I’ve often heard people refer to jetlag as some sort of traumatic experience that scarred them in some way. They tell me about how for days and days they were either laying in bed awake or falling asleep over lunch, unable to get into the right rhythm. I have been two Europe twice before, once as a child and once in high school, and don’t remember being traumatized by the time difference. I was determined to not let it happen this time.
My plan left at 5:30pm Canada time – or 11:30pm France (from here on out, the only time is France time). This had been my first Air Canada flight in a very long time, and I completely forgot how awesome it was. I had 10 recently released blockbuster films and the most recent TV shows from all the best channels right at my fingertips. I could have been in the air for 3 days before feeling restless! But no, I had a mission. I let myself watch one movie (The Help, I highly recommend it) while having dinner, and then I shut it off, and though my body told me “It’s only 8pm! And we’ve never seen the Lincoln Lawyer! Cmon!” my brain was saying “No no, it is 2am, and it is time for sleep”. Mind over matter allowed for 2 and a half peaceful hours. Then I drowsily watched the Lincoln Lawyer, it was a 7/10.
While waiting for my bus to Strasbourg in the Frankfurt airport (7am) I got myself some breakfast. Though my stomach didn’t think so, I had to teach it that it was in fact – breakfast time. Then on the bus I had another 2 and a half hour nap.
My arrival in Strasbourg was the jetlag home stretch. After settling into my room apartment at my private residence, I could have easily fallen asleep for a few more hours. But as my brain reminded me, it was only 3pm! The day was still young! So with the help of a cafe au lait, I explored the city and kept myself busy following my map around the campus and even into the downtown area. I made it until 9pm, and woke up at 8am today.
So for those who fear the trip ruining powers of jetlag, just remember – mind over matter.