Affirmation

Day 1 in Scotland: Yes, I made the right decision

Christian Vosler
A Half-Mile Ahead

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After a combined 10 hours of flying, I finally managed to complete my first study abroad goal: procuring a window seat.

My seat assignment for the flight from Amsterdam, Holland to Glasgow was 31A, the very back corner on the left side. I snuggled in, hoping that my previous two flying experiences on the trip (my first time on a plane in 7 years) hadn’t lied to me about the state of my emotions; it appeared that I had conquered by long-standing battle with acrophobia. The window seat was to be my final test. Going the entire 1 hour, 15 minute journey with my window up would prove my victory, as well as provide a substantial self-esteem boost.

Here’s an excerpt of what I wrote on my iPhone during that flight:

If I didn’t know better, I would say this was my home, the way the clouds invite walking. They could be snow, layered on a mountaintop, but stretching on endlessly, forever towards the sun. Where there are gaps, the space is filled by the deep dark of the sea below. Mixed with the shadows of the clouds above, the illusion of another world is impenetrable. I could live up here, running across the clouds, building little cloud towns and cloud villages; unburdened by weather and basking in the ever-present sun rays.

Suffice it to say, I enjoyed the heck out of that flight. The picturesque final leg of the trip was cemented further, when, during descent, we cleared the clouds and the entire mass of rolling Scotland green came into view. My phone picture wouldn’t do it justice.

The plane exit sealed the deal for me; it’s when I knew I had made the right decision to study abroad. Because the plane was so small (or maybe because KLM is a kick-ass airline), they allowed passengers to disembark from the back of the plane, down a set of steps, president-style. This means that not only had I scored arguably the best spot a flying passenger could hope for, but I also got to get off the plane first.

As I walked down the stairs to the tarmac, I was hit by a gust of refreshingly chilly, clean sea air. The feeling transcended ecstasy. Scottish air tastes different; salty and effervescent, full of soft hills and potential. Maybe it was 11 hours of breathing recycled and pressurized oxygen. Or maybe I’m where I am meant to be.

I’m aiming to write a whole lot while I’m studying abroad at the University of Glasgow, in Scotland. I won’t cover anything in particular, for now. Just what I see and hear, observations that touch me and make me think and feel deeply. I hope you’ll come along.

-Christian

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