Spring Break: Leaving Durham

Nicole made a nice breakfast of Erica and me to thank Erica for cutting her hair the night before. Then the little monkey, Erica, and I hopped down to the Durham train station recalling all of the items that we forgot in my room that weren't worth turning back for. Then we got on the train to Newcastle and transfered to the Metro and then on to the airport. No one checked our tickets... damnit. I hate when I pay and don't have to.

The airport security check was terribly simple, but they found our Nutella. We tried to smuggle it our of the country in our carry on luggage (we had so much running around to do we could not carry any more than a backpack and purse each). The security guard threw it away right in front of us... horror. Good thing they allowed us the giant loaf of bread we brought because we did not plan to actually buy food on this vacation; although, it was useless with out the chocolately goodness that is Nutella.

On the rather quick plan ride we played my Nintendo DS game Trauma Center and performed digital surgery. Then in the Olso airport Erica got hassled by customs- they think her passport says she's from China and ask why her Visa says Taiwan. We then walked around in a circle for a good hour before we saw the free shuttle bus to the train that would take us to the actual city. Why do airports say they are in a city when really they are an hour away?

While looking for the shuttle bus we met another girl from Taiwan who had the same passport issue as Erica. She was impressed with my ability to understand Mandarin. I just know when to nod, when to smile, and when to laugh. It's a gift.