Me duele la cabeza

This is a phrase I usually say in Spanish class or after I've just had to think so much in Spanish that my head hurts. That's what it means, for you non-Spanish speakers like me, my head hurts or I have a headache or whatever.

But today it's not because of Spanish. I've just spent the last 6 hours trying to figure out my flight home, keeping in mind that I want it cheap and the least chances of me getting "caught". I told myself that today is for sure the day I have to buy my tickets. I've been following it for the past month and although the prices have decreased a bit, it is still super expensive and I just know it's not gonna get any better.

Thankfully, I decided to buy it after work. At school today I got to talking to one of my fellow teachers about the visa, or lack thereof, issue for us in the EU. Apparently, the 90 days allowed to American passport holders is valid to the entire EU, which is considered as one country. So even if used the "I traveled to different countries within the EU that's why I don't have any stamps" excuse, it's not gonna fly. I'm supposed to be in the EU only for 90 days! And to make it even worst, I'm supposed to not come back to the EU until 90 days after. 90 days in, 90 days out. So even if I went somewhere for a weekend where I could get a stamp, it still wouldn't work. A weekend ain't 90 days! It would help your cause if you have to bullshit your way at passport control, but not completely.

This is why they say ignorance is bliss. Of course now I'm freaking out! This is why I didn't research this crap in the first place. I knew I would freak out. Thankfully my friend didn't know the consequences of being caught and I prefer to keep it that way. And I'm already here. So it's kinda too late. If I get caught, I get caught. I gotta go home someday.

So I had to change my plans. My co-teacher said that I should avoid Germany because he's known some people who got questioned there. They are apparently more strict. So he recommended to just fly right out of Madrid. But direct flights from Madrid to Chicago are ridiculous. Only Iberia flies direct from Madrid to Chicago. And today it cost $7,000!!! I am not even shitting you! But he did give me the idea of flying somewhere in the east coast...more direct flights there from Madrid.

So since 6 this afternoon, I've been searching for what felt like thousands of alternatives. I looked up New York (my top choice so I could stay and hang out for a few days), Boston, Philly, and Atlanta (thanks to Kevin who reminded me of this not so little airport I always forget about). New York ended up being way to expensive. I cannot believe it now costs $300 to fly New York to Chicago. I've never paid more than $180 for that flight before! And I cannot believe that ATA is gone! I loved ATA! That's so sad! Now I know why they haven't updated me on my miles for a while. Today Ebs gave me a refresher on the current economic status in the US and I am so far removed that I had no idea it was that bad...I didn't even know about ATA. I knew there were problems, but man! God, I hate Bush and his stupid little people.

But now I'm just rambling and ranting. I did finally decided on a flight that goes to Atlanta. It was ridiculously expensive - I think I've paid less for a trip to the Philippines and that's a long ass flight! - but it was the cheapest. Now I just gotta get my tickets from Atlanta to Chicago.

Like my good friend, Kevin, I had a to-do list for home that I wanted to post on my blog. But right now I'm just too annoyed and having complete buyer's remorse (this happens quite often when I buy something that can feed a small village for a week). But I know it's necessary. I need to go home. I want to go home. So I promise I will have a nicer post about my homecoming soon. One where I actually sound excited about it. But right now I keep seeing dollar signs and I want to vomit.

In conclusion, if anyone needs help with anything, let me know. My price is negotiable. I'm a hardworker, efficient, organized, good communication and management skills, etc. I can even clean your house!...I'm really good at cleaning bathrooms...