British wisdom

Today we were told that the volcano in Iceland is suppose to erupt again either Tuesday or Wednesday. This, and the ever present cloud above us, means all flights are still grounded until Tuesday, at the earliest, and there is a 50-50 chance for our school trip to Rome next weekend.

Plans make me happy. Knowing what's going on excites me the way some people get a thrill being spontaneous. I do not need to know what we are doing, down to the minute, but I really like to know the basics. Where we are, where we will be, and how and when we're getting there. This, combined with no internet, has me wondering about Rome, about my families upcoming flight, and makes me want to go home to the safety of America.

Europe is a mess right now. Due to the volcano, many important political figures can not fly to the funeral for the Polish president. Food is spoiling because it can not be flown to grocery stores. Vacations and business trips have been changed, rearranged, and canceled.

It could be so much worse. People could have died if geologists were not able to predict the eruptions. This could be the week I was flying home. I could be stuck somewhere else in Europe, away from my school and friends. My friend Julia has been stranded in Rome since Thursday and is now on her way back to France via a 17 hour train ride. My grandparents will most likely spend some unplanned time in Germany, waiting for a flight home.

I know 2 girls on a different program, also in London, who have been told they will not be able to fly back to the states, as originally planned, on Wednesday because even if flights resume, the back up and wait for the runway and the lack of planes where they are suppose to be creates even more issues. The one girl sat in Starbucks and cried when she first got the email. Then, she started looking into other options, called her parents, and pulled it together.

During WWII, the British government printed posters to inspire the citizens despite the bombing and constant worry. A few of these sayings stuck around, such as "Chin Up" and "Tea Revives You" but my favorite is "Keep Calm and Carry On."

We're doing out best. I know the governments, airlines, and geologists are trying their hardest to get Europe back in working order. It's so hard to keep the situation in perspective at times, but it always could be worse. Keep Calm, Carry On.