72 Hours in Switzerland: Part I

05:30- Wake up

06:30- Leave

07:30- Arrive to Airport

09:25- Flight Take off

Let's start with the fact that my flight was at 09:25, mY gate closed at 08:50, and I arrived to Madrid's airport at 08:36. By all things logical, I was not making my flight. How did this happen? I got on the wrong train —confidently.

LESSON ALERT: Don't be afraid to ask questions! A simple "Does this train take me to Nuevos Ministerios?" would have saved me 45 minutes lost from going in the wrong direction. When you ask questions, you are not admitting defeat; you’re seeking clarity.

I'm on the wrong train for three stops before I realize the error of my ways. (Something felt wrong, but I was so sure I mapped my trip properly and was on the right platform.)

LESSON ALERT: Trust your gut. Trust your instinct. Trust yourself, especially when in a foreign land.

I get off after the third stop and hastily walk to the other platform for the train that will actually take me to the airport. The marquee says it won't come for another 10 min. It is now 07:30. Yikes.

The train comes at 07:40. I am now scheduled to arrive at the airport BY 08:36. I am foolishly sitting on the train -knee bouncing, upper brow sweat forming, worry lines creasing- as I convince myself I can still make it. "IT". The airport, my flight, life. I can make it. The level of anxiety is rising each minute that passes that I am not where I need to be. As time seems to be moving faster and everything around me slower, I come to the conclusion that I will NOT make my flight. By this point, my thoughts are only expressed in Maury Povich's voice.

You are NOT punctual. You are NOT making this flight. You are NOT taking another trip this month. You are just NOT.

I finally arrive at the airport. 08:36. I am flying down the corridors trying to find the security checkpoint. I finally locate it...and the long line of passengers pouring out of it. 08:40. I literally have 10 minutes to get through security before my gate closes. All hope is lost. I'm trying to figure out how much another ticket will cost. Then I see a TSA agent! All in Spanish, I tell her my flight leaves in 10 min and I would really appreciate her help.

LESSON ALERT: I asked for help. Look at the results.

This absolute angel...she moves into action without further explanation. She tells me to follow her. She grabs the gray bins and throws them on the ramp. She starts grabbing my belongings from me and assembling them correctly to be scanned. I've never seen someone move so quickly in my life, especially on behalf of my unpreparedness. I made it through security in under 5 minutes. I made my flight (barely) and had a grand time with my friend in Switzerland. STAY TUNED FOR PART II, WHEN WE VISIT MAISON CAILLER, AN INTERACTIVE CHOCOLATE FACTORY!

#BlackGirlsTravel