Packing took a bit longer than expected. Having backpacked to Europe twice before, it was much more simpler to pack due to it being just for leisure. This trip was a bit more cumbersome to prepare for because of it being an education-oriented trip and having more structure that required nicer apparel that included planned trips like the United States Embassy in Paris.
In addition, the temperature in Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam varies greatly at this time of year, with the low in the 50s (fahrenheit) and the highs in the mid-70s. Due to that variance (along with packing electronics for the first time), I quickly learned that I would have to use more than the backpack that I have used in the past.
It was great re-introducing ourselves to one another in the group once everyone got to the airport. The flight to Atlanta went very smooth. Despite dreading the long wait for such an anticipated flight, the six hour layover ended up being a positive thing because I was able to network and establish relationships with my fellow colleagues. We made the most of it and fortunately, both flights were on time.
