Even though I consider myself a travel expert, there are a few situations that can make me feel a bit overwhelmed. Arriving in a foreign country, especially one I’ve never been to before, can sometimes be complicated. And if the airport is far from the city where I need to go, that might make it a little harder. If that country uses a different alphabet than the Latin one — like in Russia, Thailand, or Cambodia — that definitely increases the discomfort level. Not only am I unable to read the signs, but I also can’t even attempt to sound them out in my head to make them feel more familiar.

Last week, I disembarked the plane in St. Petersburg, Russia, after a long day of traveling from Madrid. It was already dark outside since the sun sets at 4 p.m., and all the aforementioned scenarios were in play. Also, the pressure in the airplane had messed with my ears since I was sick, leaving me unable to hear for a few hours after landing. So yeah, I was a little bit stressed about next steps… until I remembered that I have something like a routine for times like this. I haven’t had to use it in a while, but I knew what I needed to do. [Read more…]