26 October 2011 - 27 October 2011
Since we did trip #1 during the Army Africa Command (or whatever the "official" title is b/c I always get it wrong) conference, Liam looked into going to the Joint Venture Africom conference. Well, turns out the more he started talking to people, the more they encouraged him to go. Then, we found out we were moving to Italy. So, it became a why not? Go the conference, network, find out more information about life in Africa. Okay, sure. Sounds like a good plan to me.
Oh. Wait. Did I mention Africom is in Germany? That means we get to leave Africa and return the real world. And I get to buy CHEESE!!!!!!! I'm a unifocused woman these days.
So, the morning of the 26th. We wake up to NO power. The generator didn't kick in. On any other day, I wouldn't have really cared but we are about to leave our house for a while and we have stuff in the freezer that will go bad. And I don't feel like coming home to that kind of heat. Then, there is the security lights and alarm system. So, put in the calls and wait for the people to show up to the house and fix it.
A side effect of not having power is that I couldn't start my day out at 0700 and get laundry going, snacks packed, etc. So, once the power came on around 1030-1100, I had to scramble. Which meant no pre-flight nap.
The only reason I cared about my nap is because there are a LOT of movies I have missed in the past eight months. The main reason it's fun to fly internationally is all of the movie choices!
Ran around the house until about 3pm, then tried to rest. But, the universe had other plans. A few more embassy employees came by. Then, Liam called to say he was going to be home in a few hours. Decided I should get up and finish packing the lsat few things. Next thing I know, its 6pm and Liam is walking in the door.
Cab driver appeared 10 minutes early, so we skipped eating at the house. And dashed out the door. Arrived at the airport, checked in, and pursued food.
Something odd. Every touristy place in Africa so far has listed prices in USD. Now, we live in Tanznaia. We are used to only carrying shillings. So, we go to order a snack before we get on the plane - and all the prices are in USD. WTH??? It's Africa. Not the States, people. Your currency is Tanzania shillings. Let's stick to using what is the national currency and not confuse the locals. Thanks. Appreciate it.
Jump on the plane. The woman in the window seat looks at me and rudely says "I prefer the aisle seat." Well, Miss Thing I prefer to telepathically appear in Frankfurt. But, that isn't going to happen. I'm going to squeeze into my seat next to your hip fat. This is going to be a fun flight.
Well, based on the sarcasm oozing from my previous statement, I'm sure you deduced that the flight was less than fun. I was cooking between Miss Thing's hip fat and Liam. I was so uncomfortable and restless that Liam finally made me get up and walk to the back of the plane. Which felt fantastic. I'm sure everyone back there was freezing. When I came back to the seats, Liam had moved to the middle hoping that I would be more comfy and actually cool off enough to sleep. And more importantly, let him sleep. I have the best husband! I felt horrible being so restless and uncomfortable and he was doing everything he could to help. I need to have my TSH level checked. These post-Nora hot flashes are KILLING me.
The only movie that appealed to both Liam and I was Hangover 2. I'm happy to say, it was pretty funny. In many ways, I actually think it was better than the first one.
Landed in Amsterdam. Headed to the KLM lounge. On the way, wandered through several shops. So, this is what civilization looks like. Bizarre! You can walk into one store and get everything you need? Wow. Sticker shock. Things are EXPENSIVE in the real world.
Stayed in the KLM lounge until about 30 minutes before our flight. Made it to our flight, jumped on the plane and away we went to Frankfurt.
Arrived in Frankfurt about 45 minutes later. Grabbed bags and the rental car. Away we went. Except. MUST REMEMBER TO DRIVE ON RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD. It's harder than it looks. We are getting to a point where we have no idea which side of the road to drive on...OR....what time it is. So, please be forgiving if we show up clueless and flustered about driving.
Made it to the hotel with only minor turn arounds. Checked in and were greeted with Gummy Bears on our pillows. I heart Germany! What a great way to start our European vacation (I mean business trip)! Found a pub and went to dinner. You would have thought we were in a 5 star restaurant by the way we devoured our food and proceeded to lick the plates. The flavors. The smells. OMG. African living has made us crazy. First World food is 10 times better. Gotta enjoy it while we are here. Because it's going to be a while before we make it back to real food!
Return to the hotel and try to download Lion and Aperture but the internet is so slow, I give up. Off to bed. Another adventure awaits tomorrow.
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2 comments:
Got typhoid and polio, so I can visit you. Nurse was nice; her daughter just got back from CDC work in Dar. I'll probably get yellow fever too even though it's not required. Of course, Kim thinks I already have it. Hehe
Yellow fever is required. And they give you a card. YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE CARD TO GET IN AND OUT OF THE COUNTRY (even though they don't always check it - it's technically a requirement). Recheck CDC webpage.
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