Preparing to go to Tanzania was easier than I thought! The hardest part was figuring out what I was
going to take for me that I could also give away when I got there. So I am allowed to bring along 2 checked bags
and 2 carry-ons which means that I needed to get all my personal stuff in one
of my carry-ons so I could stuff, really overstuffed, 2 duffle bags with things
to leave in Africa.
So 2 months of cleaning out my clost, the kids closet, and
Roy’s baby clothes I am waiting at the ticket counter to see if my bags made
weight. Let me also say that I did spend
$20 on one of those suitcase weighing gadgets and I’m so glad I did. My first bag – the monster green duffle
weighed in at… 49.5 lbs which means I could have fit one more thing on
there! My other bag – 44lbs. But really, there wasn’t room to spare on
either bag. When I return I hope that
one of these bags is filled with treasures from Tanzania. If you are in my family, just guess where I’m
doing my Christmas shopping this year!
Now I’m not a big traveller – not because I don’t like to
but I’ve just not had the opportunity.
The times I’ve left the US… does Nuevo Laredo, Mexico count across the
Texas border? No… I didn’t think so.
Then we are left with 2 trips to Grand Cayman but they have Wendy’s, take US$,
and there is a direct flight from Houston.
The only other time was going to St. Lucia back in 2001 when we went to
a Sandals resort with Thane. No passport
needed then. I guess we can consider that this is my first international
trip!
Here’s to 30hours of travel.
I’m stocked with 2 magazines (Lucky & In Style) to be left on the
airplane, a book in my hands (Cutting for Stone about a Dr. in Africa), a book
on my iPad (Clan of the Cave Bear, part 2), and movies out the wazoo ;
Bridesmaids, The Host, Safe Haven, the entire Twilight series, The Messenger,
and one more I can’t think of. Along
with that is my iPod filled with music and my phone completely empty to allow
for as many pictures as possible.
Back to the airport – security was busy but I guess a
Saturday morning departure is pretty popular in the summer. I saw Chris & Christina and their son as
they headed out of town too! Always nice
to see friends you know at the airport but even more special to see Chris as
last year he did my race and had a hard day and a crazy year. It was wonderful to see his smile and to see
him enjoying life with his beautiful wife and son. A great send off from the US and I go to
Toronto.
First stop, Toronto from 7:45am – 6:10pm – that is a 10 hour
layover! I looked into tours, hotels,
fun runs, etc. but I’m not committed to doing anything. I may just get there and find a book store
and read and people watch in Canada, eh!
After Toronto it’s an overnight to Zurich then a short stop there
until we take another long flight to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania arriving at 8:30am
Tanzania time (or as my son says it Tan-ZANE-ia).
Hugs to my family! I'll miss you!
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