Welcome Home

        I'd been trying to think of what to write even before I was completely home, and nothing I was preparing to write would cover what happened! I was packed and ready nearly two weeks before (a bit eager I know), and did the final few bits of packing that weekend, ready to head home on Monday.

        We started out reasonably early on Monday morning, driving down to Portland to catch the Concord bus to Logan International. It took about 4 hours, and it was 4 hours of me getting slightly frustrated at every little thing that happened, or things that certain people did. Arriving at the airport, with time to spare, even though we got caught in Columbus Day Parade traffic, was a quiet relief. I wasn't able to check my bags in for a couple of hours, so we went to the Boston Bar & Grill and grabbed some lunch - although I'd already snacked on sandwiches, crisps and cookies on the way down and had said I'd grab something before I got on the flight.

        After having lunch it was time to check in my bags, and head to security. The queue went quite quickly for the bag drop, and because we ate in the Boston Bar & Grill the receipt allowed me to go through the upper classes security lane. Saying goodbye to Uncle Ian was hard, and I got upset - all a mixture of upset, and anxiety of flying on my own for the first time. The queue was a lot shorter than the normal security section, but it still took a long time, and it was such a pain to do it on my own, as I had four trays of my things going through the scanner!

        On the other side of security, I went to the little news agents, and brought a drink for the flight, and later on some chewy sweets for take off and landing. I had lots of time to kill so brought a small hot chocolate, and tried to get the nuisance internet to work so I could chat to Mum and Dad - I got it working on and off, but in the end gave up and let them get to sleep anyway, and went to my gate to wait to be called.

        On the plane I was sat next to two guys, probably a bit older than me, and they were really lovely. There was also a crowd of 'grannies on tour' near me, which were quite amusing. I was pretty darn anxious, but taking off and the start of the flight was actually a lot better than I expected. The dinner was the best gluten free meal I've had on a plane so far, and I got to watch Monster's University which I've wanted to see since it came out. The film was great, so funny, and even though it's made for children I still loved the story and the characters are super as always.
        Just before breakfast was served, I got up to go to the bathroom and on the way back I had to wait behind the breakfast trolley. Next thing I know, my vision is blurry and two men are holding me up from behind, as I was swaying all over the show nearly about to faint. They got the attention of the air steward, and he told me to sit down, but before I could I felt extremely sick, and had to run to the bathroom. I'm never sick, which can sometimes be a bonus, but other times you feel like it might help - this was one of those times. The steward got me some water, sick bags, and told me just to stay sitting for a while, until I felt well enough to get back to my seat. Eventually I did get back to my seat, but after a while I felt myself going all over again, and so they took me to the jump seat thing at the back, and got me some coca cola (flattened coke is meant to reduce sickness, which it did); I then started shivering crazily, so next thing I had a hot water bottle and blanket, and they had radioed ahead to Heathrow to let them know that I would be needing the beep-beep cart to go through the airport.
        I went back to my seat before landing, and the guys made sure I was okay, and everyone was so sweet when they got off the plane wishing me well and making sure someone was waiting for me.

        I honestly couldn't of asked for better people to look after me on the plane - both the steward and stewardess were extremely kind and caring, and did everything they possibly could to make me feel comfortable and well.

        After getting through the airport on the beep-beep cart, not having to wait at the passport check, I got my luggage and as soon as I looked through the double doors I saw my family waiting for me with signs and a balloon, and I just knew that I was home and that even though things haven't been great, I was home and I would be able to go through everything with them now, instead of half way around the world.