Day 1: Flight Follies

Saturday morning came very early for our group as we met just outside the Irving Gymnasium at 2am. The efficiency with which we managed to load luggage and students on to the bus, in the dark and while only semi-awake, was impressive. Even more so was the fact that no one slept in and we could happily avoid having to drag anyone bodily from their beds. Although the seeds of excitement had clearly been sowed, the trip to Moncton Airport was quiet, most of us opting to catch a few Z’s while still under the cloak of darkness.

We arrived at the airport on time but it took us quite a while to get checked in. We heard the boarding announcement for our flight while joining the line-up to get through security! Luckily security went much more smoothly than our check-in and we were through in no time. There was a brief discussion regarding full-body scanning and we wondered whether or not we would be treated to the experience in Newark. The Cooper girls had the added pleasure of seeing their aunt, who wished us all a great trip, at our gate! The flight to Newark was even less eventful than the bus ride and more than a few of us were caught sawing logs with our mouths open, in that classic head tilted-back, only pseudo-comfortable airplane pose.

Having only about an hour connection between flights, the group was primed for a speedy exit off the aircraft. Theresa wowed all with her speed walking prowess, while the rest of us struggled to keep up. Our flight was the first to land in Newark so we breezed through security and collected our bags, before heading back through security (disappointingly noticing the lack of full-body scanners).

With about half an hour to spare before boarding our flight to San Salvador, we split off in search of sustenance. Unfortunately it seemed as though we stumbled upon the most popular café in the entire airport and had to fight tooth and nail for coffee, breakfast sandwiches and fresh fruit. Bellies satisfied and our daily dose of Malarone ingested we rallied the troops (or what turned out to be most of them) to our gate. Mr. Carpenter and I experienced a moment of concern when our head count was two short and our flight just minutes from taking off. Without much delay we were reunited and excitedly boarding our flight. Excitement was briefly tempered when we realized that the in-flight entertainment could be purchased for a mere $6.

We’re still a few hours short of San Salvador and the plane is cramped. Everyone is in good spirits though and eagerly awaiting touch down and adventures to come!