Travel, for me, has always been an exercise in gastronomy.

First, the gradual and progressive constriction throughout my general abdominal cavity. This begins many days prior to the scheduled departure date, usually proportional to the distance to be traveled. This go-around, it began 2 weeks ago.

The next major event is typically the morning of travel, when Jessica’s appetite plummets precipitously. This stage does not abate until after passing through security, at which point the esophageal sphincter opens with a palpable whoosh and Jessica can consume large quantities of food in short periods of time.

Current stage? Somewhere between steps 2 and 3. Stomach growling, but appetite waning. This state of GI limbo quite accurately matches my current travel state, as I sit along the windows of the departures area in the international terminal at Chicago’s O’Hare airport, sandwiched between the sliding glass doors and TSA’s beckoning hand waves.

I purchased my transoceanic flight from an up-and-coming (read new-and-obscure) airline that has limited hubs, so I had to purchase my flight from Minneapolis-St Paul to Chicago separately. Traveling on separate itineraries is a bit of a gamble, for the safety of missing a connecting flight due to airline delays is not in place for the separate legs of the journey. Because of this (and because I’m a worrywart) I planned a 6-hour layover in Chicago to ensure I had plenty of time to grab my bags, change terminals, check in for an international flight, and re-enter through security.

Mission accomplished.

I’ve now killed 20 of the 120 minutes I was told I’ll have to wait to check in.

*sigh*

I’ve been hoping and planning for a trip that would help me stretch. So far, sitting in terminal 5 has been an effective primer: I’ve heard no fewer than 5 languages, observed a dozen different fashion styles ranging from saris to Elvis t-shirts, and seen hundreds of people who in a matter of hours will be in many different countries. What a quick way to feel small!

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Next stop, Reykjavik!