September 25

Day 14: September 25:

Back to U.S.A.

Today was both an early and sad morning. Our flight to go back to the United States was scheduled at 7:30 in the morning. Because our group loves to be prepared, we wanted to get to the airport at 5:30 A.M., meaning we would have to leave at about 4:45. That would be quite a struggle for us, especially me (getting up at 8:00 A.M. is difficult for me to do on a daily basis). The flight was a total of twenty-one hours and thirty-nine minutes, and it contained two layover stops. The Munich airport was beautiful and, as usual, I set off the security alarm. They used the wand on me, but there was nothing there... AGAIN! We loaded the plane and arrived in Ataturk International, an airport in Istanbul, at 11:15 A.M. We had a three-hour and thirty minute stop and we walked around to see what this airport had to offer. To be honest, it wasn't the nicest airport, and we decided to go back to our gate to take naps. We then loaded the plane at 2:45 P.M. and arrived in Washington Dulles International at 7:10 at night. This flight was confusing because of the time zones as it was an eleven hour and twenty-five minute flight, but based on the actual times it looks like it was less than five hours. I tried explaining it to Grace for at least an hour, but she never fully understood. We were basically crying when we loaded the final trip that would take us home to RDU. Our trip would be officially over, and that was hard to accept. The five of us loaded the plane sluggishly and took a seat. I swear I saw Logan and Ella shed a tear. That flight was extremely exhausting and depressing that we all closed our eyes and fell asleep. When we woke up we were back in North Carolina, meaning the best trip of our lives was over. We walked off the plane and to the exit of the airport. We weren't happy to have left Germany, but it was amazing to see our family again! We all hugged goodbye and walked in separate directions. Our trip to Germany was over, but would never be forgotten. This nation left us with indelible memories of an outstanding time! I don't think any other trip will ever measure up to the fun we experienced!

leaving Germany