Big Plans to Discovering Airport Living in Moscow, Russia

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After what happened to my passport (I got it “New” when I went on my trips to Jordan and Palestine early 2015) and spilling juice on it in Japan that caused me to get detained in China and run around between embassies.

I had to go back to New York City for one day before my flights to Russia and Turkey to get my other passport (a Jordanian passport) that I made for any emergencies and to visit some more places visa-free. Lucky me, I decided to create one. Otherwise, my world tour would have ended in the first quarter of it.

I was jetlagged like crazy; imagine going to a new city every. Single. Day.

I spent 9 hours in new york before I headed back to the airport again. I had so many souvenirs, so many clothes that needed washing, and so many memories with me.

I re-checked my documents, new luggage, new clothes, a new attended, and headed to the airport. I was planning to meet with some friends and family members. I wasn’t able to catch up with all of them because of the limited time I had.

From Newark to Moscow was my first flight. When I checked in with my flight with my new passport, I could not leave the airport until my next flight to Istanbul! I was shocked. I planned to go to the red square, researched so much online how to take the train, from where to where, what to see, the map, the money needed, river cruise, museums, and where to eat (in a beautiful restaurant near the river with a magnificent view).

Not every passport has the same privileges, so with my new Jordanian passport, I was not able to leave Sheremetyevo International Airport for TWO DAYS before my flight to Istanbul! 🙁

At that point, I felt indestructible, after what I went through in Asia. I felt fearless (I can’t lie, but my heart ached inside A lot). I spent months researching the best places to inhale most of Russia or Moscow in particular.

The good part about this is that I got to explore that vast airport.. all of it.. everywhere.. and picked the best seats to see the beautiful sunset in the morning and sunrise in the evening from my (what I made my territory) corner with an all-glass wall pointing to the direction of the sun. (Best. View. Ever.)

I became friends with the cafe guy. (he was cute, but we had a language barrier, unfortunately) we communicated with primary sign language, pointing to the coffee that I wanted and the croissant behind the glass. We had eye contacts and shared laughter when something weird happens when we see a drunk traveler acting strangely, and when a guy accidentally enters the women’s restroom. Unfortunately, he had to go home at 3 am.

Most shops open at 6 am, so I just went to explore the airport, going around and around and around. When I lose internet service, I go back to where I can get it back; airport hotels were FULL; they had the most extended waiting list ever. I went on a journey to exchange money, searching around between closed shops.

My lunch: Strawberry crepes with some weird, delicious cheese and mint 😀 (living the unprivileged life makes you feel the energy and love it, even in your worst situations)

I wasn’t sad that I missed going to some famous museum. I had one right at the airport 😀

Matryoshka doll (Russian dolls) <3

and some cool views

I met terrific travelers; some looked at me like some weird girl who kind of looks homeless and lost but doesn’t, the Russian alcohol sellers girls who kept staring at me. I can imagine them thinking, “why won’t she buy any Vodka already?”

I met people from so many diverse backgrounds; my favorites were the Cuban family supposed to be on the same flight as me. Since Aeroflot LOVES changing departure locations, we were lost together, and if they didn’t give it to my attention, I would’ve missed my flight too (I don’t want to think about what could’ve happened to me if that happened)
Anyways, they inspired me with all their stories about their life in Cuba. I became more interested in Cuba ever since I met them.

I bored to the ground :S

Russians refused to speak to me in English even when they talked to other travelers in English right in front of me; they thought that I was initially Russian but refused to speak with my mother tongue. The weirdest part is I understood what they said; I guess it was their body movements that helped me know what they were saying. (even the flight attendants.. they “hardcore” rejected speaking English to me)