Crystal Nance: International Traveler

So much is happening already and it’s only been 24 hours! Before getting into what took place on our first full day in Cape Town, I must backtrack and talk about the international travel experience.  My trip started early on the morning of May 13, with a shuttle ride to Phoenix at 2:30 AM.  The first flight of the trip was a 3 hour ride to Atlanta and then, there was an 8 hour plane ride from Atlanta to Amsterdam. OMG.
Talk about what felt like forever!  There are perks to flying internationally: food and entertainment.  I’ve been used to a drink and maybe some peanuts, but on the first flight, I was able to enjoy a full meal of pasta, salad, bread and a brownie.  I did some sleeping and some reading on the flight as well and got a painful reminder of just how uncomfortable flights can be for people with long legs (*makes mental note to fly first-class on the next trip*)
We had a 3 hour layover in Amsterdam, so there was enough time to eat and explore the airport.  The plane touched down there at about 6 AM local time and there weren’t many places open initially.  I got some Starbucks and I won’t think too hard about the fact that I paid $11 American dollars for a hot chocolate and bottle of water…
Anywho, I had to mentally prepare for the big one: a whole 11 hours in the air.  Surprisingly, I slept off and on for 8 hours, which made the flight much better than I expected.  It was a true relief to get off the plane and begin the adventure in South Africa.  We all have our views of what countries in Africa look like, but I promise you, the airport in Cape Town looks just like any major airport in the United States. So modern. So busy with people.
By the time we arrived in Cape Town, it was already 9 PM on Monday, but I can’t even say exhausted is the word I would use to describe how I felt.  Anxious and excited are a bit more appropriate.  Oh yeah, a little hungry too. 
Now that I know what the long flights feel like, I’m much more prepared for the trip home.  However, it is way too early to think about that! Stay tuned…more chronicles of this international journey are coming soon!