Layover

Well folks. It looks like my trip is not over. Stuck in Cinncinnati..will explain later.

I spent yesterday at another highschool in the Oakland school system. It was definately the toughest one. I could just feel the tension in the neighborhood surrounding the school. As I pulled onto the street three "thug-like" guys locked eyes with me (while still in my car) and gave me this hard cold evil stare. I park, and start walking to the school, but I see them from accross the street and they make some gesture with their hands towards me. I'm not sure if it was like a sexual "come here baby" kinda gesture, or aa agressive "who do you think you are coming into our neighborhood, you white girl" kinda gesture. Either way, I didn't want to find out, so I quickly slipped inside the school.

The school itself was really safe. I observed a few teachers and all but one, the one black teacher seemed to have full control of the classroom. One of the good teachers had her students working on essays on computers, while the other one had them working on a community mapping project. He was cute. But I digress.

I got to see the other side of Oakland. It was a little bit scarier. Like, I said the school was safe, but I could feel the tension outside. Maybe because I felt targetted, or maybe because I have a sense for that kind of stuff. Either way, I'm glad I got to see that. It will really help in making my decision.

I also got an interview from Charleston South Carolina, for a similar program. Everyone that I mention this to tells me how great and pretty of a city Charleston is. I guess I'll have to look into it some more.

I leave the school and head to the rental car place. After stopping twice to try to find food(but parking was so outrageous-at 25 cents for 5 minutes) I went to where the rental car place was. I was late to the train that was to take me to San Jose, but a conductor, seeing me frazzled and panicky tells me that the train i missed stopped at every stop, whereas the one leaving now was an express. There would be a stop where our train would pass the train I needed to be on, so I could get off and wait for that train to catch up. Anyways, it worked and I made it to the airport with plenty of time to spare.

The first flight was terrible. 9:15-10:15. I've been having sinus issues for quite a while, but it was never more then a mere annoyance. Somehow, my sinuses, when up in the air, did not hurt my head or nose as much as it did my teeth/jaw. OHMYGOSH it felt like I had multiple cavities in each teeth. I know I'm not the best at oral hygiene, but I do not think I have any dental problems. The next flight, 11:45-6:50(but it was only three hours long due to time zones) was even worse. I was in perpetual pain the entire time. Once I landed in Cinn., it hurt even to touch my face. So when the opportunity knocked I struck while the Iron was hot. Yep, two cliches in one sentence.

Over the announcements, they tell us that the Albany flight is booked, but that they are offering a $400 travel voucher for anyone who would take a later flight. I come to find out that later flight means taking a flight to Hartford, Conn. and then having a taxi take me to Albany. Either way, it made sense to take it, so I could give my sinuses a rest, and time for medicine to kick in. Plus, $400 for sitting in an airport for 6 hours, that sounds like a good use of my time!!! I ask if its possible if I can get put up in a hotel room for the afternoon. I know it sounds silly, but I wanted a bed to rest in, since I took a red eye flight and only got 3 hours of sleep if that. I also know that they will do almost anything to get you to give up your seat. Well, instead of a hotel, I get access to the "Delta elite club" which is basically like a cruise ship, minus the seasickness and paying for alcoholic drinks. I could get trashed right now and not have to pay a dime, but no I am online...hmm I really need to reevaluate my priorities. I also got some food vouchers, so I think I'm going to take myself to Outback Steakhouse. Should be a good time.

I spoke with my Cousin David yesterday. He's my father's cousin. He is very into traveling and upon hearing that I'm going to South East Asia, and to the school that he helped finance, he has arranged for me to go to the school(in Cambodia) and do a little touring. I am soooo excited!!! Just in talking to him, I got excited about the trip. He has always been a traveler, and wants to encourage it in both me and my brother. Its good that someone in the family wants to encourage that! Anyways, I was really glad to talk to him about traveling and culture and stuff. If nothing else, its the first time we have ever spoken as adults, so that was fun as well. I also have been speaking alot with my Great Uncle Burt, who is David's father, because he is also pivitol in my arrangements in Cambodia. I can't wait!! I am so grateful to both of them for all their help and support!!!

Ok, off to eat, or drink, or just lounge around in this "elite club". I'll probably write again though, since I want to get my money's worth.