing... but somehow they never question the fact that they are american!

There have been a few threads making fun of em... all in good taste!

There are enduring qualities to the redneck.... maybe only I cant think of any right now hahaha:wah:
endearing qualities, they love their ole dog blue as much as they love their momma's

theia · Post by **theia** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 11:46 am

Thanks, Sherry, that's so valuable. Yes, I am travelling on my own and I'm staying in a Heathrow hotel on Friday night because I couldn't bear the stress of late trains etc. on the day that I'm flying.

And thanks, Chonsi. It feels so strange to be going to the country with place names that I've only heard in songs. I love "Baltimore" by Randy Newman. And my son told me that Counting Crows recorded a song called "Omaha" I shall have to look up the lyrics and see if they mention corn :wah:

Abbey, that is right! It's not the flying that's the problem!!

sherry · Post by **sherry** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 11:49 am

I think it's brilliant, I'd love to travel on my own and do my own thing.

Maybe when the kids are all grown up I will.

pina · Post by **pina** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 11:50 am

I wish I could come with you Theia, you lucky sod. Flying is so easy, just sit back and relax, sleep if you can time will go faster. How long are you going for?

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 11:52 am

theia wrote: So, come on Nomad and Far, tell it like it is...:wah: Only I could make a trip of a lifetime to what seems like the least popular state in the U.S. :-5

I know what the mile high club is (it's to do with how many times you've flown, isn't it?

) but what exactly is a redneck?

Its not so much how many times youve flown, rather how youve flown. :sneaky:

You could do worse than Nebraska, say Iowa..no same thing...lets see, I know Alabama ! Nebraska is way better than Alabama ! You go girl !

Bez · Post by **Bez** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 11:54 am

sherry wrote: I think it's brilliant, I'd love to travel on my own and do my own thing.

Maybe when the kids are all grown up I will.

Me too. My sister lives in Sandiago. I so wish i could get the money and courage to go and see her. The furthest I have ever travelled is Jersey.

theia · Post by **theia** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 11:54 am

pina wrote: I wish I could come with you Theia, you lucky sod. Flying is so easy, just sit back and relax, sleep if you can time will go faster. How long are you going for?

"Lucky sod" I really like that!! I'm going for 3 weeks

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 11:59 am

Since you will be here for 3 weeks and so close to the Rocky Mtns. (at least closer than Cornwilly) I must urge you to employ your strongest and most dangerous persuasion techniques to make that trip. IT WILL FLOOR YOU !

The beauty will bring you to your knees and you will look to the heavens and offer prayers and thanks !!!

minks · Post by **minks** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 12:04 pm

Nomad wrote: Since you will be here for 3 weeks and so close to the Rocky Mtns. (at least closer than Cornwilly) I must urge you to employ your strongest and most dangerous persuasion techniques to make that trip. IT WILL FLOOR YOU !

The beauty will bring you to your knees and you will look to the heavens and offer prayers and thanks !!!

that seems a bit of a drive though don't it??

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 12:24 pm

minks wrote: that seems a bit of a drive though don't it??

From Lincoln its 540 miles. 7 hrs. To come from England and be that close to something so magnificent and not see it would be such a shame ! I implore you to go. Pleeeeze ?

minks · Post by **minks** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 12:29 pm

Nomad wrote: From Lincoln its 540 miles. 7 hrs. To come from England and be that close to something so magnificent and not see it would be such a shame ! I implore you to go. Pleeeeze ?

ah only 7 hours not so bad somehow I had it in my mind it was further. Well then I join you in your campaigne to get her to the mountains, they are a must see. I can't dispute that. I am spoilt I live 1 hour away from them. Magnifique

Jives · Post by **Jives** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 12:44 pm

I'm with you Theia, I absolutely hate traveling, but you know what? I LOVE getting there! Are you going to see any of the sights in this country? The West is beautiful, come and see the Rocky Moutains!

My only advice for traveling on a plane is to ask the ticket lady for window seats and the low-numbered rows, last on but first off! Also, I take my laptop computer to watch movies and noise-canceling headphones cancel out the noise.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 12:45 pm

Need I say more ?

NEBRASKA

sherry · Post by **sherry** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 12:46 pm

Thats just beautiful.

minks · Post by **minks** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 12:46 pm

Jives wrote: I'm with you Theia, I absolutely hate traveling, but you know what? I LOVE getting there! Are you going to see any of the sights in this country? The West is beautiful, come and see the Rocky Moutains!

My only advice for traveling on a plane is to ask the ticket lady for window seats and the low-numbered rows, last on but first off! Also, I take my laptop computer to watch movies and noise-canceling headphones cancel out the noise.

also ask if you can NOT be placed next to the fatest guy on the plane. I swear those check in people look at smaller folks, rub their hands together and hit one button when we check in..."fatguy" that insures the little runty person can share a portion of their seat with the fatso they can't place anywhere else. hehehehe

theia · Post by **theia** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 1:31 pm

Nomad wrote: Need I say more ?

NEBRASKA

That third photo is incredible, really beautiful, Nomad. And those mountain pictures aren't bad either :wah:

minks · Post by **minks** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 1:43 pm

Far Rider wrote: Im wide not fat Minks!

Humph *folds giant arms*

My boney little brown haired las!

Far, you crack me up least ya didn't say you are thick ahahaha

Nomad nice pics

orangesox1 · Post by **orangesox1** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 1:43 pm

It's not that difficult to find your way around and airport, and if your ttavelling alone you will most likley meet other people heading in the same direction that you an talk too. My Mum manages to fly all over the place on her own and if she can do it I think any one can, she's never got lost yet.

I have had to fly a lot and always hated it, every bump I hear I think must be engine trouble so every time I fly I go to the Dr and get some Normison ( sleeping tablets ) and usually sleep the whole trip.

theia · Post by **theia** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 5:02 pm

Far Rider wrote: I second that, there will be a lot of Midwest steak houses... The Beef there is arguable the finest in the world.. but I bet your a vegitarian huh?

No I'm not

chrisb84uk · Post by **chrisb84uk** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 3:52 am

Well done for telling everyone Theia. I'm sure you will have a great time. I know that when I went to the US this year, I was so nervous, especially about the plane ride, but I can tell u from experience that it really wasn't anywhere near as bad as I thought, (even the food was edible!!

)

We're gonna miss u whilst u are gone, but make sure u have a great time, (which I'm sure u will!) and we expect a full report when u get back!!