Who doesn’t love a 4:00 a.m. alarm? I DON’T! What a hectic day. I’m currently on the second of third flights, but let me tell you how this all went down early, early, this morning.

I got up early and was dressed and ready in 20 minutes. I opted for an adorable geometric print, BCBG Max Azria dress. It’s comfortable and perfect for the plane and the weather in Italy when I finally do arrive. Like I’ve said before, Italians—even amidst 13-hour flights—look unbelievably fashionable. It’s important to blend in a little.

I got to LAX around 5 a.m., after parking and getting my luggage out of the trunk. After receiving wrong information after wrong information, I finally made it to the correct check-in line. I was late and they rushed me through security checks and other unnecessary lines. Most of the Americans traveling were wearing Ohio University sweatshirts and baggy jeans. Oh, typical Americans. So classy!

Then they tell me that my reservation was lost and that the travel agency our school used to organize our group flight was somehow done semi-illegally. Suddenly, I was flying standby! To another country! There were about 10 of us waiting for the flight. Only a few seats opened up. Two people made it on. I wasn’t one of them. They closed the gate and ushered us back to the Continental Airlines desk. The next thing I know they’re yelling my name.

“MATTINA, GABRIELLA! LET’S GO!”

I quickly grabbed my carry-on and followed them back to the gate. Apparently there had been one empty seat on the flight. They literally brought the plane back to the gate, re-opened the hatch and let me on. I couldn’t believe it. I felt like I was in a movie. Such drama and way too much adrenaline to be had that early in the morning.

Unfortunately, about six kids got left behind. Two got on the next flight and the others are leaving later tonight. I got really lucky. Had I not made it on the first flight, I would have missed the connection in Newark to Rome that I am sitting on right now. I’m sitting next to my future roommate. Her name is Halie and she is a little soft spoken, but really, really, nice and she laughs at all my jokes!

Can I just tell you that the flight attendants on this Italian airline are all ridiculously good looking? Their uniforms are so stylish! Crisp and well-fitting, they look like they were made by hand by Armani. Hell, they probably were. I have a good 7 hours left on this flight and then we have to catch a connection in Rome to Genova/Genoa. From Genoa we take a bus for about 2 hours to Portovenere. Quite the journey, don’t you think?

At least my dress is holding up. I’m so comfortable and a few Italian women on the flight actually complimented my dress. “Che bel vestito!” Thank you all! Grazie tutti!

I just want a bed…this chair is so uncomfortable.