Notes on a plane

Posted on October 18, 2012 by Miss Lucy

9:37pm EST 10.17.12

It’s almost ten pm est and I cannot sleep. Not sure where I am. In the sky somewhere, on my way to Frankfurt. I did really good with this flight. I made it to the airport on time. Checked my one suitcase and it was smooth sailing from there.

I will say though, connecting flights on extended trips like these are the worst. I flew from Atlanta to Newark and now to Germany. I want to sleep but I can’t. Had I gotten a direct flight like when I flew to London, I would be knocked out right now.

I’ve watched two movies: Brave and People Like Us. I read a few chapters from The Perks of Being a Wallflower. And I listened to Tony Braxton and Adele. Now I don’t know what to do. These seats hurt my back and it’s too cold to lean my head against the window. I want to stretch my legs so bad. Ugh.

“Close your eyes and think of me and you.” That worked once. Lets see…

11:10pm EST

It didn’t work. Well, kinda. I slept through about eight Stevie Wonder songs.

Our male flight attendant is really funny. Earlier for dinner he announced that we’d be having steak and potatoes. I started doing a happy dance in my head. When the female attendant came around, I was more than eager to tell her that I wanted steak. I figured, although lobster would be amazing, it would be too messy. So imagine my surprise when she asked if I wanted beef or chicken. Im sorry?! He tricked meee! Well, trick me once, shame on you. Trick me TWICE, shame on me. For breakfast, we were supposed to have bacon and eggs. Instead, we got the smallest croissant ever created and a bowl of fruit. Ashton, where are you?

5:55am CEST 10.18.12

We landed an hour early in Frankfurt. Long story short, I got to see my good friend Bessie, rode on the autobahn and walked around a bit. I will be back!

2:15pm CEST 10.18.12

Dude!!! Lufthansa is THE best airline I have ever flown on! No seriously. Does it get better than this?! After spending a few hours in Frankfurt with my friend Bessie, I boarded the flight to Nigeria. Immediately I noticed the wide aisles and seats. When we took off, I noticed that Germany has so much more greenery than America. More and more, America is becoming less appealing to me.

I’ve been fighting the urge to fall asleep for some time now. I don’t want to be jet-lagged so I’m staying awake or at least trying to. I took a quick nap and when I looked out of my window, I saw nothing but white tops! The Alps, perhaps? I don’t know but it was beautiful.

The flight attendant announced that we would be served a light lunch. That was definitely unexpected. I heard the menu and assumed that maybe this lady is a prankster like the attendant on my previous flight. But NO. I really received lamb. LAMB. Actually, there was nothing “light” about my meal. I’m so shocked and happy!!! The best part is that there is FREE wine and no one asked me for ID!!! Yup, I’m slightly tipsy but its okay.

The flight attendant just convinced me to continue eating this raspberry cream thingie. I’m not a big fan of sweets but its…interesting.

Oh, I forgot to mention about this hot wet wipe. I saw the attendant coming down the aisle with it but I had no idea what for. After observing the people, I realized it was to wipe your face. I guess a quick clean up. I don’t know. I followed the crowd.

I’m watching the absolute worst movie: Moonrise Kingdom. Meh!!!!

I want more wine and I’m ready to sleep the rest of the way.

As a departing “light snack”, they offered a slice of pizza. I kindly declined. There is too much going on in my stomach right now. I did take the gummy bears and chocolate. Best. Treatment. Ever.

6:33pm WAT 10.18.12

Landed in Lagos without any issues. There was a man waiting for me when I arrived. Not much to say about it just yet except that traffic is truly a nightmare. I should probably not complain about Atlanta traffic in comparison to how long I spent in the car.

11:55pm WAT 10.18.12

I am finally getting sleepy. Everyone else is knocked out. Tomorrow is a new day, new adventure.

It’s official

Posted on October 3, 2012 by Miss Lucy

I am exactly two weeks away from my ten-day trip to Africa. Lagos, Nigeria to be exact.

I. AM. SO. EXCITED.

It’s been a long time coming but this is for a super special occasion. My best friend Bekky is getting married!!! *body rolls*

I’m TOO happy for her. She is a great gal and an even greater friend. I cannot wait to celebrate with her and Deji on this new chapter in their lives.

Click here to visit their wedding website. Wish them well!

Weekend at a glance – family #48

Posted on August 9, 2012 by Miss Lucy

First of all, I’d like to thank you all of YOU for reading my little ole blog. Seriously. I hit over 50K views over the weekend. I’m sure that doesn’t mean anything to you but it means a lot to me. I’ve only been seriously blogging for two years and I’ve come a long way. I’m never satisfied so more fine tuning to come! ^___^

Last weekend, I spent some time with family in South Florida. I have a ridiculously large family. There’s never enough time in a visit to spend with everyone but what can you do.

At one of the rest stops, I saw this AMAZING bouquet in the restroom of all places. That was definitely the cleanest rest stop I’ve ever been to.

I’ve never really been a lover of animals but I finally found a dog that I love. His name is Cookie and he’s the sweetest little thing! Although I still haven’t warmed up to him actually touching me, I did take him out for a run or two. We really bonded…I totally miss him.

My grandfather turned 79 last month! BOSS.

Just a few of my cousins that I got to see. Random fact: I am the second grandchild of seventeen grandchildren. There are seven GREAT-grandchildren. I repeat, I, 27-year-old Lucy, am the second grandchild of seventeen. There are seven great-grandchildren. I am childless. Folks are out there putting in work.

My cousins: Bryna, Bry’Ann and baby Bryce (#17). They annoyed me but I love them to pieces!

We ended up going to a resort in Kissimmee, FL but I could not stay. I hope they had a blast at Disney World.

Weekend at a glance: memorial #42

Posted on May 30, 2012 by Miss Lucy

I will never drive my car to Florida again.

This may or may not be a lie.

But seriously. Atlanta -> Orlando -> Tampa -> Fort Lauderdale -> Miami -> Tampa -> Orlando -> Atlanta. TOO. MUCH.

For a last minute trip, it was pretty swell. Minus some moments. *cough* south beach and the face eater *cough*

Celebrated my friend Eve’s birthday. Woot!

Had drinks at the bar with Marco.

Got silly at Fort Lauderdale beach.

Chilled with some cousins.

Had brunch with my oldest best friend, Santra.

Splash time at Sunny Isles Beach, Miami.

And made it back home just in time (literally) to see Robert Glasper perform at the Atlanta Jazz Festival.

Good times.

Make time for yourself

Posted on December 27, 2010 by Miss Lucy

I hate being bored. I’d prefer busy work over being bored because at least the time would fly by. Something about being still that equal total boredom for me. And maybe it’s because I don’t have a television or computer to occupy my time right now but the thought of just being still just freaks me out. I’d rather sleep for fear of going mad.

In the book Eat, Pray, Love, the author retells the stories of her time abroad in Italy. She experienced what was unheard of in America: “Il Dolce Far Niente” which translates to mean the art of doing nothing. Reading that the Italian people actually planned days of nothingness, I was left a little perplexed. Who does that? Who has time to waste? And then I remembered my trip to Belize and how easily I forgot how much more I was at peace.

Belize 2009

My one week in Belize left me feeling like I just spent 500 hours at the spa. How reassuring to be able to wake up each morning and not dread going to work. How calming would it be to be able to sit down each morning and enjoy breakfast and not check your email while rushing out of the door. How amazing is it to be able to appreciate sunrises and sunsets. How easy is it to take the little things for granted because we are busy. Too busy for our own selves.

“Stand firm. It’s funny how easily time alone turns into something else—but remember, when it comes to solitude, two is a crowd.”

A good friend of mine took a week-long trip to Dubai BY HERSELF. Talk about JEALOUS. I was green with envy! Especially after getting the play by play of pictures. But that is one thing I admire about her the most: her ability to take time out for herself and be perfectly ok alone. That is one thing I have not mastered yet.

After reading this article about solitude, it’s becoming clear how important it is to have time alone. Time to reflect and meditate. Time to enjoy doing nothing. My friend has inspired me to put into desire into action: to take one solo trip next year. Somewhere where I do not know anyone. Time for myself to really think about the things I put away in the back of my mind on a daily basis. Time to embrace solidarity.

Hopefully taking time out to be alone will be something I can continue to do throughout my lifetime. Whether it is taking a day off to go to the spa or just staying at home and resting. And also whatever works for you. Take time to do what you like to do but never have time to do. But make sure that it is YOU time. Cut yourself some slack. You deserve it.

London 2010

Posted on August 4, 2010 by Miss Lucy

I was given the opportunity to fly to London, England to vacation with my Nigerian family. I will forever be grateful to them for being ever so hospitable to me and for showing me a good time.

Despite some bumps in the beginning (having my flight cancelled, missing one day from my trip and being detained by immigration for three hours), I was determined to enjoy my stay. But for sure, Delta will never hear great things from my lips!

I didn’t want to look or act like a tourist so I didn’t visit most of the places typical of Americans like The Buckingham Palace. Instead, I focused on observing the people who surrounded me and tried to compare their culture to American culture. Here are a few of my random observations:

There were no trash cans anywhere! I guess we Americans liter too much.
Lots of elderly people taking the bus. In America, our elderly drive brand new cars. Why? IDK!
The houses reminded me of New Jersey style architechture.
The weather was partly cold and dreary upon arrival, which I hear is typical.
All the different areas (i.e. Liester Square vs times Square and train station) reminded me of NYC.
I was expecting to see more beautiful people. Judge me harshly.
Food tasted very light. Almost diety. Even McDonalds was fresh.
People are not friendly. Got the whole NYC vibe again.
I expected to see more fashion forward people on the streets. Not at all.
Our American dollars mean nothing to them. But hey, they get free healthcare.
I noticed a lot of young people with children. Ahhh, just like home.
Everyone has to ride on the right side of the escalator OR ELSE.
Oxford Street looks like SOHO in NYC. Who copied who???
Cars are all compact. Space must be reeeally important.

There was really not enough time to enjoy all that London had to offer but the time I spent with the people I care for was a time well spent. Thanks for the memories.

Enjoy the pictures!

Oxford Street or was it Picadilly Circle?

Me, Bekky and Monique

Loughborough University graduate, Relly Rells

It's Kim Kardashian!! Aka Bekks.

the birthday girl, mum Abi

off to NYC

Delta, You Are on my LIST!

Posted on July 28, 2010 by Miss Lucy

I’ve been convinced to write a letter to Delta about my experience with them and their service.

A few weeks ago, I made a trip to London for vacation. I chose to fly Delta because they seemed to be the cheapest at the time and I wanted a direct flight.

So I’m all excited about this trip. On July 13, I got to the airport with enough time to spare before my 11pm flight. My friends friend just so happened to be on my flight as well so I had company. As soon as we get comfy in our seats, we hear an announcement that everyone has to get off of the plane and switch aircrafts because there is a problem with the black box. Thoughts of 9/11 cross my mind as I quickly make them disappear. Shortly thereafter, we were told that the flight was now cancelled because the part needed to fix the plane was in HONOLULU! Hello….I thought we were switching aircrafts? Ok fine. I questioned them on how we patrons would be relieved due to the inconvenience. I was told to wait in line for hotel, food and transportation vouchers. SWEET! I start walking to the line ahead of me. If I knew that I would’ve been waiting in line for THREE hours, I would’ve called my ride a long time ago. Not only were we waiting in line for hours, not one Delta representative came to inform us on what was going on with our situation.

My flight was rescheduled for the following evening, July 14 at 6pm. You won’t believe that they tried to cancel it again due the the weather conditions in Atlanta. At that point, I was ready to go back home. But literally less than five minutes later, someone came on the loud speaker and said they would be ready to board passengers shortly. Bipolar much?!

By this time, I’m somewhat over this trip. Luckily nothing happened on the way there. I was thoroughly fed and watched movies until my eyes burned.

Finally get to Heathrow airport in London. Got to the front of the line at immigration and then BAM! Drama.

To make a long story short, the lady trying to get me through customs did not feel that I gave her enough information. The fact that I only had $20 cash on me and did not pay for my plane ticket raised a red flag for her. Cultural differences I suppose. But I’m not a newbie to traveling and I’ve never been handled in that way. She was rude and I dished it right back.

Me: Why are you so rude?

Her: Why are you so evasive?

Me: Because I’m American!!!!

Did I do thaaaat?

After being photographed (cheese!), finger printed and then interviewed, I was released. I reeeeally wanted to ask her if she believed in karma at my exit but I kinda wanted to get back home safely.

So basically, not so much fun initially. NOW! How do I go about writing a letter of complaint to Delta? HELP!

Mini Vacay

Posted on July 8, 2010 by Miss Lucy

Earlier this week, I visited Charleston, SC. I simply fell in love with that place.

When we got there, my friend and I definitely hit up the historic district of The Battery and walked along the shore.

There was a little fountain area where we saw children playing. But this guy right here had to be way more excited than the kids.

I noticed that everywhere we walked, people were weaving baskets. I stopped on Market Street to ask this lady what the significance of the baskets. She told me that it came from the slaves in West Africa that were brought over to South Carolina.

Of course we did all the touristy stuff like walking up and down for hours, stopping along the way to take in everything. A few of the things I really appreciated about Charleston were: