Day 1- I'm Leaving On A Jet Plane

"All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go,

I'm standing here outside your door,

I hate to wake you up to say goodbye.

But the dawn is breaking, It's early morn

The taxi's waiting, He's blowing his horn

Already I'm so lonesome I could die.

So kiss me and smile for me,

Tell me that you'll wait for me,

Hold me like you'll never let me go.

Cause I'm leaving on a jet plane

I don't know when I'll be back again,

Oh babe, I hate to go."

-John Denver

Even though today was primarily a travel day, it was still superb!

I made it to Bradley in plenty of time for my flight. I was amazed that I got through my check-in and security under 20 minutes! My first flight was from Hartford to Cleveland.

Traveling around with my mando definitely has perks! It’s a great conversation starter and I met a violinist who was traveling to Phoenix as well.

I also got bumped up to a first class seat for the flight from Cleveland to Phoenix. Holy moly! What a bougie (but amazingly awesome) way to travel!!! I had no idea of what to expect. I was the first on the plane. I had a ginger ale in my hand before take-off. I had a hot towel delivered to me during the beginning of the flight, along with free beer and hot salted almonds. Then they brought out a penne pasta dish with salad, fresh fruit, a roll and a choice of Cabernet or Pino Grigio. This was followed by a free hot chocolate chip cookie. And I got to watch the movie ET and Seinfeld the whole trip! Did I mention everything was free?!?!?!? First class even has its own bathroom. I did feel uncomfortable as everyone else was walking by me to load the plane. I’m still more at ease in a working class dive bar than sitting in a first class seat on a plane.

So I’ve landed in Phoenix and am spending the night in Mesa. Not sure what adventures I have in store for me tomorrow. Below are some of my favorite pictures from the flight, including the clouds that I flew through on my way to Cleveland.

One of my favorite parts of flying is looking down on the earth. On this trip, I flew over miles and miles of flat, beautiful farmland that looked like patches on a quilt. Flying always reminds me of how big this world is and how small I am. It amazes me that I willing climb into a hunk of metal that shoots me through the atmosphere at a really fast speed. I have this urge to climb out the window and bounce around all of the clouds in the sky. My favorite mind-blowing-flying-through-the-sky song to listen to during this trip has been “Global A Go-Go” by Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros.

Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=Kx9fCxwyVws

I hope everyone had a lovely Saturday. All of the folks that I’ve met in Phoenix so far have been really tan, blond, and super friendly. I hope to meet some more characters on my trip!

 Rainy and chilly in Hartford, CT

Free beer and nuts in 1st class?  Yes please!

One of my favorite pictures.  Flying through the clouds between Hartford and Cleveland.

Free food and wine.  I feel spoiled.