Chronology of a Journey

I said yes.

With that simple word I set into motion the beginning of a new chapter in my life. The born and bred flatlander was heading west or east – doesn’t really matter as it is about as far away from Winnipeg as one could get – across the international date line to the tiny island nation call Timor Leste about 200 miles south of the equator just to the north of Austrailia. This was the right time and the right opportunity for me as I have been looking for a similar MHI experience since my short but memorable 5 weeks in India in 2001.

Saying yes to the unknown was difficult but at the same time I had no good reason to say no: if I had I probably would have regretted it for a long, long time. It happened quickly – after some preliminary discussions in November the famous “yes” didn’t happen until December. Once the necessary approvals for release were secured the next thing I knew I had a travel itinerary in my inbox for my journey beginning Jan 4, 2009. I think that having little time to process what I had accepted was a good thing as it allowed less time for the frequent moments of panic and sleepless nights that ensued. While I was given assurance that everything on the other side of the world was safe – the fact that I didn’t have any personal terms of reference made rationalizing what I had agreed to very difficult.

This is a recap of my journey to Timor Leste.

5:30am – my alarm finally rings. Good thing, I didn’t sleep a wink since going to bed the night before. I’m up this early as the cab is coming to pick me up at 6 to get me to the airport for my 7:30 flight to Minneapolis (MSP).

7:40am – after boarding the flight to MSP is underway.
9:50am – arrive in MSP – that was easy though my apprehension still dominate my thoughts.

I have about 3 hours or so till my next flight and the one that really tells me I going somewhere I have never been or done before – a 13 hour flight from MSP to Tokyo, Japan (NRT). I am fortunate enough to be flying business class so I can spend my time in the NWA business lounge. I do my best to wait to noon to have my first drink.

12:10pm – start boarding the flight to NRT
1:15pm – we are taxing from the terminal to the runway for our departure and I realize now that no matter what there is no turning back now. Ironically the flight path takes us north, just west of Winnipeg, thru western Canada to Alaska before crossing the Pacific Ocean.

Wpg time – 6:00pm – four and a half hours in and I’ve watched 2 movies now and anxiously look at my watch only to realize that there is still another 8 hours to go. Back to the personal entertainment system to see what’s available to kill more time.
Local Time – who knows I’m just somewhere over the vast Alaskan wilderness.

Wpg time – 12:10am we are about an hour outside of NRT before beginning our descent. What a long, long flight – only to have to circle the airport for our turn to land. I’m not tired yet in part because as we fly west we are literally ‘chasing the sun’. I won’t see darkeness until my next flight.
Local Time – approx 4:45pm Tokyo time – finally we have arrived. As soon as I walk off the plane I know I’m in a different world. However I don’t have time to savoir the moment as I only have about an hour before my connecting flight to Singapore (SIN). I have only enough time for a quick walk around the terminal, quick beer and email to my family in the lounge.

Wpg time: 2:30am
Local Time: 5:30pm – we are off on yet another long flight (8 hours) south to Singapore. Another airplane meal is served and then I try my best to get some sleep. I lay down for about 4 hours though not sure if I actually slept or not.

Wpg time – 7:15am – I have been up, give or take about 26 hours now and still have another a few hours to SIN. I’m weary but not really tired – my clock is now seriously screwed up.
Local time – 9:15pm – according to the onboard GPS we are somewhere over the Philippines.

Wpg time: 12:00pm
Local time 2:00am – finally make it to the airport hotel that was booked for me in SIN. Unfortunately I only have about 6 hours before my final flight to Dili. Enough time for the triple threat: bath, beer and bed. I think I finally get some rest.

Wpg time Jan 5, 6:30pm
Local time Jan 6, 8:30am – finally board the final flight of my long, long journey. Only 3.5hours more and I will make it to my destination.

Local time Jan 6, 2:00pm – I have arrived! After 25 hours in the air and countless other hours waiting to get back in the air I have made it. My first impression: We’re not in Kansas anymore Toto.

My journey begins now. Stay tuned.

So many miles, and a home left behind
Into a different world, and a new life to find.