When I am changing time zones, I start to shift my schedule forward every day by an hour for as long at is it feasible. I try to get up and go to bed an hour earlier each day so that I will have already started the shift. Food is a big signal for our bodies about where we our in our day. Try to only eat when you would normally be eating at your destination that last day and onboard the plane. I actually had the attendants save our dinners for us and we had a big meal in the morning after we woke up on a 13 hour flight. (That was First Class...not sure if I would even try it in coach, which is where we usually fly.) I never ever ever eat the meal they serve for "dinner" on an overnight flight. I have taken Ambien to sleep. I also have had a glass of wine and a plate of pasta to knock me out. Really good earplugs, a memory foam eyeshade (Brookstone) and my own blanket are essential. I like to bring a special roll-aboard I bought specifically because it works as an ottoman for my short legs. Staying hydrated for those last few days is a good idea because you won't want to be drinking water or waking up to pee while you're sleeping. Needless to say, be careful what you eat at the airport. When we arrive, we always do some kind of physical activity like go for a long walk, visit a park, or an outdoor sculpture garden. I think it is important to stay outside. I do not agree with the advice to take nap, even a short one. I think it makes sense to push through if you can. I often find I need help with sleep for a few days after I have arrived and continue to have the Tylenol PM or Ambien around, just in case. Just because you've gotten through Day One doesn't mean it's over!

I can only imagine how shocking it all means to him.

Nice use of "luggage". Thanks for sharing.

Thank you for your comments, Chisue. I read one of Donna Leon's Inspector Brunetti mysteries and liked it very much. As well as giving a picture of Venice, I thought the Inspector was gentle and humane. The book The House We Grew Up In sounds intriguing and I put a hold on it at the library. Hopefully the dysfunctions aren't "over the top" as they were in The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. The children there were so neglected that I found it disturbing to read and decided not to finish the book.