Way behind...

Okay, so I am EXTREMELY far behind in trying to keep up with my blog. This whole experience has been a mind-numbing combination of adjustments, adventures, jet lag, culture shock, language learning, language barriers, driving on the left side of the road, driving in a foreign country in general, no running water, power outages, no inernet, no reception, spotty internet, broken reception, heat exhaustion,

(breathe here)

crazy dreams, sleepless nights, long dinners, being dinner, creepy-crawlies, cool bugs, screaming, whining, jumping, shrieking, goats and cows and wayward dogs, marriage proposals, black scorpion tails, "helpful" monkeys who challenge then flee, and baboons who climb limbs as to hide in the trees.

Clearly, life here never has a dull moment. I have been helping mom get everything together so not only can she profess, but do something as simple as use the library or even park in her assigned lot. The pace of life is excruciating slow at times... mostly when you're trying to accomplish a simple-which often turns out to be not so simple due to the number of lines offices and people involved when trying to approve and turn in a single document-task. Not class but, here we are. Usually, it's a minimum of two days and two visits before your task/end goal is completed. As an example, mom reached her limit of standing in lines a few days again. In an effort to alleviate some of this unnecessary time wasting, she asked me to take care of the "Permission to park at UB overnight or longer" form. I went into the office mom had already located the week before for the gate toggle. This was on Wednesday. I spoke with a very helpful security officer who had me fill out the "Permission to park at UB overnight or longer". However, he couldn't sign because he need his superior to approve it. His superior wouldn't be in until 7:45-8 am Thursday morning. "Come back at 8:30." "I have class at 9. That will be hard to do." After going round and round for a few minutes I was able to come back at any time that suited me. So that's what I did... I came back Thursday morning after Setswana class-yes, I'm trying to learn the language. Boy am I rusty!-only to find out that I had filled the form out incorrectly and actually needed to fill out two forms. So I did that. Yet again had to wait for the superior. This time he wouldn't be in til 11:00 so come back then. All fine and dandy except we were supposed to be headed back home by then. *Sigh*.

Thankfully, mom was running around touching base with the OIEP people who work with and organize the incoming international students. Always important to keep up relations in Botswana! But that also put us to 11:00 so we could get parking permission. Low and behold he just ended up signing the forms himself. Because he mis-signed one of the sheets I had to fill out a fourth sheet. I just had to laugh. Then it was off to maintenance to get the final signature after we determine where we wanted to park, and then we had to go back to security to drop off one form so they had a copy........ hahahahahahahaha I tried. I really did. Mom was done. Cooked. Finito. Errands to run, wanted to get ready for our weekend trip to Mochudi with the students, did not want to do any more. Needless to say we never made it back to the security with any completed forms. We decided to let Keston learn how to drive in one day and drop us off so we didn't have to leave the van.

Side note that I should have written about earlier: Keston is one of mom's formers students who is here to work with Frank Taylor, one of our business partners. Keston arrived two days ago and will spend the weekend more or less alone.... with the van. Hmmm.... Hopefully all involved come back in one piece!
So. Here I am rambling on about random things. Power went out so none of us could work on via internet. I'm brain dead and I will be starting work with Frank shortly. Holy cowabunga! I don't know how mom does it all it time!

Until next time. I'll try to fill in the gaps. Maybe do a picture book instead!

Mary drives a Rav so between the three of us and all our luggage, it was a wee bit of a squeeze! Thankfully, yet again we weren't going far. Gaborone is a little spread out, but after you get the hang of it, what once seemed like a big expansive city really isn't so bad. I unloaded while mom and Mary got checked in. Such lovely and helpful people at the Lodge!

Mom came out with a skeleton key to check into unit one of five.

 I stayed behind to try to get the electronics charged and set up to the wireless and organize the room a bit while M&M ran to the storage locker to get cell phones for all the students. They were gone for a little longer than I expected, so I took it upon myself to take a nap in the cool AC of the room! Such a tough life, I know! Ultimately, I'm glad I took a nap cause that set a wonderful little pattern between mom and me: she would crash/jet lag and I would be clear headed, then I would crash and she would be clear headed. That came in VERY handy a number of times.

Not too long after M&M got back, Pita's plane had landed so Mary went back out to the airport to collect her. Mom had brought one cell phone along that was already charged and ready to go. That one went to Pita since she had arrived earlier than the other students, I because I hadn't time to sort out any of the other phones! Some were Mascom and some were Orange. These are the two major players of the phone industry here in Botwana. To the best of my knowledge, everything is based on a changeable charge/recharge prepay system using SIM cards. Mom's phone had SIM capability, Pita's phone had SIM capability. My phone... *sigh* what are the odds? I wasn't planning on even bringing my phone with me but since I had I figured I might as well check. No kidding! It's an old enough phone that it still has the option for a SIM card. Nice!

It was getting to be about that time. Closing and dinner time. We needed to have SOME functioning phones-mom, me and Pita-so we could all connect the next day, but also we were hungry. The four of us headed to the nearest mall called Riverwalk so we could take care of everything at a one stop shop! We started as Mascom to pick up new SIM cards and load the phones. It is customary for anyone here to speak to the most senior of the group (mom) which normally is a good thing. Here, however, we're talking cell phones. Just a bit out of mom's league. Mom "gave permission" for the gentleman at Mascom-later to find out his name is Moses-to work with me and ten minutes later, we were off to dinner!

We decided to have dinner at Primi Piatti, which has pretty good food and a decent selection of pizzas. I'm not one to write much out food unless it surprises me, like the amount they fed us on KML! But we had a very pleasant meal and had a chance to meet Mary's husband-blanking on his name at the moment.

Last but not least, a quick stop at the Pick and Pay for a couple of items for breakfast. Tell ya what. Even grocery shopping is a different experience! More on that later :)

Mom and I landed in Johannesburg late on Sunday night. After a couple of long flights, it was nice to see that all of our luggage had arrived and intact. We were met by the driver of the Emerald Guest House, where we would be staying for the night, as our next flight did not leave til late morning on Monday.  As we waited for the second couple to arrive, we chatted with Peter?-could be wrong about that- our most wonderful driver that was going to take two brain-dead Americans to their hot shower and soft beds! Mom had mentioned that many here speak very softly. Boy she wasn't kidding! It was incredibly difficult to hear him, then add on a speaking pattern I hadn't really encountered before. Very sweet, very humble guy though. Finally the other two had arrived. Bags in the van (not without a few milling about outside approached the vehicle for a handout) and we were off!

The Emerald Guest House was only a 5-10 minute drive. So thankful we didn't have to sit in a car for another hour and it certainly was a sight for sore eyes! Beautiful landscaping and recently renovated rooms, I wish we could have stayed an extra day to enjoy it more. Basically, we checked in, got the bags to our room, showered and went to bed. We had to take the 8 am shuttle back to the airport. Close but not there yet! I was hoping to take a dip in the pool which was enticingly located right outside our door, but alas, a hearty English breakfast of beans, mushrooms, tomatoes and hotdogs awaited. Only had time for one thing and the food won out. Sorry pool, maybe next time.

One of the most annoying, challenging and sometimes most fun things about travelling is making weight. Usually this entails all heavy things in two carry-ons, which is great cause you don't get charged for extra weight, but not so good cause you have to carry it... hence the term CARRY-on. Easy enough. In past, I may or may not had to wear 3 pairs of pants and 4 shirts to make weight. This time, mom and I were able to walk on with 2 carry-ons a piece and only had to pay for 13 kgs extra weight i.e. one suitcase. We had the best possible outcome we could get!

We made it to our gate quite easily and were able to sit back and relax for a bit. The next thing I noticed about South Africa/Africa is that there are very few to no water fountain/bubblers. Never did figure out why that is.

The third thing of note is that it's hot. That's to be expected, but what I wasn't expecting is how people deal with it. Now shade is always nice on a hot day, but it is a way of life here! You will experience a DRASTIC temperature drop when seeking refuge from the extremely intense rays of the southern hemisphere sun. Trees are great shelter, overhangs, and even airplane wings. ANY shade will do! It is not uncommon to see lots of open parking spaces in a lot, but have a ring of cars under trees where they have no lot. Basically, if it makes sense, it goes!

Somehow KML managed to feed us one more full meal and a beverage service on our hourish flight from Joberg to Gaberone. I'm surprised we didn't eat the same thing twice! Once we landed in the small airport of Gabs, we cleared customs quickly and met up with our contact Mary Lederer and two students from OIEP, which is the international exchange program office at the University of Botswana. They helped us get sorted out, but the only problem was the student who was supposed to arrive a day early on the same flight with us, didn't arrive on the same flight with us. No idea where she was! Thankfully, she was flowing on the next flight. Pretty common saying around here: T.I.A.- today in Africa or This is Africa. Take your pick. Things happen at their own pace here. Somehow no one who knew what was going on seemed worried or concerned that Pita was running late. T.I.A. Oh well. On to the next task: getting us to the Letlhanke Lodge!

Ok, I must confess that for two rather long flights, mom and I did quite well. No major hiccups, we made it to South Africa in one piece, and the food just seemed to keep coming! It has been awhile since I've been on an airplane and longer-oh say 2008 with a visit to China-that I have flown internationally. A few things really stood out to me during these flights: first and foremost, if you get the chance to fly KLM, do it. Great airport staff, great flight attendants, and the keep bringing you things! Food, drinks, warm nicely scented towelettes, they don't charge for alcohol and provide specialized meals. Now I know it has been a few years since I've travelled abroad, and that other airlines provide similar services, but it was absolutely incredible to me how many times they came through the cabin with this that or the other thing! Good job KLM! If you are going to be taking an international flight in the near future and don't want to wait for your meal... get a specialized meal: vegan, vegetarian, something along those lines cause they will bring it out first! lol Because I am gluten and egg free, we tried special ordering for me, but it is somewhat difficult to eat premade food with that combination of allergies. So, I got my meal first and when mom got her meal, we'd switch items around a bit so we both had food. Made a little game out of it! Thanks Mom!

The other thing I vividly remember is looking out the window over the Atlantic as we made our way to Amsterdam.  For whatever reason, the scene was absolutely surreal. I will attempt to describe the view, but I feel I cannot do it justice: We sat a little behind the wing which glowed a soft silver, gray hue, reflecting the clear light of an almost full moon. Now the moon was barely visible over my shoulder from where I was sitting, so the effect was not too bright or overwhelming. What was particularly stunning happened to be the arrangement of clouds and stars. Looking down, you stare into the dark navy abyss of what you know to be the Atlantic-some 35,000' below. You are not afraid. Something about this blue, the dollops of cotton ball clouds scattered gently below, seem to be different than just sky and water. The clear delineation of soft silver and gray clouds create something more firm and resolute than their gaps give them credit for. Here lie the stepping stones to eternity. Hanging delicately above the stepping stones are stars more abundant and more tangible than staring up with your feet firmly on the ground. You feel like you can do anything! A perfect and breath-taking moment caught somewhere between the heavens and earth.

I have never seen anything like it. Perhaps I was exhausted. Perhaps this was a scene that would and could only resonate with me. Whatever the case may be, I appreciate I was able to bare witness to it.

Well, I'm a little more than a week into the "African Adventure" and, as you can tell from the title, I'm liking Botswana WAY more than China. I had mentioned that to Alex the other day via Skype and he replied with a resounding "YES!" (if I had copy/paste that from Skype, it would had looked the same!)

It was quite a bit of craziness leading up to the trip.  I had to move, pack, sell my car to my brother, heal from a concussion, finish my cousin Casey's wedding planning, finish her flowers, set up the ceremony and reception halls and stand in the wedding all before the day before I had to get a plane and head to Africa. Of course during all that, I still had to fulfill my obligations to both my Wednesday and Thursday night dart leagues, hang out with as many people as possible, and have one last half-price wings session down at Showboat Saloon! Being the natural procrastinator that I am, I called in mom, dad and Tourdot to help me move, and proceeded to sleep the absolute bare minimum to get everything done. This did not go over so well with my cousin/doctor Sarah as she was trying to patch me up-did a great job! btw- BUT I figured I would have roughly 24 hours of plane ride I could sleep on :)

The wedding went beautifully Saturday night and instead of driving, I took the Marleys shuttle. Good, safe way to go. Only problem was I didn't have my car when mom called to wake me up the next morning... oops. I wasn't too far from the convention center or the resort where mom and dad were staying so I decided to hoof it. In a bridesmaid dress. And boots with the fur. Talk about walk of shame! Only I wasn't ashamed lol it was cold and I was just glad I didn't drive. Could only imagine what I looked like: Black puffy jacket, pewter full length gown and tan boots with updo and sparkly earrings. Epic :) I didn't make it very far before the cold won out and I called in some very welcome and much needed vehicular assistance.

Once I got back to my car it was a straight shot home. I quickly changed into something more appropriate and set about helping with the last minute packing and weighing operation. As usual, mom and I ended up leaving the house fashionably late for making the trek to Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Drive went smoothly, but it was a nightmare of unmarked signs and incorrect internet information as we attempted to navigate the terminals and then figure out where we had to be as dad parked the car.

Low and behold. The terminal we needed was actually the international terminal (Weird. You really shouldn't believe everything you read online...). Good that we figured that out, but that was a train ride allllllllll the way on the other side of the airport and we didn't have dad! Time was too close for comfort and we still had to make it thru security for an international departure, let alone get all 7 of our bags over to a train we would inevitably have to wait for! Thankfully, shortly after I got dad on the phone, there he was right in front of us! Off we go!

Have you ever seen the movie Rat Race? That's kinda how it felt... Up this way, over that way, roadblock of wheel chairs and luggage carts, which train are we on? Oh, the train that is pulling in now?! Hmmm... quick! Squish into the last car! Hang on to the luggage! aaaaannnnd spill out.  We had made it. International terminal number 5! Cool clear and collected compared to all of the domestic terminals. We found our line, waited maybe five-ten minutes to get in, then it was off to security. Very strange feeling having that check in process be so easy then turning around and saying goodbye to your father. I had been going for so long that everything seemed to stop. I wasn't quite sure what to do. Exhausted, I gave one last hug to dad, and followed mom to security.

Once again I was astonished at the lack of lines and ease of passage. Well, almost easy. If you've been to an airport recently, you may have the new scanning machines they've put more or less in replace of the metal detectors. Basically you stand in a clear open tube, with your hands above you head almost if you're under arrest. The scanners whir around you with their Xray vision and look for anything you may be concealing. Cool device. No worries since I'm clearly not a threat. Then I get pulled aside. Random search, cool. Still not a threat. Scan came back clean....  " I'm going to pat you down and check under your breasts with the backside of my hand. Is it okay that I do so?" the female officer asked... well yeah. what? am I going to say no?? "Before I do, do you have anything on your chest?" No. (Why would I?) "Are you sure?" Yes. "You don't have anything in your bra?" as she gestures to her clavicles... No I-hmmmm I guess I do. Sorry! Turns out this whole time I had had my cell phone in one "bra pocket" and all my credit cards tand cash on the other side. No wonder she looked at my like I was daffy! I had completely forgot I have tucked everything there upon check-in. Oops! After my backhanded body search, between my confident yet incorrect answers and the fact that I looked like a prom queen who had been run over by a bus, my female officer kindly swabbed my hands for drugs. Ha! I must have looked suspicious! Or just much more rough than I had originally thought... after this point, nothing too exciting or eventful happened. Notified credit cards, made a few phone calls and boarded plane 1 of 3: nonstop to Amsterdam.

Mom and I took our seats, me taking window and mom in the isle. Please let this flight not be full! Certainly top of my list to sit middle for seven plus hours... but we lucked out! Open seat which Elena gets to take over and I did! I managed to contort myself into so many quasi-comfortable positions the flight seemed half as long. Or I just slept most of the way :) A little turbulence but  relatively uneventful flight. When we hit Amsterdam, it was another round of sleep, but this time in a seat trying to protect the carry-ons as mom walked and strangely yet another round of security. They don't take any chances over there! That was a fairly long line this time and then we were stuck in a cage of glass! No going to the restroom. No going for food. If you left, that was another round of security. I waited til we were on the plane.

This time we weren't quite as lucky with the seating. A gentleman named David? the Netherland/Cape towner we think was going to end up in the middle of the middle with both mom and me on an isle. Because mom didn't want to sit with the metal box like thing-whatever it was protecting-at her feet, we rearranged: Mom to my seat, me to the middle, and David? the Netherland/Cape Towner to mom's old stop over the metal box. Remember how I said just in the paragraph prior that it was top of my list to sit middle for seven hours? Yup, middle for eleven! Again, in all reality, I really cant complain. I slept most of the way, neither mom or David snored and nor did either one take up multiple seats. As an added bonus, all babes were quiet and well behaved and the individuals directly in front and behind me were great! I smothered myself in a multitude of pillows and blankets and nestled in for the long, uneventful ride.