Saturday, March 28, 2009

The Amazing Race

Suitcases packed, ready to go!

I don't think I've told you all how much I love The Amazing Race. If I were to go on a reality show that would definitely be it. So, as I sit here in D.C. enjoying our 6 1/2 hour layover I'm totally thinking that Phil will be meeting us at the finish line when we get to Addis, except that Phil will actually be Almaz and the prize will be Baby M.
When we checked in this morning in Seattle our Ethiopian experience got off to a good start because the man checking us in was from Ethiopia! He was pretty excited when he heard where we were going. I also passed my friend Dana going through security so there was a lot of friendliness during the wee hours this morning.
So far we've logged 11 travel hours (yes, I'm counting being up at 2:00 this morning as the official start of the travel day) and only have 20 more to go. Piece of cake. I scoff in the face of travel doldrums and hours of monotony. You would not believe what exciting experiences await you at Dulles International Airport! For instance, we spent a good hour and a half eating a cheeseburger. There is a Dunkin' Donuts mecca just waiting to serve overly sweetened coffee, and the 10-minute manicure shop is right across the way. I think it's reasonable to have 6 manicures, killing another hour of time.
As we've just checked in for our Ethiopian Air flight I have now set up shop across from the restrooms to get in some covert surveillance time. In this city of politicos we all know what could go down in the public bathroom and I'm not too proud to report on any incidents that may occur.
Jason has already managed to have an allergic reaction to who knows what, probably the soap in the bathroom. His finger has swollen to twice its normal size and he's quickly going through his allergy medication. This is part of the normal travel experience with Jason though. What would a trip be without an ailment to complain of?
Ooo, ooo, bathroom update...toilet paper debacle heading towards gate D. I'm on the case.
So long for now!

Blogging and doing reconnaissance
The plane's here! Can't we just get on?!

10 comments:

Jess & Matt said...

Aubrey,
I am so very excited for you. I can only imagine myself in your place sitting in DC looking at the air plane wondering when I can get on. Happy long flight!!

Unknown said...

Oh, all those suitcases remind me of our trip to Kazakhstan. I think you have more than we did....well, I am following your trip closely and can't wait to see happy pictures of Little M and you guys.

Godspeed,

Frank, Sandy and Caroline

Dawn said...

Happy travels!!!! :)

Maria and Family said...

I am sooooooooooooooooo very excited for you guys!!! We also have a layover in d.c. 8 hrs...my good friend is meeting us for lunch. I hope you guys have an awesome trip and cant wait to hear all about it ! HUGS!!!

Shauna said...

I can't wait to hear all about this journey...
I LOVE people watching at airports... so, I'm glad that you find it entertaining too.
Happy travels. Say hi to "Phil".

Sam said...

I woke up in the middle of the night last night thinking of you guys. Baby M is so blessed to be part of your family! I can't wait to hear/read about the whole trip.
Blessings,
Sam

Pam said...

Less than two hours away with over six hours to kill! Nicholas and I would have loved to have sent you off to Ethiopia from the East Coast! Guess our reunion will have to wait! For now, we're eagerly waiting to hear word of your experiences in Ethopia!

Best, Pam and Nicholas

Mama of 5 said...

I heard the good news from Sam. Conratulations and have a wonderful trip. Can't wait to see Baby M!!!
Becky Wright

Kristi J said...

so fun...hope you are having a GREAT time...Hug my Baby M for me....Let me know if you saw her when you get back...I don't even know if you know we got referral on Monday....yeah!! post pics soon...kristi

Ron & Maria said...

oh, i was dreading the 12 hour lay-over in DC but you are absolutely correct! The wait is magical, there's much people watching to do, yet it's just the 2 of you anticipating your new family member! How fun!
Can't wait to hear more!
Maria