BMCC 2008 Switzerland Blog

Our Final Early Rising

Written by: Shevarma Pemberton

We had a good time dancing into the early hours of the next day. And what made it even better is the fact that it was not just one or two of us. It was all of us having a good time together for our last couple hours in Switzerland. Our wake up call was scheduled for 4:30 AM and since the party did not end until 2 AM none of us had time to sleep. We just sort of rolled into the next day.

Party over, it was time to get settled and get ready to leave. It felt like quite a hassle making sure everything was in order. We got ourselves ready and then we were going to the different rooms making sure that everyone else was ready and that all rooms were cleared. We gathered downstairs where we were met by Mr. Wicki and Marianne. Then we were off to the Zurich International Airport.

At the airport we said our goodbyes and thanks, gathered our luggage and headed for the check-in area. We were through in no time at all, passed through the security check and then all that was left was the boarding of the plane. We had a little wait before departure so we just sat down and relaxed in the waiting area until our flight was announced.

This time around there was no first class treatment and all that good stuff but we had no problems getting through. On the plane I once again sat with none of the members of the group. That did not really matter much because I simply buckled in and went to sleep. I did not need company to do that. I do not think that I have ever slept on a plane before but this time it was warranted.

I have absolutely no complaints with the service on the plane. I aroused three times during the flight on account of drinks and meals. I always liked plane food and once again they did not disappoint with the delicious goodies. The first meal was pasta in a cheese sauce with pieces of chicken and then just before the flight was over we were once again served a dish, this time of a delicious pizza with lovely cheese and pasta sauce. No complaints whatsoever.

The flight was approximately 8.5 hours but I did not really feel it this time. It went by rather quickly, and that is of course owing to the fact that I was only conscious for so much of the flight. I had mixed emotions when we touched down at the JFK airport. I was ecstatic to be back home, but at the same time I was saying goodbye to my friends. I am definitely going to miss waking up to all their faces and doing everything together. My house is going to feel so empty.

We cleared immigration and went on to collect our luggage on carousel 3. We said our goodbyes while we waited because as the luggage was retrieved we parted ways. I took a cab outside the airport and headed home. And just like that my travel experience was over. Farewell Switzerland!

Going Home to my Family….

Written by: Sarah Pagan

Wow, the process of coming home is always a joy. I woke around 4:30 am and took a hot shower to open my bright brown eyes.  Afterwards, I got dressed, organized my luggage and ran downstairs to meet everybody in the lobby to leave for Zurich airport. We loaded the bus, which was driven by our friend Marianne and I happily waved good-bye to Mr. Wicki and Chur as we prepared for the 2 hour drive to Zurich.  However, within 25 minutes of the ride I feel asleep with a smile on my face and dreams of New York in my head.

Once we arrived at Zurich airport, we worked as a team to get the luggage off the bus and a couple of us gathered luggage carts in order to transport our luggage into the airport.  Once we entered the airport, it took us a few minutes to locate the American Airlines check-in desk but we eventually did and checked in out luggage. The security agent asked me a couple of questions (if the luggage was mine and if I left it with somebody to hold).  I was so grateful for Gia because she helped me with my luggage.

Afterwards, we proceeded smoothly through airport security clearance towards our departure gate and took the airtrain to terminal E 35 to wait for the plane to arrive.

As we waited I ate my portions of my sacked breakfast and  took some pictures at the airport to kill time because it took awhile before the plane to arrive. We boarded the flight around 10:00 am and didn’t leave until 11:00 am.  Once we were ready for take-off the pilot announced that we, the BMCC group, was on board and we all were very happy with the greeting. I once again felt that we owed a huge thanks to Dr. Garely, for all of her hard work and connections which made this possible. The flight to New York was very nice, although, I slept through half of the flight.

During the flight, the flight attendants served a nice meal, which included penne pasta with chicken and pesto sauce, coleslaw, and a apple square for dessert. I really enjoyed the penne pasta with chicken and pesto sauce, it was extremely tasty, but I didn’t like the apple square or the coleslaw so I left them on the side. I drank the tomato juice to give me energy (it was cold and refreshing) and then I went back to sleep to get some rest.

As we got closer to New York, they served us cheese pizza and I was surprised because I thought I was going to get another croissant with jelly like I got on the flight to Switzerland.  However, the pizza was good and I ate the whole thing with tomato juice on the side.

Once we arrived in New York at JFK airport, I reached to get my carry-on bag and left the airplane with with excitement.  We all helped each other get the luggage and I purchased a cart because I couldn’t carry all my luggage all by myself. I learned my lesson to never pack so much clothes, because I couldn’t handle it. We all said bye to each other. I headed to leave and I showed my passport to the officer and he stamped my passport and asked how long I was in Switzerland and if I had any food on me. I answered him and he let me pass. After calling my brother, he came to pick me up and I was overjoyed to see him.

When I reached home I saw my mother and sister I was so happy (I really missed them). I spent time with my family and we caught up on things. I was just happy to be home but I still enjoyed being in Switzerland….