I started making plans to fly back to Glasgow. The problem was I was in San Francisco and needed to get back to New York which I knew wasn’t going to be cheap. I had limited funds and I was getting scared that I would have a problem getting back. I went to the bus station to enquire about how much a ticket to New York was. I was told it was about 60 dollars by Greyhound buses. I would have to take several different buses at different stops. I paid it then went back to the hostel and got a good night’s sleep as I was going to need it for that journey. It was okay at first, it went through a lot of Californian towns with interesting names but they only stopped at certain service stations where I freshened up and there were some stops at food places. I remember the breakfast wraps being amazing and really filling. I think I got on about 3 or 4 different buses but I eventually got to New York city where I was ready to collapse with exhaustion. I hadn’t even booked myself into a hostel but I knew I needed it as I needed a shower and some sleep.
I found a hostel and went in to book. Don’t think it was much more than 20 dollars so I was happy because I could still afford that. I got in got some sleep first then showered later. The next day I made my way to JFK airport. I think I had to take the tube. I couldn’t believe how big it was, I just found a spot to hang around a bit as I was going to be there a while. The only food I had was some saltine crackers as I had enjoyed them when I’d been sick in the medical centre but I had enough for a burger or an egg McMuffin for breakfast, I would have to choose, and seeing as my flight wasn’t till later on the next day I chose the breakfast option. I had my egg McMuffin the next morning but it was a bit overcooked but at least I had something in my stomach. The next few hours were difficult. I paced a bit and sat around. I think it was around 4 or 5 I was sitting in a seating area and I seen my friend from Middleborough who worked in the office. She was getting on the same flight and we were glad to see each other. She bought me a cup of tea as I didn’t have much money at this point and we waited to board the flight together. Ive never been so relieved to get on the flight and get some dinner. They took their time but the chicken casserole was really good and I started to feel better. I just tried to get some sleep. It was a night flight and I think it was due in London at around 5 in the morning and then I had to get a connecting flight to Glasgow, both of which were paid for. I arrived in London and I had some problems finding the right desks and information etc and nearly fell out with one of the girls at the desk as I was tired and stressed but I got on my flight and slept all the way to Glasgow. I hardly even remember that flight. I wasn’t sure I had enough to get from Glasgow to Edinburgh but it was fine. I remember an old woman on the bus asking if I had enough money, but I was fine. I knew I was back home in Scotland.
I had phoned my friend and friend of the family while in the hostel in New York to see if I could stay for a couple of nights, so that’s where I was heading. I made my way up the bridges and was sure I seen my friend from primary school and high school going past on the bus. I think she was just shocked to see me carrying a big rucksack. I got to my friends house, told her a bit about my travel, had dinner then slept. I didn’t wake up till 13 hours later. I think I was totally jetlagged. I ended up staying there for the next 6 weeks.
Living with Neurodivergence 