The Journey to Cape Town

A full 2 days ago I was in the airport in Chicago waiting to get on an airplane that would take me to Washington, Dulles, USA then another to Johannesburg, SA (with a pit-stop at Senegal) and then finally to Cape Town, SA. 


The first airplane ride was the fastest 2 hours of my life. I sat next to a grumpy old man (one comparable to the grumpy old man in the move "Up") He was not very comforting. But when the plane landed I had just enough time to scoot my booty over to the next terminal where I had to get my passport and boarding pass checked before being rushed onto the airplane, which i spent the next 19 hours of my life on. 
On this plane I met Joseph, originally from Zambia - now lives in New York and is flying to Johannesburg to see his son and wife. He was pleasant to sit next to, although he slept most of the flight. I watched Rio (finally! and mom you really should watch it before you give it back to Erika, it is super cute), did some drawing and writing and attempted to sleep before landing in Senegal. We were there for an hour but were not allowed to leave the plane, so everyone was standing up and walking around (doing lots of complaining). It was funny to me that I  noticed a difference between  Americans and just about everyone else I saw. For example, there were 3 rows in front of me, 2 rows were couples in their mid-fiftiesish and the third row was 1 man all of them American. These three rows complained almost the entire time about sitting for so long and being bored and wanting to get up and walk around. When they weren't discussing movement the single guy was talking about his investments and how he made his money... I thought "who cares?" I certainly didn't, I was just grateful that the family kiddy-corner from me was finally getting off the plane which meant her kids weren't going to be keeping me awake anymore. 
Alas! the plane took off again we spent another 10 hours up in the air. I got about 2hours of sleep total. Apparently I do not sleep well on airplanes.... (sidetracked.. wow the mango here is awesome!!!!).. okay back on track, so finally landed in Johannesburg and it was SO confusing! I was grateful to have 2 hours in-between planes because I took the first hour to find out where I was going. Not only were things not marked like they are in the states, but some things weren't marked at all. So, the first place I went to re-check my bags was closed and then no other places were marked, I was told go up a level and then go down.. and then just take a right and look for the signs.... I was entirely confused, but I was not alone at least, so i had a friend going to east london and we figured it out together. Once she had her stuff re-checked she booked it to the terminal because she was late. 
When I finally found my terminal (which sent up a level and then down 2 levels)I had about a half hour of waiting still. The take-off was delayed because we had to take bus trips out to where the plane was waiting for us. While waiting, I met a woman named Choiling and we will be going shopping tomorrow at the Waterfront :) So, the good news is I made a friend, the bad news is she will only be in town for about 2 weeks. 
So, ending my trip I landed in Cape Town, where I met Sly (the driver for VAC, who I am living with but not volunteering with). He drove me to my house and we got there sometime after 10pm. It was a looooong day, literally, since I had not actually slept since 10am (well 5pm local time) the day before. 
My room in the house is the very first room next to the front door and I have 5 roommates so far. 2 of them are leaving next week and 1 more is moving in sometime in September. I started unpacking last night, but was too exhausted to do much good. I had to wake up at 9:30, but my new phone was not set correctly and I did not wake up until my supervisor called me. 
She met me this morning and gave me a VERY brief low-down of what i'll be doing and how i should get around. At this point, I at least know how to get to the internet cafe and a grocery store. So far, so good. I start work on Tuesday (which leaves the next 2 days open... to do... ummm yea i don't know how to get anywhere.. so i might just be chilling at the house)

So, now i'll head back home and continue unpacking. Oh and things I have forgotten thus far: a towel (which made my after shower experience quite interesting this morning), my electrical adapter and my hairdryer. I had to buy a new adapter which cost 50 Rand or just under $9. 
for today, at least it's sunny, even though it is still quite chilly, I am glad to have brought my long pants and jackets. 


Christy
p.s. there is NO service down with my verizon phone so there will be no calls that way, I am thinking i might be able to buy some minutes on my new phone and we'll see about international calling :)
love you all
p.p.s. The Mountain is right outside. I can see it from my yard!!! oh joy!!!!!