To let everyone at home in the Netherlands and all my friends around the world and everyone who’s also in Seattle for the 217th AAS-meeting know I arrived safely…
First of all: thanks for all the messages through e-mail and twitter. I have a feeling I didn’t respond to everyone – though I tried – but it’s very nice to be in touch, so much appreciated! Preparing for this trip last week was rather busy to say the least, which was good in a way that I didn’t really have time to worry a lot. I did think I would find the eight hours in a small box (as Chris described it) difficult, but it turned out a comfortable flight and the hours literally flew by.
They must’ve put something in the air to relax everyone, I think. I was on the outside of a row of five girls around my age, also travelling alone. Which was good, as I did want to take a walk from time to time. In between reading, listening to music and generally enjoying the feeling I could do nothing, we were reminded to drink enough by the nice stewards. And did I mention I also got an upgrade of seat? I love my life. Here I was, on my way to Seattle, in America. The land of straight and easy streets. The land I only saw lots of on TV before. And the land of friendly and helpful people.
I only had two hours to change from Washington D.C. to Seattle, which was just enough. In between that I’ve spoken to a lot of people, including the airport crew, who asked what I’m here for. “Well, I discovered something in space and…” Meanwhile it did get dark outside eventually, though I finally got what I always wished for: more hours in a day. Miraculously I did sleep for a few hours on the second flight, as I missed the pilot announcing the outcome of The Football Game. When I arrived in Seattle it was 5am to me, so I just had been travelling for almost 24 hours. I kept telling my body: ‘it’s 8pm, it’s 8pm’ and when even my phone started lying to me (apparently it changes to local time automatically), I gave in.
Thanks to a lovely lady called Ann, whom I met on twitter of all places, I found my train and taxi easily and am currently typing this from my very great hotel room. It’s big, it smells nice, it has a marvellous view – on the Space Needle – and the bed made me feel like sleeping on clouds. And the complimentary newspapers reads that apparently ‘we’ won: The Seattle Seahawks beat the not-likely-to-beat Saints from New Orleans. Just so you know. I haven’t met up with any of the people I am going to meet the next couple of days, but that’ll probably change later today. So here I am, on a Sunday morning in Seattle, and now I’m going to take it all in.
A special wave to Cassie, the friendly girl I met in the plane, to Chris, who has booked this wonderful trip and to everyone for the mentions on twitter. To all the people in the Netherlands: some of my visit will probably appear on a few radio stations and in De Volkskrant in any case. Bye for now!
Hotel view on the Space Needle (especially arranged by Chris!). Picture: Hanny van Arkel.
4 Comments
Hi Hanny – and welcome to Seattle! I’m here too, writing for the BBC’s website, and was hoping to catch up with you for a quick chat about your visit, perhaps even Sunday evening during the reception? Thanks!
Was nice to meet you JP!
It’s amazing what sort of folks you can meet on an airplane.
I’m very glad you’re enjoying Seattle!
Thanks Cassie!
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