flying

When I hear of a 24 hour trip to a any city in Africa, i think of layovers, lost luggage, damaged luggage, sore elbows from aisle seats, delays, missed flights, and a person sitting next to you who just won't stop talking!

Luckily, none have been present. The ride, the fly was smooth. I even got to experience to chipper of french couples enjoying what seemed to be first vacation out of retirement. I don't know weather they were drunk or just happy but every time an inappropriate scene came on to my tv, they would laugh and put their hands over my eyes in attempts to save me, rightfully, i was watching The Wrestler. Along with that, they offered me drinks and every time a friend would come over for a chat, they would giggle and yell "Parle anglais! no francais ". And I felt slightly shamed, like a dumb, mute, ethnocentric american waltzing in a country expecting everyone to understand my language. But, it is never too late to change that.

With our little ups and downs, everyone seemed to keep to a good mood and a positive attitude. Playing cards in the airports, or taking up 3 seats while waiting, to take a nap, then having other people sit next to them, uncomfortably avoiding making eye contact with anyone looking for a seat.

Today we are loading up out 34923 pounds or 849539 kg of luggage and moving to Thies, where hopefully awaits, a cool hotel room. We are trying to savor the luxury of a shower, we have stayed only one night, some have managed to take 2 showers already. Wish us good luck and good hydration.

- mona k