Ready set let's roll! It's safari time!!

The next morning we had to get up and leave early so we could have breakfast and then get on the road. In addition to leaving there was to be a tour of the larger temple complex after we had breakfast. However due to a “communication mishap” (communication problem 1) some people missed this tour. I happened to be one of them. No worries, life rolled on.

After we packed our things we were greeted by our new drivers, Sydney and Bigoni. They were going to take us to the lodge in which we were to be staying during our three day safari. I climbed in the van with Sydney and I knew I would immediately like him. He broke it down and said that it would be a 4.5 hour drive to get to our lodge and he wanted to listen to some music along the way. I was down for this. Nothing like looking out the window and admiring the view listening to some good music. One of the girls in our group gave him a CD to put in. It was Common. I was like sweet, I can feel that as we drove through the countryside to get to the lodge.

As we drove I had time to sit back and reflect on the fact that I was in South Africa. We were miles away from home and all sense of familiarity. It was amazing to take a breath and look at the wonderful scenery as we drove by. The bush, the valleys and the mountain like hills we all breathtaking to me. You would think I hadn't been let out of my home with all the pictures that I took. I couldn't help but think of the images, people and places that we encountered during this leg of the journey. You never know how world's apart you can be until you are face to face with what you have only read or heard about. I knew that as we continued to travel that I would feel like this and then some.

Driving through the province we saw countless citrus groves and small towns along the way. Oranges, mangos, and avocados are grown and exported from this region. I continued to pick Sydney's brain for more information as we traveled. He was helpful in explaining about the different cultures that were living in the region, the trout fishing that was done in the different lakes, and the variations in the landscape with respect to the mountains that run along the Blyde River Canyon.

Along the way we had the opportunity to stop and shop. The drivers to us to an area in which was alongside the road before you went under a viaduct that sat above a river valley. This area like most of the areas that we would frequent was filled with women who were selling different arts and crafts. I was in heaven looking at the different items that were for sale. Carved wooden masks, walking sticks, bamboo bowls, marbled figurines, beaded jewelry and so much more. As we got of the bus we were swarmed by the different vendors. We surely looked like anxious young tourists greedy for a souvenir or two. I was immediately snapped up by a woman with the cutest little baby wrapped around her back. I visited her stand first and perused the many items that I wanted to buy. I didn't want to seem like an impulsive shopper so I told her that I would come back. I began to look around and was again swarmed by the women who were willing to give me great deals as long as bought from their shops. They also began to tell me stories of their lives and how my money would help them. I was beginning to feel overwhelmed as I went to the different booths. I officially drew the line and went back to the first woman I encountered after two women put their hands on me and literally pulled me to their booths and began to guilt me into buying from them. I had had enough, I got my goods and quickly headed back to the van. I was glad to get out of there without spending all my money. Some of my classmates had to pull themselves from the grasps of the vendors as well. I felt bad that we had to leave, but I knew that if we didn't none of us would have any money left for the rest of the trip.

We arrived at the Tremisana lodge about mid afternoon. We were greeted by the lodge manager, Pearl and her daughter, Leann. They offered us a warm welcome and a refreshingly cold glass of mango juice. During our introductions we began to choose our room assignments (communication problem 2). Let's just say that this did not go to well. It can be said that when traveling with a group of people you know you can expect a bit of tension to occur. The honeymoon was coming to an end a lot sooner than I expected. Who knew that it would unravel with something this simple. Once things were settled we were informed that we had time to unwind and prepare for a mid evening game drive.

Before we headed out to the game drive our professor felt that it would be best to have a pow wow to address the tension amongst the group. I am always game to clear the air. I do not like to have things bottled up if I can help it. Things started off well, but as things get pointed out emotions can get in the way of rationality. I can say that the pow wow was somewhat helpful, but in actuality I think it did a touch more harm than good. None the less things were out in the air and people could then deal with their issues as they saw fit. I personally was glad that it was over and we could resume with the rest of the trip with less tension than before.

Game Drive. Lion Chow!

The game drive was great. We departed just before dusk. Our driver was a man named Andres. He would also be our driver as we went into Kruger as well. The drive began at the entrance to the fenced area to the lodge. Going outside this lodge without a guide being present was completely at your own risk. I was like you truly do not have to tell me this twice. We are inside and electric fenced compound for a reason. My mom didn't raise a fool.

As the drive began I wondered what type of creatures we would see. I was hoping for a couple of lions, a few giraffes and an elephant or rhino or two. Well lo and behold I was lucky that evening and I was able to get two out of the four. The first animal that we saw was a giraffe. The giraffe was just moseying along the path and looking for food. I was so close to it that I wanted to touch it to see if was real. As we continued on our drive it began to get darker and colder. We didn't see any animals for a few minutes when our driver gets a call on the radio that there had been a kill be prepared. I was thinking sweet this would make the impending darkness and cold worthwhile to be in. As we get closer to the kill we were cautioned as to not get out of the vehicle, make any sudden movements, talk, or use the flash on our cameras excessively as to not be eaten by the wildlife. With that said we rolled up in time to see two female lions and their cubs munching on a rather tasty looking zebra. The tiny little cubs looked so precious lounging and eating the zebra with their moms. I so wanted to hop out and cuddle them. However, let's just say I valued not being mauled to much to indulge in cuddling with them. We couldn't have been more that ten feet from the scene. You could hear the flesh being torn away and the bones being broken as they ate their fresh kill. It was fantastic to see. Mother nature at her best. We stayed there taking pictures as long as we could before the cubs began to get curious and come our way. Quickly getting out of there we headed back to the lodge to have dinner.

Dinner at the lodge each night was a three course meal. It consisted of a soup, an entree, and desert. I enjoyed the outside atmosphere in which we ate. There was a fire pit in the center. This served as a source of heat while we ate, a way to keep the soups warm and a braai for meat. The food was good especially the braai meat. I enjoyed the freshly made bread and muffins that we were served at breakfast and dinner everyday. I could get used to that. At breakfast we were told that we had to guard our food. This was to keep the little monkeys that lurked around the lodge from taking our food. Sling sots were at the table ready to be used to scare the little thieves away. Fortunately for us no one had their food taken.

The Buddhist Temple turns me into a vegetarian.

We arrived at the Nan Hua temple that evening. We were just in time for dinner. Our host politely explained the ground rules as we chose our room assignments. Once the rules were explained we went to dinner. At the temple the meals would be vegetarian meals and they were mostly eaten in silence. Our host said we would be able to talk, but make sure it was quietly done. I was glad to see that we all opted to remain silent in respect to our gracious hosts. This was not to much of a problem to me, but it would be a change none the less. Our host explained that we were not to take to much food. Food was to be viewed as energy and not consumed for mere pleasure. In other words was

te not want not. I also learned that the buddhist did not put garlic, onion and other spices in their food. This was to reduce the cause of anger and sexual thoughts amongst the monks. I was like whoa so have not heard that in my nutrition classes. In any event the food was good that evening. I enjoyed the potato like stew, the rice, the vegetables and other options that were served. Even the tofu meat like substance was delicious. After dinner we resided to our rooms. Before I went to the room I had to stop and purchase a

 trinket. I picked up a cute jade bracelet. I would have like to purchase more, but hey I couldn't begin to embark on my shopping spree yet. Still had to tell myself that I would be in Cape Town soon.

The cottages that we were staying in were nice. They consisted of a lounge area, an eat in kitchen, two bathrooms and two bedrooms. Each bedroom contained two twin sized beds and a large closet with extra blankets and pillows in the event we needed them. These came in handy since there was no heat in the cottage and in South Africa is in the Winter season during this time of the year.

The next morning I was able to get up and go running around the compound. I found this to be peaceful in the morning. To see the sun rise above the structures on the grounds was breath taking. I wanted to sit out and watch it more, but it was cold and I wanted to make sure I got in before I missed breakfast. That morning breakfast was filled with fruit, steamed vege

tables, tofu, bread, and rice. I know I might be forgetting the extras, but it was a nice spread. I will admit that this type of breakfast was good. I did not feel to heavy after eating, hmm maybe I can switch to becoming a vegetarian after all. Roflmao!! I even believed myself for a minute there.

After breakfast we headed back out to YWAV. Today we were putting in a whole days worth of work. As we arrived we were treated to tea and biscuits. I fell in love so much with the biscuits that they gave us, that I asked for the recipe. I am anxious to see if mine turn out as delicious as theirs. Our work for the day included taking care of the cleanup and yard work that was needed. The young girls that came to the center for the day also helped us as we cut grass, pruned the bushes and picked up debris from around the site. I was thankful for the help because it did offer an opportunity to get to know the teens who came to the center. The young ladies that were helping me were Ennie and Thembi. They lived in the area and were both finished with school. They both wanted to go to university, but were not able to afford it. Ennie said that she was not sure what she wanted to study, but Thembis wanted to go to school for nursing. I asked them about getting a job in the area. They said that if a person does not have the skills to get certain positions there were not to many jobs in the area. This posed a problem since the work that they were doing for YWAV was only on a voluntary basis. They wanted to have an income to help their families as well as to help save for their futures. I pray that at some point in their future they would be able to find work and afford to go to school. 

As we finished our work for the day we decided to cap the day off with a friendly soccer game. We challenged our guide, Lutendo to a game of soccer. He said that he was a former player so we wanted to see the skills that he had. Myself and my fellow classmate, Megan were the captains of our side and Lutendo was the captain of his side. After scoouting our talent we made sure our side was stacked with the all stars. I have learned that you never go into battle unprepared. I mean come on we could not let him win. We would never hear the end of it. From the time that the whistle was blown I knew it was going to be a battle. I had to channel all my 'Kaka-Ronaldo-Messi-Ronaldinho' like skills into this game. I moved with enough finesse that it truly showed what the “Beautiful Game” was all about. (lmao!) I moved more like a giraffe slipping on a banana peel. I so need to train with the soccer team when I get back. As the dust settled the epic battle ended in a 2-1 defeat. Hey, what can you say, even the best teams can't win them all. I feel a rematch will take place in the near future. All in all a good time was had by all. After the game we gave the center items that we purchased for them. Soccer balls, clothes, and other needed items. The appreciation for this was displayed by everyone. I did not want to leave, but we had to get going if we were to make it back for dinner at the temple.

Due to the expended energy some people wanted to stop at KFC before we came back. You know the carnivore (meatatarian) came out in me and a snack box with a pineapple Fanta was just the perfect solution. (Yes I am a dietetic student who is not afraid to admit that I had some original recipe chicken, chips, and a soda. Delicious!) After our diversion we headed back to the temple in time for dinner. I was still a bit hungary and went to eat at the temple as well. Yes I'm a glutton. lol I just wanted to make sure I had energy for the next day. We were heading off to Kruger in the morning. That evening our driver, Erc and our guide, Lutendo parted. They were not going to go with us to Kruger. It was nice to have gotten to know them both. They helped to make the trip more lively and informative. No worries I am sure whoever was going to take us to Kruger was going to be just as good.

On our way to Dennilton and a Buddhist Temple!

I enjoyed my stay at the Africa Centre. I think that if I were to come back during a warmer time I would have been able to take advantage of the other amenities that were offered. The swimming pool and jacuzzi both looked inviting, but it was to darn cold to enjoy them comfortably. The breakfast buffet was also a rather tasty benefit of staying there. I was going to miss my egg whites, fresh fruit, mango juice and wonderful wheat toast in the mornings. The staff were all friendly and helpful while we were there. There was one exception and that was due in part to the rude exchange that I had with a member of the staff over the internet connection.

This conversation transpired as I inquired about the internet connection that they offered. I was told that they had a free internet connect so I went to find out how to access the connection. As I asked the woman at the desk about the internet she proceeded to tell me no it is not free and unlike us Americans who get it for free, we have to pay for it in South Africa and it is expensive. I stood there I bridled my tongue from saying something out of pocket and thought to myself 'Wow, Really?! I so did not ask for your opinion that night'. I simply told her that I pay for the internet just as she does and that it costs and just doesn't float around free.' After I paid for and received my internet code I left tired and annoyed with this woman for offering her unwanted opinion. I was aware that the internet situation is a bit different than home, but next time please spare me the rude ass lecture.

The next morning we headed to the Mpumalanga province. This province is known for the citrus fruit and maize that are grown throughout and it is best known for Kruger National Park. The languages that are spoken in this province range from Zulu, Afrikans, Swati, Ndebele, and English. Before heading to Kruger National Park we drove to Dennilton. This was the location for our first service project.

The project that we worked with is called, Youth With a Vision. We arrived on a Sunday morning and were treated to a lively church service. The church service was conducted by the coordinators of the project. Cynthia and Jabbo. After the sermon we were formally greeted by Cynthia and Jabbo, the mothers of the site, and the children. We were treated to lunch that included fried chicken, beet root salad, spinach and potatoes, pap with tomato and onion sauce, and a vegetable salad. This food was great to me since I hadn't eaten since the morning. I will admit that when I tasted pap I didn't know what to think. I wanted to think it was like a stiff mashed potato like grit substance. It was bland, but with the added tomato sauce it gave it a better taste.

After lunch Cynthia and the others began to explain to us the mission of Youth With a Vision. The goal of the program is to empower the people that it serves and to provide a sustainable income to help maintain the life of the center. Their goals include reaching out and empowering the teens that frequent the center. Their hope is that the teens can help to reach and uplift their peers and as well as other members within their community. Their programs include a young men of valor program, a sports and recreation program and a program for single teen mothers. For the single mothers, they offer a program that is facilitated by peers to encourage the other young ladies to not have children at younger ages. 

After spending the day there we headed to our lodging for the night. We were going to be staying at a Buddhist Temple. Yep you heard right folks, we were going to be staying in a Buddhist Temple for the next two nights. In our pre departure meetings our professor informed us of our lodging options. I was not sure what this would entail. My mind began to conjure up images of men the Tibetan monks dressed in their robes, praying at different hours and silence outside of their prayer schedules. Yes, I am aware how stereotypical that may sound, but I will be the first to admit I do not frequent Buddhist temples often. There is going to be a learning curve there. I am looking forward to it. 

Soweto, a squatter camp, Wandies and Moyo!!

The next morning we were greeted bright and early by our guides, Lutendo and Luke. I swear it had felt like I had only closed my eyes for two minutes and it was morning. I am so not a fan of jet lag. On the bright side we had a wonderful breakfast buffet before we left for the day's journey. I had my usual, whole wheat toast, two egg whites, mango juice and some fresh fruit. Take that to the all the people who think that you can't eat a healthy breakfast on vacation. I had to make sure I snagged a banana for later. At the rate we were speeding through things if I would have enough energy to make it to lunch. 

 As we made our way to Soweto (South West Township) we learned a few interesting tidbits about the township. There are 9 official black languages spoken here. There are approximately four million people living in Soweto. It is one of the biggest black townships in Johannesburg. 

Soweto is home to one of the oldest futbol (soccer) stadiums in South Africa. It is currently being renovated for the 2010 World Cup. There is also development of the new stadium which is slated to be used for the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2010 World Cup. It is said to be able to seat some 92,000 people. I sure hope that I can be on of those people there next year. Can we say graduation gift?! Soweto has also been known for its soccer clubs that have developed there over the years, the Orlando Pirates, the Kaiser Chiefs, and more. 

 We also visited an are in Soweto called Orlando East and West. There we were able to see the contrasts in the homes. We say beautiful luxurious homes as well as homes that were used to be know as coloured townships. We saw that old home of Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, and the current home in which Winnie Mandela lives today. We were also taken to a squatter's camp or informal settlements as they are known to some. In these areas people are usually unemployed and the homes are generally made out of iron sheeting. Here we were given a tour of the settlement and we got a chance to go inside and speak with a young lady who lived there. 

The young woman's name was Asani. She was nice and showed us where she lived. It was a two room dwelling. There was a kitchen and a separate room to sleep. She was at home that day to watch her niece while her aunt was away. She told us that one day when she was able she would like to go to university so that she could study to become a nurse or a doctor. She wasn't sure which she would prefer. We also met a three young boys who were out playing soccer in the streets. Their names were Innocent, John, and Freedom. They were all in the 10th grade. Each one had a different dream of what they wanted to do with their lives. Accountant, doctor, lawyer and so forth. It was so good to hear their dreams even in the midst of their current situations they still had dreams and aspirations for their future. 

 Soweto has a rich political history as well. This is were the student uprisings occurred in 1976. This is know as the Soweto Uprisings. This was one of many uprisings that protested the unfair treatment of black South African people.  On June 16th, 1976 Hector Pieterson was shot and killed which served as a catalyst for the Soweto Uprisings. We were able to visit and tour the Hector Pieterson memorial museum as well. 

 During our tour we stopped for lunch and a well known restaurant called, Wandies. From the outside you would think that it was a home and nothing more. When you walk inside there is a cozy restaurant in which the walls are covered with the picture and business cards of some famous clientele. Of course we had to leave our mark on Wandies as well. No one seemed to have their business cards handy so we improvised and left our autographs on the wall. The menu consisted of some interesting choices. Mutton, lamb, beef, chicken all of which were roasted or cooked. There was also beetroot salad, pap, samp, ting, mogodu, and dumplings. Me being the adventurous person that I am tried a nice sampling of it all. Ok except mutton. I was so not game for it. 

 

 After our Soweto tour we then had time to go back and get ready to head out to another wonderful restaurant. This time we dressed up and headed out to a place called Moyo.  This restaurant was so fantastic. It was located on Melrose Arch in Johannesburg. I found a great review of this place on line. It gives one man's description of the ambiance that can be found at Moyo. Check it out.  We had a wonderful dinner that was comprised of a chicken stew over a bed of rice and vegetables. I also had a wonderfully delicious dessert wine with my dessert. If only I can think of the name I would stock up my wine cellar with it. (Sure I have a wine cellar! More like the fridge. lol) The dessert that we had was most delicious. It was like a bread pudding. I am not sure what it was called, Mulva pudding. We also got our faces painted. Not in the traditional carnival sense either. I looked like an African queen. After a night of dinner and wine we headed home to get some more rest and to prepare for our departure to Dennilton. 

  

The Apartheid Museum and Cool Runnings

After lunch we were taken to the Apartheid museum. The museum is nestled into what looks to me like a suburban area. Next to the museum is an amusement park. I thought this was kind of odd. I guess it could be used as a kind of an offset to what you would see and learn inside. 

 Upon our entry into the museum we were given cards to

 designate our color. The cards indicated whether or not you were "White" or "Non-White". They were printed in English and Afrikaans. The card that was given to me was a "Non-White" card and with 

this card you were allowed to enter based on the the color you had on the card. As you walk through the designated areas you were shown what a person would have to go

 through based on the color of their skin. The different passbooks were shown of people who were considered, coloured, black, and Indian. Once we were out of this area we regrouped and watched a brief introductory film about the museum. After the film we began to tour the rest of the museum. 

 The museum takes you through the early years of South African history up through it's birth of democracy. For me grasping and understanding the implications of Apartheid in South African history was very humbling. I never could imagine the atrocities that occurred during this time. To think that this ended only 15 years ago is unbelievable to me. The laws, the

 acts that were place upon people reeked of the Jim Crow era in our own American history. It was just down right ignorance by the people who were in power. There was one room in particular that made me shutter and recall many images of people being lynched during the times of segregation in the United States. The room contained 121 nooses hanging from the ceiling. These nooses represent the 121 political prisoners hung during the Apartheid years.  

 

 

 

After the museum we went home and rested a bit. I felt like I could have rested in that bed for ever. The coming and going was catching up to me. I just wanted to curl up in my pjs and not move until the next day. This of course did not happen. We went out to eat at a little joint called Cool Runnings. Yes it was a Jamaican themed place if anyone was thinking that. lol There I had some more food, which for some reason I could not get enough. Starving was not the word for me. I think ravenous would fit the bill. I had a chicken shawarma and chips. It was delicious. Then we all had a round of a shot called Bob Marley. All I can say is that it was delicious even though it had Yager in it. Absolutely hate that stuff. Speaking of Mr. Marley they had this rather interesting pic of him inside the bar.  

Once we were fed it was back off to the Africa Centre and to bed. We were going to need our rest for our busy day the next day. We were going to the township of Soweto. 

 

Gauteng Provence and my first taste of SA food.

 On our way to lunch our gracious guide Lutendo began to inform us of the history of Johannesburg and South Africa. During this ride we learned that Johannesburg is located in what is called the Gauteng province. South Africa is divided into 9 different provinces. Prior to the general election of 1994 there were only four different provinces. The provinces are as follows and are in no particular order: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North-West, Western Cape. In Sesotho language Guateng province is referred to as "Place of Gold". This is due in part to the gold mines that could be found here. 

 

 As we rode to the restaurant I noticed that Johannesburg reminded me of urban areas back home. Lots of people, cars, hustle, and bustle. The cars have the right of way here so if you're not careful when you walk into the street you can regret it. The homes in the areas that we drove by ranged in terms of what we consider nicer homes to homes that were extremely modest at best. A majority of the homes were surrounded with gates and wires to prevent crime from occurring on their property. I was told that the crime rate here is high. When walking around at night as in any foreign country we were told to be careful and always be aware of your surroundings. A lot was changing in the city since they are preparing for World Cup 2010. This has also helped the economy by providing employment for many people here and in the other cities that are hosting the games. I will talk about this later. 

We had lunch at a cafe place called the Salvation Cafe. 

The Cafe was in a shopping complex located at 44 Stanley Avenue. I have included the website because I will probably do no justice with my description of the shops, restaurants and the open market feel that could be found there. The weather and the location were great for our first outing in South Africa. I found

 out and my mom would just love to hear this, but a majority of the food in South Africa is organically grown. The chicken are free range animals and so are the cattle and they are grass fed. When I heard this my inner health nut went through the roof. I was talking with Luke and he mentioned that due to their smaller population size this isn't that expensive for people to consume. That was refreshing to hear since in the US a dozen free range eggs would cost you three bucks a pop. Knowing these I began to scan the menu for something delicious to eat. There were so many wonderful things to choose from. I really couldn't decide what to eat. I ended up ordering a free range burger with avocado, bacon, grilled onions and cheese on it with chips and a freshly squeezed glass of strawberry juice. All of the juices were freshly squeeze when you ordered them.

 Once our bellies were full we headed out to the Apartheid Museum.

Arrival in Johannesburg!

 We arrived in Johannesburg early on a beautiful Friday morning. The sun is shining and there are a few clouds in the sky. If this is their fall I sure can take this back in the states everyday. This type of weather is great. 

 After finally getting through security and gathering our luggage we meet our tour guides for the day. Luke Angel and Lutendo were waiting for us in the main entrance of the airport. They both are awake and excited for us to be in South Africa. ( On a side note: Luke is the owner of African Angel tours. I like his approach with coming to view South Africa. We have seen and been involved with many interesting things during our time with him.) Now back to the story: If you could see the way we look as we make our way over to them it is priceless. We all have this excited and curious look about us, but it is mixed in with a tinge of jet lag. After introductions, Luke makes sure everyone has converted their currency, has cell phones, calling cards, and outlet converters. On a side note, since I have never had to exchange currency before I did not know that they take a certain amount for commission to exchange your currency. So my many Rands were hit with a 20% commission fee. Oh well it will be the ATM for me from now on. lol

 Once we were all settled we hoped into our van and we were whisked away to where we would be staying for a couple of days, The Africa Centre. The Centre is a lodge for backpackers, tourists, and other travelers. It was reasonably priced. Coming into the community where the centre was located was different from what I expected. I am not sure what I really expected since I had never seen a neighborhood in Johannesburg before. The community in which it is located from what I was told was an up and coming middle class area. The homes there were surrounded by gates and had wire or electric wires to keep thieves at bay. The centre itself was surrounded with such. 

 Inside the compound it was like a little paradise. At this point in my jet lagged state I probably would have said my families dog house was like a little paradise. I assure you though the compound was nice. There was a tiki lounge area that had a pool table and chairs inside for you to relax in. There was a nice pool with lounge area, a bar,  and a jacuzzi. None of which I was interested in until I had taken a shower and gotten in my nap. Naps are essential at this point in my life. lol Unfortunately I would not get one until much later. 

  Once in our room I proceeded to take my shower. Well guess what?! The water was not getting hot. We went and told maintenance what was wrong and to see if they would fix it. He went to check it and he told us that the geyser for the room was off and he would make sure that is was turned on for us. We were told that it would be about an hour for the water to heat up. After a long 20+ hour flight that was so not what I wanted to hear. We asked if we could be switched to another room all together, but the answer was no (Keep this in mind. It will come in handy later). However they did allow us to take a shower in another room.  Once the group was all rested and clean we headed out for lunch and to the Apartheid museum.

British Airways, sweet!

 I have not flown many different airlines before. I have flown the usual, United, American, blah blah blah. When I saw that we were flying British Airways I was excite to find out what the difference would like to fly with them. Would I have a nightmare of a flight or would it be a memorable affair? 

As we begin to line up like cattle to board our flight I notice that some people are being told to see the ticket counter before they can board. I chuckled at these people with their problems for I knew that this would not happen to me. I am the prepared and ready for anything conscious traveller. I had my ticket to the attendant with all the confidence in the world.  She runs it through and guess what. The damn light goes off and yes, yours truly needed to go to the ticket counter. I then proceed to the counter to find that I was going to be upgraded to a better seat. SWEET!! I am liking my luck so far. 

 I make it to my upgraded seat and see that I am now in the World Traveller Plus section and I have a comfy aisle seat. I will admit as I was going to my seat I noticed the swanky business section and I was just hoping the lady luck would strike again and that would be where my seat was. No such luck. At least where I was sitting I had a nice little BA package that they give to everyone. It included an eye cover, ear plugs and other goodies. Sweet I could drown out the snoring guy behind me and block the light from the damn lady who would not cut off her light to sleep. For real, a night light on a plane full of people. lol 

 I sat in my new seat thinking what movies am I going to see. I notice there is a plethora to choose from. This makes me happy since the last time I flew and there was a movie involved you so don't want to know what the movie was (Hint: Think Richard Gere and Julia Roberts). I snuggle in to watch Layer Cake only to find out that, that was on the return flight. Darn it I settle for this weird flick with Mickey Rourke (It wasn't the Wrestler either). Needless to say as I dozed in and out of sleep it wasn't all that great. When I woke up we were heading into London Heathrow. 

 

  

Ready Set Go!!

 So here we I am getting anxious like a kid on Christmas Day!! I could hardly sleep last night. I am ready to get to O'Hare and fly away.  

 I am a bit sad today. My mom is going to work and my brother is going to school. They will not be able to see me off today. My dad and my uncle are going to take me to the airport. For my dad this means that he will drop me off and keep on rolling. Mom on the other hand would at least wait with me before I left. No worries though I don't want to feel sad before I leave so I am fine with this. I just wish I had communication with them before I leave. I shut off my phone since I will not be able to use it while I am overseas. I sure wish I could text before I go though. And they say that texting is not an addiction. Like hell it ain't. lol

 Its about that time for us to leave for the airport. My dad's truck is loaded and we are ready to go. I wish the rain would stop before we leave. Oh well! Glad to be going somewhere it won't be raining as much. Oh wait I will be in London before I get to South Africa. Might just need that umbrella after all. 

 As we approach the International Terminal I begin to think that I am going to miss everyone. Maybe I should just stay and go on a trip some other day. I mean after all I can get some work done here over the summer. I could catch up on my ever growing reading list, or I could "Woman Up" and get ready for a summer of excitement! Let's say I rather "Woman Up!" Dive in and roll tide roll!!

 After saying my goodbyes I hugged my dad and my uncle and said an almost tearful see ya when I get back speech. Yes I am going to say this, I did tear up for a moment there. In the midst of our goodbyes I see another classmate saying goodbye to his parents.  Willie and I then head in to meet our professor and to the British Airway counter to check in. Once checked in the waiting begins.  

  Ahh the waiting. The joys of waiting anxiously for your flight.  At least I can prepare myself mentally for the long flight ahead.  I begin to wonder what the food on board will be like, will there be an interesting movie choice, will I get stuck in the middle of some bizarre people, hmm? 

Packed or not packed?! That is my problem!

 So this is it?! One day before the trip of a lifetime and guess what? I am sweating bullets. Why?! 

 I am not packed. All of my belongings for this trip sit in bags on my parent's living room floor and are not moving. Ok, let's rephrase this, I am a quarter of the way packed. I have put my socks in my suitcase. Yah that counts for something, right?!! So another hour passes and my mother is doing her usual, she is giving me her "Uh Huh. Procrastinating again look." I laugh and say to myself, you're wrong this time mom! I am merely metaphysically moving all these clothes, socks, sarongs, and toiletries into my suitcase. Sometimes these mind tricks take a while to kick in.  So after another 30 minute mind packing session and a diversion to go and get something to eat I have finally made up my mind to aggressively pack. 

 I begin to roll and fold my clothing into my suitcase in a pace like no other. I am on the roll and it is a beautiful thing. I begin to look over my packing list and marvel at the thought that I should be able to get everything in there and still make weight for my flight. Hmm! I wonder ho much does British Airways allow. Time for another diversion. To the internet! After an hour later I have found my answer. No, it did not take me an hour to find out the weight restriction I merely had to check and return emails, check Facebook for every five minutes, check my bank account, and browse the internet for entirely nothing. Yeppp! It is almost 11pm now and I began this arduous task at 1pm. Wow What a day!

 I turn of the net and finish up my packing. This time it takes me another 30 minutes to make sure I have everything packed in my suitcase, carry-on, and my briefcase. I made sure I had the essentials out and ready in my briefcase:

1. Passport
2. Copy of my passport
3. My wallet
4. Flight Itinerary
5. Insurance cards
6. Class handouts 
7. Pens
8. Ipod
9. Laptop case and chord

For my carry-on I included:

1. Quart sized bag with toiletries 
2. Ear plugs 
3. Eye cover
4. Change of clothes
5. Change of shoes
6. Snacks

I know this sounds like a lot, but one can never tell how much to take for this long flight.  In total air time I believe we were going to be in the air for close to 22 hours. 

 As I zip my suitcases shut and lay the locks by them I begin to get a bit eager. It begins to set in that I will be leaving for my first ever international trip. A trip that I have waited and prayed for, for some time now. I am stoked that I will soon be in London and then SOUTH AFRICA!