Rob has landed

After all the legwork was done, it was time to leave for Germany. I was able to get a direct flight from Charlotte, NC to Frankfurt, Germany. I arrived at the airport and checked in. I knew it was going to be close but my luggage was 6 lbs over the weight limit. I took out my military orders, showed them to gentleman behind the counter and 'voila', the fee was waived. The flight was 45 minutes late for regular maintenance, so my mind starts to think the worst. But they finally let us on and we took our seats. I was wedged between two people, one of whom didn't hardly say a word the whole flight and never left his seat, the other a very tall guy who probably got up 8 times. I just decided to go into my own little world and watch the tv that was provided. The flight itself was 8 1/2 hours and no turbulence, but I still only got 1 hour of sleep. Upon arrival I was a little nervous, never being to Europe and realizing that I knew no German and it might be a bit dicey trying to communicate with anybody. I got off the plane and followed the rest of the crowd to the customs area. The gentleman at customs probably said two words to me, in english, and I was on my way again. I was able to gather my luggage and find my sponsor, Shannon Lynch, whom originally hired me. We streaked back to Landstuhl after a few wrong turns. I was tired but I couldn't sleep, I was in Germany after all, I needed to take everything in (I think I forgot that I was going to be here for two years and would have plenty of time to make see the German countryside). Upon arrival in Landstuhl, the first order of business was to drop off my luggage at my temporary residence. Ilse met us at a gas station and led us to the apartment. It was a nice two bedroom place that I was to share with another person for a couple of weeks. After that I was to move into a larger house that would accomodate my family. After unloading everything I was taken on a tour, by Shannon, of Ramstein AFB. We went to the commissary to buy some staples and got some money out of the bank. After that I was taken back to the apartment and just relaxed...but didn't sleep. I was told the best way to combat jet-lag was to stay awake the first day and that is exactly what I did.