Our Arrival

After a 2 hour flight from Atlanta to Cleveland followed by a 16 hour flight straight to Johannesburg, South Africa, we finally made it! The flight wasn’t bad this time around. Michael and I drugged up on Dramamine and slept more than we probably should have. We did not even watch one whole movie on the flight…. The only complications I ran into were leg cramps and the awful pins and needles!!

Most of the flight was spent over the Atlantic Ocean, but once we had reached land the view was spectacular! Our first sight was of the vast desserts of Namibia. This was the first time I have actually looked out over another African country. Michael had the window seat and I could see wonder all across his face as he glanced at and pointed out the randomly placed mountains along the landscape. He showed me a volcano – an incredible view when looking from above! Below you will find a photo he took of it.

As we approached South Africa, the farmlands became more defined and we eventually approached the city of Johannesburg (appearing much like those that stretch across America). Customs went well, except for the fact that Michael and I could not enter the country in the same lines due to my South African citizenship. I was worried about separating from him so early, but he made it through so easily without any questions being asked of him. We gathered our belongings, waited forever for our luggage and left to meet my Dad and his girlfriend.

With the winter season drawing to a close, the red sun continued to set as early as 7am. The night swallowed us as we drove home from the airport, and the many lights of the city welcomed our arrival. But South Africa hid under the stars, only to show us her beauty the next morning. With a quick visit to my grandparents, a dinner of scrambled eggs, broccoli chicken, and smoked trout awaited us (much better than any of the food we were offered on the flight). Bellies full, we returned home and unpacked. A much needed shower helped us relax and the night was spent watching episodes of Dexter in an attempt to fight the jetlag and make us sleepy. 2:30am rolled by and we finally decided to give sleeping a try…. We woke up to a very bright 11:10am. What was left of the day was spent relaxing and adjusting. Highlights include oh-so-ever-scrumptious lamb chops over the fire and a quote from my grandmother, “The problem with testicle-pie is that it needs a lot of testicles!” Tomorrow we learn how to drive stick on the LEFT hand side of the road. Wish us luck – we are going to need it!!!!! 2 days until we go to Sparrow Village… I cannot wait to see what it has in store for us.