My journey started with three long flights, taking me through four different airports. Now, as a person well-versed in travel, I did not expect to be very amused by this process. How I was wrong!
It all started in State College. The airport was so small and so cute! Everything was housed under the same roof- departures on one side and arrivals on the other—and you could see the conveyor belt for baggage reclaim right from the registration desk. My favorite part: no gate number printed on my ticket because there is only one gate!
It was a nice and quiet morning, with only a few people wandering through the airport building. No lines. No hustle and bustle that I’ve come to expect from airports. Just a cozy little cafe where I had my last American breakfast for a while (bagel with peanut butter, how I’ll miss you) and a beautiful ceiling with a painted blue sky and big glass panes letting in sunlight.
All packed up and ready for adventure.
The only challenge came during the security check—I had to unpack and take-out all of my equipment! But the people working there were so friendly and helpful, helping me get through security as smoothly as possible with all my microphones, laptops, and miles of wires. Once I was through, I could once again see my mom, who was seeing me off, through a glass wall. It was too thick for sound to pass, so we had to talk on the phone, which felt quite silly but somehow also exciting. It was nice that she got to watch me all the way to the gate, and maybe even as I walked to the plane. It was bittersweet, leaving again just a couple days after I got home from Penn State, and also thrilling, as I embarked on my way to Krakow.
University Park Airport: 9/10 stars
A little bit over an hour later I was in Detroit. Now, this airport was the opposite of State College—it was a city! I knew I had enough time for my layover, but after 20 minutes of walking towards my gate, I was getting slightly concerned. Now, in addition to the incredibly big terminal, I must admit that I made a lot of stops to admire the wonders of the Detroit Metro Airport. The name is accurate: the airport does indeed have a metro! There were two trains that went hurrying along the second floor, startling me every time they passed overhead.
There was also a fascinating underpass, which flashed every color of the rainbow while playing what appeared to be a playlist of the 70s hits. Superstition came on as I was walking through, and I was happy to dance along. I must admit, I did feel for the less-awake, jet-lagged travelers who appeared less amused by this display of color and sound.
Once I emerged on the other side, the atmosphere was completely different. There was a fountain bubbling sweetly. Next to it stood a white grand piano, and there was a man playing classical pieces. I don’t know who he was or why he was there, but I loved every second of it. I have never seen a scene more classy.
As I was trekking through the airport down to my gate, it didn’t cease to amaze me.
Detroit Metropolitan Airport: 8/10 stars
Eight hours, two movies, and one nap later, I was in Amsterdam. Or, more specifically, in Schiphol, the Amsterdam airport. As soon as I stepped off the plane, I could tell I was in a different world. Everything around me was stylish. The people were stylish—not just how they dressed, but how they walked, talked, and ate. Everything, from the main hall of the airport to the doorknob in the bathroom was stylish.
And lounges everywhere. Chairs, armchairs, couches, loungers, furniture of every shape and size to relax on as you wait for your flights. Outlets and chargers everywhere as well. There were also designated zones: the internet station, for example, with computers available for use, the quiet area, and—even—a library section! The library wasn’t very big, but it was cozy and full of readers and of books in different languages.
Nice relaxing/charging area; note the library (!) sign in the back.
As much as I was enjoying the atmosphere, I was feeling pretty tired by then. It was past midnight back in the US, but here the sun was only rising. I bought myself a hot chocolate and a croissant for an energy boost and settled down into one of the comfy loungers by the window. My mind was very confused by my sleepy state contrasted with the bright break of day. I thought about the fact that we have only faced these time-zone confusion situations for the very small last fraction of human history. What a time to be alive. I immensely enjoyed my croissant and watching the sunrise.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol: 20/10 stars
Now, I have to be honest: I don’t remember anything about the Krakow Airport. I only remember the feeling of relief that I had finally arrived at my final destination. I remember coming out, with my suitcase in one hand and equipment in the other, and searching through the faces in the arrival room. And there they were!
It was Zofia, my PI here in Poland, and so was Monika from the lab and her friend Bartek. I’ve met them before on Skype, but they looked even better in real life! After brief introductions and some quick exchanges, Zofia had to run off to her own flight—she caught me right before leaving for a conference. Monika and Bartek ubered with me to my apartment and helped me to check in, taking very good care of me: helping with my bags, answering all my questions, and giving me tips about public transport and grocery stores. Throughout the next few days, their words of wisdom served me well.
Tired but content, I climbed into an unfamiliar bed. I needed to get some rest; the next day, the real adventure begins.
John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice: ???