My Antiguan Adventure

This morning was departure day, nothing crazy. Five of the girls were leaving at 4:30am for their 6:30am flight, which I obviously got up for. A few of us had decided to have a slumber party the night before so we were all in one room with the beds pushed together. Lots of fun!!

Anyways, I headed back to bed about 5:30am and didn't get up till 8am to leave for my 10:30am flight to St. Martin. That flight was nothing out of the ordinary, up, level, down. Basic flying really and it was only 30 minutes! The St. Martin airport is nestled up a fantastic little beach that had amazing views of all the airplanes landing. Kurt and I spent a little time there on our way to Antigua, but we hadn't packed bathing suits, so this time we were prepared. Kurt really wanted to see the 747 land (I dunno, some big plane lol). We planned to only be at the beach for 2 hours, so to leave plenty of time to get through security at the airport. You would think that 2 hours would be a short time in the comparison of skin exposure (especially after an entire month spent in Antigua). Well, not so much, I didn't burn once while in Antigua, but 2 hours in St. Martin and I look like a lobster (or tomato, take your pick). And yes it hurts a lot.

This is where the interesting part begins. I hadn't had much to eat, a can of manderine oranges and a fruit bar, in addition, I hadn't had anything to drink. While on the beach I was feeling VERY thirsty so I bought a bottle of water and finished it right away. Once on the airplane, I bought a sandwich and had two glasses of water. Here I am thinking I'm taking good care of myself, listening to my body, drinking water, etc. Well...apparently I hadn't had enough to drink. About half way through the flight I began to feel sick to my stomach, almost like motion sickness. Things started to sound really far away and I couldn't focus on anything. I thought I just needed to sleep it off like I had on the ferry ride to Montserrat. Next thing I know I think I'm about to upchuck my lunch, I'm fumbling for a baggie, Kurt sitting next to me is telling me to breath calmly into the bag and then everything goes black. I thought I had fallen asleep again, but apparently I passed out. Kurt was trying to wake me up by calling my name and pushing me...a minute or so later I come too, completely disorientated but feeling sicker than I ever have. Hot and cold all over.

I begin to make my way to the back of the plane where everyone is moving out of the way for me. I ask for a cold towel or something (Kurt suggested this one - he's good to have around in a near crisis situation). They immediately sit me down and give me water to drink and a cold towel. I instantly start to feel better but at this point they have to file a report. They pull out the oxygen tank and I actually get to use those little oxygen masks that are in the demos! To make a long story short, they had to call a doctor and take my pulse (which was extremely low) and determined it was a combination of sun, lack of water, and the altitude change. I felt a little embarrassed that all this attention was being showered on me, but the WestJet staff was incredible! They were super kind and helpful. They gave me lots of water, a free blanket and a lot of TLC. And, as a total bonus, they let me keep the oxygen mask for my scrapbook!

Arriving in Toronto was fine, neither Kurt nor I made our connections (it was unlikely to start). So we were both faced with spending the night in the airport. I had thought that I would be able to be on the other side, check in and what not, but that wasn’t the reality. The only hotel attached to the airport was the Sheraton, fearing a very expensive night, Kurt came through again. Because he is a WestJet employee, he gets bargains everywhere. Thank-goodness because we got a room for $99 as opposed to $270!!!

The luxury thus began. We went for a lovely swim in the pool. It was empty too, a complete bonus. We both got FREE WiFi (was $10 for 24 hours min. in the airport). Currently we are sitting at the bar, eating a delicious pizza and enjoying WiFi at 12am Toronto time. The beds are amazing (I say beds because we were able to get two double beds, which are fit for a queen!). Considering that it will cost us each $50, it is money well spent. But, I am off to bed now. It has been a long and exhausting day. Full of ups and downs and crazy adventures. I cannot believe that my time in Antigua is over and I am back in my own country (just the other side of it). I have fully enjoyed my time and am looking forward to the next phase of life. Which includes, GRADUATION in two weeks, VBS camp and working at the church, full time nannying, and waiting for the results of my application to PDP at SFU. It is all in God’s hands and I am excited for every moment that is to come