I’ve never been a good one at good byes or, as we learned to call them, “see you laters.” After a fun dinner with my family, I headed off to the airport where my tear ducts got a good cleaning out. I doubt I'm the first red-eyed passenger that TSA has encountered but, I digress... The flight to Madrid was uneventful although I’m quite certain that airplane manufacturers have started making the seats out of cinder blocks. LOL
A stop in Madrid allowed me to change clothes and freshen up a little as well as grab a snack and make a good call home.
The flight to Dakar was unusual from typical US and western European travel. The social norms are very different. It's hard not to wonder if the route has anything to do with it. The plane and equipment were obviously old and with very few amenities; the seats didn't even recline. I sat next to the kindest man who, despite our combined better efforts, I was very limited to understand. My French is terrible. Nevertheless, we shared a friendly trip in the sky and I got a view of Dakar at night.
Our drive was about an hour to the ship after we had gathered all who were arriving. Homes without electricity, water, and even windows were lining the highway. Things that we take so incredibly for granted are presumably luxuries.
We arrived at the ship where I had the most dreadful badge picture taken; posing for photos after 20+ hours of travel is not ideal. We had a brief introduction and then were shown to our cabins. I briefly unpacked, grabbed a snack, and my eyelids closed.
The rest can be done tomorrow.
I am here.
No comments:
Post a Comment