The morning of my departure started at 4:00am (Eastern US time). Kevin and I loaded up the truck and headed off to the airport a little before 5. Saying bye to my mother at home was much easier than saying bye to my mother at the airport. She would be bringing my brother, Brian, and his girlfriend to Manchester airport in a few hours.
Dad and Rosie caught up with Kevin and I while we were still waiting in line to check-in. After nearly an hour of standing in line, I finally made my way to the counter…only to be told that I had to remove 7 lbs from my giant suitcase. Kristen, a friend from Shriners and resident of Winthrop, had shown up with her 2 girls moments before. The group of us tore open bags and juggled toys, crayons, board games, sneakers, and other various items until the weight was distributed into my other two bags. My father left with a vacuum sealed bag of clothes that he promised to mail immediately. We marched on to security check-in where everyone stayed with me right up until it was my turn to pass through. And then I was on my own.
The flight from Boston to London was pretty uneventful. What I did find exciting, however, was that I somehow ended up on a list for a “special meal” which meant that I got served first! I also think they were the vegetarian plates…but who wants to eat airplane meat? Well..who wants to eat airplane anything?! Nearly everything that went into my mouth made me nauseous. I think I used to like airplane food. That must have been before I had to eat it for 24 hours.
With two hours in London, I went on a hunt for internet access. I remembered them having kiosks for short-time use. Having only US currency on me I approached the exchange counter with my situation. A man sat there surrounded by signs that shouted “0% commission!” “Free exchange!” so you can imagine my confusion when he told me that the exchange fee would be more than the 2 british pounds I was seeking and, therefore, not worth it. Noting my perplexed expression, he added, “We only charge commission on US currency” Of course you do! Is what I should have said. Instead, I asked him what he suggest I do. That was to purchase something and receive my change in British pounds. More confusion, lots of math, and 15 minutes later I lost 6 US dollars to a bottle of water and 10 minutes of internet. But what I else would I have done with my 2 hours??
The flight from London to Cape Town wasn’t very memorable. I managed to sleep through most of it and was too excited to do much else but think about Cape Town, the weather there, the mountains, and my friends waiting for me!!
I made through passport check without flaw and went on to collect my luggage. It took a while, but all three pieces showed up! Here’s something I don’t understand: why so many people think the most productive way to collect their luggage is to hover directly over the carousel…in massive crowds. Not only can nobody else see there luggage, but they end up just standing there, looking like goons inspecting every black bag that passes them. If I could conduct this procedure I would have everyone stand around the outskirts. When you see your bag coming is when you approach the carousel. Perhaps this only makes sense to me because you can see my hot pink Hawaiian print luggage from a mile away. Instead, I end up perched on my trolley peering over the crowd. This is why I have distinguishable luggage.
I passed through customs with nothing to declare and found Sara waiting for me in the lobby. Our timing was perfect as she had just arrived moments before I emerged. It was so wonderful to see her; the first friendly face after 20+ hours of traveling. We trudged on for what felt like miles before reaching the garage she had parked in. Upon getting there, we learned the lifts were broken. All of them. We both looked over my heap of baggage on the trolley and looked bewildered. A parking attendant was gracious enough to come to our aid. And when it was concluded that the best solution was to carry the luggage up three flights of stairs, Sara turned to me and said, “Welcome To Africa”.
the view from our apartment
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