Toalety and Cigarettes

I've finally arrived inWarsaw, Poland and I can definitely say that I've arrived in Europe! Looking out the window while landing showed a beautiful European - specifically Polish - landscape and I was immediately reminded of the awe-inspiring splendor each country in Europe has to offer. Unfortunately, this wonderment was very short lived after we departed the plane and had to wait in line for passport verification and a second security check. I guess, and this is pure speculation as I haven't ever discussed this with an actual Polish person, but line forming must not be a cultural thing here in Poland which makes for incessantly long waiting periods and what would come off as cutting in line, at least in America. After two hours of waiting in both lines and a ever-growing frustration for having to wait in yet another queue, I was determined to find a smoking area as I pretty much knew there wouldn't be public smoking sections within the airport. After walking around in circles and finally venturing into an area I thought was off-limits, I found a "Smoking Box" and was able to relieve myself of the recently accumulated stress. I had a little cross-cultural exchange of sorts within the box between a Japanese and Swedish guy who were trying to communicate with each other but unable to because of language barriers. So I offered to translate what they were saying and BAM conversation ensued. It was very fun and exciting, though I was and still am very out of it from all these layovers, flights, and line-waiting. I wished them both a pleasant journey wherever it may be taking place, and was pleased to hear from the Swede that he was glad an American had taken it upon himself to grow outside of the American stereotype; it definitely made my day as I currently feel like all eyes are on me since it's probably pretty obvious that I'm from the US.

So one thing I completely forgot was how gorgeous people were in Europe, and by people I mean men! lol. Sure, women are beautiful here, too, but they're obviously not my typical focus of attention. I feel very unfashionable which just seems to strengthen my feeling of outsidedness. But all in good time, I imagine! It is all starting to settle in as well, the fact that I am in Europe and heading over to Germany to build a new life. I am getting more than excited and cannot wait to start down this road. Well, I think that's going to be all for my airport posts, I am beat and just want to turn my brain off. I'll update again once I'm in the Fatherland!