I am posting from Nairobi so please be forgiving. Weird keys and expensive internet make for short, error filled, messages.
Part 1: Vancouver. So two days before we left, the Massey tunnel in Van was closed for hours due to an accident, then 1 day before we left the high winds cancelled the 11 & 1 o'clock ferries. We were starting to think that all of our worry about Kenya was unnecessary, we were never going to make it off the island. So we left early, caught the 9 and made good time to the airport. But that meant a full day almost hanging around the ol' YVR. So we did a bit of organizing (this will become a theme soon enough) and shopping and eating and checking in. Then, mercifuly, my friend Melissa met us at the airport and had a coffee with us before our departure. WEather held up, plane took off and leg 1 of our trip had begun.
KLM had now fully confirmed how much I dislike Air Canada, with their awful food and service. KLM was nice and the food was good and there were movies to select from the back of the seat in front. The only problem was that the seats were particularly tiny. My knees were rammed up again the folded up tray. You know, if my legs are too long, that is a small seat. I barely slept, mostly because there were 4 movies I wanted to see and I have no self control with the TV. I only managed 2, which I can't even remember what they were. Lucky I stayed up for them....
Part 2: The next morning we landed in Amsterdam. WE had 8 hours to kill so we bought tickets for a city tour with boat ride. I'm glad we did. What a beautiful city (not news for most of the world, I know).
The terrible part is that in my packing that was still too much, one of the things that got cut from the necessary list was my Europe bird book. Well, of course, we saw birds and birds and I couldn't get a picture of any of them or ID them without my book. Bahhhh. At one point the guide sees a hawk and went on about how rare they are and he had never seen one. Weep. The boat ride was less impressive.
It was a recorded tape in multiple languages with a captain that didn't say one word, literally. But a different view of the city. After that we went back to the airport where I couldn't figure out how to sign onto the computers. I was so tired by that point, I had almost fallen asleep on the boat tour (maybe that was why I didn't enjoy it that much). The sign in for the computer was going to be my breaking point so I didn't bother. I wrote a couple of post cards and then we boarded our next flight.
Part 3: We flew with Air Kenya/KLM to Nairobi. It wasn't as snazzy, we couldnt start movies whenever we wanted although there was still a large selection in the back of the chair, the food wasn't as delicious. But since I fell asleep before we had even left the ground I did not care. In fact the only thing that mattered at that point was that there was considerable more seat space which was excellent. I have to give kudos to my friend Lea here. She bought me a neck pillow for Christmas. She actually researched the best one. And it is. It was so awesome, i bought one for Mom for Christmas so we both had nicely supported heads. Flight was uneventful and we landed at Nairobi this morning. Right now we are killing time by repacking our bags AGAIN. Evry time we do something I move some stuff from the smaller bag to the bigger carry on bag (not the checked bag, we haven't seen those yet).
Anyway. So far so good. We fly out of here for Killamanjero at 5:30. WE will actually have beds tonight. and a shower. and all of our stuff. Nothing like three days in airports to make you appreciate the small comforts.
3 comments:
Hi Gals! I am so glad you guys arrived ok...and am glad those pillows are working out! Jo, I have no one to go the the mall with, therefor missing you desperately, but undertand the draw of Africa vs the food court at Hillside. Sigh. Hugs from Lea, Robert and Makenna
Hah. When I was in Amsterdam, I saw hawks... and I had a book. And I heard there were no birds in Africa.... so I win...
Paul
And for God's sake do not sign up to go to anymore African countries. Kenya... well that is certainly your fault so they change it to Tanzania and what happens. The Prime Minister resigns on corruption charges. Man, soon Romeo Delaire will be thinking you two are ground zero.
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