Tuesday 15 November 2005
I have been organising the packing for our trip to the Kruger Game Reserve in South Africa. This has been going on for weeks now and here we are, 6 days away from our flight.
I have packed, unpacked, and repacked several times - trying to pack things that were in rigid packages into softer covers such as plastic bags. So many things to take for such a short trip. Medicines, necessities and ‘might needs’ etc. Will we have room for our clothes I wonder?
We are to spend the night of arrival in a hotel, 4 nights in the Kruger and two nights back at the hotel.
Saturday 19 November 2005
Our big bag was far too heavy so borrowed a wheelie bag from M. However today we decided that wheelie bags were a good idea so bought a couple for ourselves and will use those. So now things are not packed too tightly ot too bulkily and the bags are not too heavy. Also means we can take a tripod for filming.
Sunday 20 November 2005
J’s back went out as he lifted the big case onto the bed.
Monday 21 November 2005
We left early this morning by taxi to Newcastle Airport to catch the flight to Heathrow.
6.15 Arrived at Heathrow just before 6 and now in Terminal 1. J is off getting drinks, tea and coffee.
Tuesday 22 November 2005
We are now at Sandton Park Plaza hotel. Usual tiring flight with unappetising food, crowded, cramped uncomfortable seats. We booked our seats right at the back where there are two seats which give one a lot more space to the side.
Exhausted. At night everyone settled down for sleep. Couldn’t sleep and when we thought we just might drop off some people stood behind our seats, and talked loudly for over an hour. Eventually, since the stewardess would do nothing about it, I told them they were disturbing us. Apparently it had never entered their minds - profuse apologies.
J’s had tremendous trouble with his back which was extremely painful and at one time it took him several minutes before he could stand upright. I thought he would not be able to get out of his seat.
It was a complete shambles going through customs and immigration at Johannesburg Airport - too many people in too small an area, hundreds trying to negotiate their way around planters blocking the way and trying to get through an exit 6 foot wide. Easily found our guide Joy waiting for us and she seems a veryfriendly, considerate person, wanting to do everything for us.
Outside at the small pick-up area there was little regard by anyone parking cars to pick someone up. Great crush of people waiting to be met. Double and triple parked and the drivers then disappear for half an hour blocking everyone's exit! It is by far the worst airport we have ever been to.
Joy took us all round the houses to our hotel to show us the area and this gave us a chance to get to know each other and discuss what we had in mind for our trip. We leave at 7.30am tomorrow morning.
Went up to our room and, exhausted, laid down for a sleep just after 1 and slept until 5.30ish.
The air conditioned suite consists of a lounge with comfortable seating and TV and to one side a kitchen area with, cupboards, fridge, cooker and equipment. A bedroom with adequate wardrobes and a bathroom with separate shower.
After waking we showered and felt somewhat rested and are now going down to dinner.
Later: Buffet style dinner - food looked and was good. Early to bed for early rise tomorrow - the first of many over the next few days.
No comments:
Post a Comment