“A new world calls across the ocean,
a new world calls across the sky.
A new world whispers in the shadows,
‘Time to fly, time to fly…’”

The use of approved electronic devices is now permitted.  And as the sun sets, US Airways Flight 798 with nonstop service to Amsterdam defies the law of gravity and I am compelled to write for you.  The shoreline of the place I call home has far receded into the depths of night, and the lyrics of the opening number from Songs for a New World are drawing far too many parallels to my current situation than I care to admit (but I secretly love it).  I have wanted to study abroad since I learned what studying abroad was and it’s finally happening.  Surreal is the only word I can think of to describe my body’s reaction, but if I were to choose a soundtrack for my current emotional status it would be “Lovers in Japan/Reign of Love” from Coldplay’s Viva La Vida album (look it up, trust me this song is worth 7 minutes of your life).  I’m on an airplane, somewhere over the Atlantic at 8:43pm Boston time, mere hours away from this abstract idea becoming tangible fact.  The plane hits a patch of turbulence; the seats wobble in respectful response.  It still hasn’t hit me.  The only clue to suggest that this is an international flight is that each announcement is made in multiple languages—so far I’ve counted English, French, and either Dutch or German.  They may make announcements in Spanish too, but I tend to stop paying attention after the flight attendants have been rambling for 6 minutes straight about how the pilot has turned off the fasten seatbelt sign.  Airplanes are fascinating, aren’t they?  The only visible point of reference outside is the glow of a single light faintly illuminating the airline’s logo on the wingtip, which directs the eye just above to Venus, the only other damn thing I can see out there.  Well, “Night at the Museum 2” just ended, the powers that be have dimmed the cabin lights, and a couple about 5 rows ahead of me just ducked down to steal a few passionate kisses (I guess they didn’t think anyone would be paying attention, but at least they kept it a bit classier than the Mile High Club).  Oooh I just looked out the window again and it appears we’re passing over a small (but inhabited!) archipelago…or maybe a few schools of light-up fish?  Alright, enough blogging; it’s time to close up shop for tonight and fall asleep to the cast of Glee belting “Don’t Stop Believin”.  Tomorrow in The Netherlands…