A left, then a right..we are off unexpectidly!

March 16, 2008 A left, then a right.. we are off unexpectedly!

This is how the trip started, a left foot followed by a right. We were dropped off at the wrong terminal at JFK only to realize after the two vans zoomed off. A bit of anxiety and excitement, but mostly an unwelcomed test of group dynamics right from the start! I took it right in stride, no worries for me. This energy hound was up for a bit of exercise prior to stepping aboard a plane for the next 18-24 hours. My colleague, Diana recently told me that carrying a load over 35 lbs was bad for a woman’s reproductive system. I challenged this threat of sterility and heaved the pack on my back- too cheap to buy a cart and too stubborn to use one if offered. I strapped my spanking new day pack to the handle of my borrowed suitcase and gave an appreciative nod to its wheels. I was off, carrying my entire life on my back as I waddled along with our caravan of carts, luggage and our group of 11.

We took the elevator, unaware of that the carts could easily manuveor the escalators, as we would soon find out in Johanasburg. A quick trip on the Air train and a couple of stops, we amazingly all arrived at the correct terminal and made a beeline for check in.

Passport in hand, I hand over my flight information only to be asked, did you just arrive. Sure did. “Oh? Cause you have already checked in.” Hum, well me and the 11 people behind me, with whom I am traveling just arrived. Furious typing and numerous phone calls, I was informed that someone had already checked in and received my boarding pass. Well this is interesting, so much for all that extra security, the patriot act, and what is the purpose of a passport? A mere 45 minutes later as I am the only member of our group standing at the ticket counter, I laugh it off, unaware that this will be a constant occurrence of this trip. But, I do get the tickets in hand, and we are off with excitement to board the plane which will transport us to South Africa.

From my previous posting, you know that this will come back to bite me in the ass! Long story short, if this EVER happens to you, make sure you get confirmation on your return flight if any changes are made to you flight, seat etc.. Chris was pretty confidant that if his wife Lesaya was not there with her South Africa accent, I would be out another $700 for a return flight, or that I would still be over there. –ps. I definitely would still be there!