From the moment we stepped onto the plane in Johannesburg, I knew that this trip would be one that I would not forget.
After touching down in Nairobi we had some time to kill in the transit lounge. This was my first time in Nairobi and it was so interesting to see all the different kinds of people sitting in the airport. I saw this one guy who I guess was from the “jumping” tribe (remember that movie about the basketball guys from Kenya, I’m sure you’ve seen the movie, he was probably an extra), he was so tall. The most interesting person that I saw sitting in the transit section was this old Muslim man, he was wearing his traditional Muslim attire (long white “dress with pants” (help, Sid) and a fez). The thing that struck me was that he was so black and the beard that he had been growing for who knows how long was red!! I guess this shows my lack of knowledge or experience, but I’ve never seen a black person with red hair before. It was so cool. I tried not to stare and I think I managed to get a couple of peeks with out him knowing.
So then we get on our flight to Maroni, the capital of the Grand Comoros. While enjoying our in-flight meal, we find out that we are going to fly over our destination and land at another island to pick up some other passengers. This was all very well and good, as the islands were so close that it would take only another 30mins to get to this other island, Mayotte. It was so cool to fly over our destination island and to see the rest of the archipelago, with the coral reefs and amazing colours of the water. We touched down and waited for the rest of the passengers to get on while the temperature in the tin bird started to increase. We thought, ah well, it won’t be long before we get going and the aircon will kick in. WRONG. To be continued…
Taking a leaf from Sid’s book and leaving it there.
NOT, I freaking hate that!!
Anyway, so then the plane fills up with people, there’s not a seat left. We all are excited to get going and then we start watching the safety video again, as the temperature on the plane slowly starts to creep up. At this point we have not moved an inch, and the captain informs us that there is a technical issue that needs to be sorted out and we should be on our way in 5mins. All fine, except it doesn’t take 5 minutes. The technical issue with the plane is that the starter is not working and they cannot turn on the aircon until the plane starts. We were sitting inside the plane, with 80 people, on a tropical island for 40mins without aircon!!!!!! It was gross to say the least. I though that I might faint. After 40mins they decided to move us off the plane. So then we have the chance to spend some time in the transit area of the Mayotte airport, buying bottled water at 2euros a pop!! About an hour later, we get news that the plane’s technical issue has been sorted out and we are once again on our way. We finally get to our destination, Moroni, at about 3pm on Sunday – travel time totaling approx 19 hours (for a trip that should have only taken us around four hours, bloody cheap skates!!).
That’s all for now, will post again very soon. Hope you guys are all well. Send me an email without any attachments to my gmail addy to let me know what’s happening on your side. Take care!
1. Always be on your guard – you never know when a guy is going to drop his pants in public 2. Spiders are all around us – they’re harmless unless provoked and some of them are really pretty (wolf spider) 3. Know your route – the arrow might point to galg but what does galg actually mean? – it may include all the routes in the area (don't trust the guys) 4. Guys sometimes don’t have filters for what they say – and sometimes don’t care about saying offensive things – a warp sense of humor and/or earplugs are essential 5. Potjiekos made in the rain tastes very good – thanks Carica!
I need to apologize to you. I am sorry that I was checking out your ass while you were doing your very difficult job. I know how hard it can be when you take charge of chaotic situations in Long Street. I apologize for drooling while watching you write out a ticket. I hadn't noticed that you had a ring on your finger, I was so lost in my infatuation. If ever your wife decides to leave you, I'll be happy to give you that shoulder to cry on.
Look after yourself dear hot one!
Caren - aka ur Friday night momentary stalker ps. yes, i am crazy
So yesterday a couple of us went indoor climbing. It was lovely to get back into it. I enjoyed the feeling of using your muscles and solving problems at the same time. :) I can't wait for the outdoor climbing. :) Come on summer!!! We went out for a drink afterwards to one of my favourite hangouts in Cape Town, "A touch of madness", in Obs. It was great to be there and have geselsies with Dizzy and The Don. I can't wait for next week!
I'm going to try and write more often. I feel like it would be a great way to improve my writing skills aswelll as making me contemplate more about things. Some might say that I shouldn't be contemplating any more than I am, but I disagree.
So, what do I have to say today. I'm wondering about my internship and what I am going to do in the future. I was listening to a debate about racism in South Africa this morning. There seems to be more and more talk about people being placed in certain positions because of their skin colour, in order to even out the playing fields. I am not entirely sure that this is the right thing to do, as it merely categorizes people into racial groups. This re-emphasizes the differences between people and leads to further disharmony. I feel quite sad that we are still in a society where some people are given more opportunities than others. I do believe, however, that we don't have to focus on this. I was listening to a motivational speaker a couple of weeks ago, and he really peeked an interest in me. I was thinking that if I am not part of the group that is being favoured at the moment (or was in the past), I have to make a plan to not be part of that system. In other words, I have to think about and eventually start my own consultancy. I'm thinking that it's probably the best way to go forward and hopefully create jobs for people(anyone, irrespective of colour).
Anyway, that's my rant for the day. I'm not sure where this is going, only time will tell.
