Today I left for Zambia. I remember many times in my youth being in the Atlanta airport thinking: “One of these times…I’m going to be standing here with a big back pack on my way to Europe or somewhere else cool.” Now here I am, on my way to Africa for the third time. I’m truly blessed.
I arrived to the plane just in time to make the final boarding call…oops! But at least I made it. I had the opportunity to give up my seat on the overbooked flight for $600, but by taking the new flight, I wouldn’t have arrived in Zambia until late Sunday night. That would have equated to about 2.5 days of travel and thus, too big of a hassle for $600. I did sit in between two really nice folks that graciously let me out when I needed to walk around on our 20-hour journey.
During this flight I realized that I think I’m making the turn from “traveler” to “seasoned traveler.” For instance, the flight makes a fueling stop in Dakar, Senegal. Through passengers are not allowed to de-plane. Instead we have a 2 hour "sit time" where guards come through to ensure that every bag has an owner and check under all of the seat cushions. Someone inquired about the stop and without thinking I answered their question. We had a short conversation and then he asked: “Have you flown this route before…?” “Yes,” I answered and we discussed the other times I traveled to Africa. It was then that I finally had the revelation: “You’re traveling to Africa…BY YOURSELF! HOLY CRAP!” Guess it’s too late to be nervous.
4 comments:
Yay traveley traveler! I too had the similar realizations on my recent flight abroad...
(1) It was my FIFTH trip to Africa (and never to Europe, aside from layovers! boo!)
(2) It was the first of five times in which I was traveling with someone I didn't mind being squished next to, which made the time pass by so fast!
(3) It was my first time upgrading to a shiny new black Dip passport
(4) That I finally realized the food tastes like narsty grossness once you by-pass Senegal so thankfully had a PBJ in the carryon to eat instead of unrecognizable mush breakfast
(5) Also realized that yes, you can take as many milanos as you want from the back of the plane while everyone else sleeps
(6) Speaking of sleep, if you don't do it on the plane over, you will NOT be jet-lagged
Gosh, that's a lot, but such are the tips you receive from being a seasoned traveler to Africa. Hopefully you got bumped up to first class on the leg to Lusaka as I did (I was the only woman up there and they fed us pate, which was g-ross, but whatev - it was nice to have the leg room).
Miss you and can't wait to see you! Dyad wants to go out and about this upcoming weekend - heads up. He says Vic Falls or bust. Yay!
Yay for Zambia! You are in my thoughts and prayers right now. I hope that all goes well and that you learn a lot on your trip. Can't wait to hear all about it on this blog.
Jen
I can't agree with your opinion on Sarah Marshall. Loved that movie.
Valerie - love your comments. No worries about the over abundance of traveler tips. Good news - no jet lag this time. :) I'm going to have to try the PBJ thing next time. Dyad my have to do Vic falls without me. I think I'm going camping that weekend. We'll see. When do they get here?
Jen - Hugs and kisses ma'am! Miss you!
Julia - Maybe I wasn't in the right mood to watch it. I'll try it again.
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