I know I'm like 3 days late but just wanted to update everyone on how my flights went. First things first, just a few things that were accomplished simply on my journey here:
- If anybody knows me at all, you know I'm terrified of airplane bathrooms. Ew! But I conquered that fear...multiple times. It was something that just had to be done.
- A teenty tiny black baby boy ran up to the front of the plane and grabbed my hand just as I was feeling anxious and overwhelmed. Of course, it calmed my nerves! So precious.
- I rode on a train! Like an underground, subway real-life train! It was super fast and super fun
- I ran to a forbidden airplane bathroom to throw up. Not too fun but still necessary ha
- I got lost in a foreign airport and for the first time in my life, fought back the tears that I knew were coming after talking to 2 non-helpful police officers, and then found my way.
- Argued with a porter and fought for my money. Thanks Mom :-)
- Ate food that I literally had no idea what it was.
Ok, now to explain all that happened on the flights over here...I got up at 5:00a.m. on Wednesday so I could pray and get ready for this "adventure of lifetime." I knew it was going to be exciting but I was also quite nervous and still am. As I was saying goodbye, mom's last words to me were "Be brave Morgan Floyd..." along with of course some hugging and "I love you's." but the brave part stuck with me throughout my journey because I knew I was doing this one with just me and my God, for the first time ever. I remember sitting in first class on my first flight out of Washington feeling so out of place because everyone else seemed to know what was going on and I was still pretending. They offered me a snack plate...I took it yes, but hoped I didn't have to pay for it and only ordered water when they took my drink order. Clearly, I'm not cut out for this lifestyle but my journey continued on. As I made it onto my next flight with no major issues, I suddenly noticed that this flight was not going to be full and I would be sitting by myself, for 18 hours. Again, the anxiety kicked in and I began to pray. One of the flight attendants noticed my anxiety and came over to talk to me and help put my nerves at ease. She was super sweet and we talked about the color purple. How fitting for the occasion! I shared with her how it is known as the color of royalty and that her spirit radiated that of the color purple. She was my favorite flight attendant I've had on my journey thus far! So we took off and after they served us dinner, I noticed that everyone started getting ready for bed? I was super confused because it was only like 8 o'clock maybe, so instead I sat back and observed the other passengers. Not long after, ALL the lights shut off and it all began to make total sense haha. 4 hours passed and the lights were flicked back on and we were beginning to land in Dakar, Senegal to get gas and gain more voyagers on our journey! Unfortunately, I had gotten used to having my own space and was not looking forward to having anyone sit next to me. But surprise! A very tall, non-English speaking man who clearly had a cold joined me on this journey. While we were on the ground and this new man had joined me, I began to get very VERY sick. I took some Dramamine but that didn't stop this. I took advantage of our on flight bathrooms and got some water before we took off. Before I go on, can I just note the competition amongst passengers when it comes to cabin toilets? It's brutal! I lost multiple times. And then once, I went out to brush my teeth. I saw a wife approaching. I ran for my life! Ain't nobody got time for that!!! Needless to say, I won. Anywho, I napped and then lunch was served meaning I was that much closer to Johannesburg. I remember praying so much during that time! Not that I was scared or anything, it was more I knew I couldn't do this journey alone and boy was I right. As soon as I got off the plane in Johannesburg, I got lost. Lost and alone in a third world country. Great, right? BUT, I wasn't going to let anyone know it, I was going to "Be brave Morgan Floyd." as Mama had told me to do. I talked to 4 different officials who sent me in circles and which I was certain they were laughing hysterically at the idiotic American making a fool of herself. Eventually, I found my bags and made it through customs and passed them off. Now to find my gate, D6 was the goal. Next thing I know, I'm swept up by a porter who's walking with me to gate D and asking for a tip! I didn't have rand and he was trying to school me. Yeah, I didn't let that happen and we began to barter pretty much. He did get some money out of me but not as much as he hoped. Then, I waited about an hour and boarded my last flight, so close to Cape Town I could almost feel it. I was the last one to arrive in my group. It was beautiful and slightly drizzling when I arrived and Roland, one of our RAs greeted me at baggage check with a hug. It was nice to be with someone who wanted to talk to me and who knew my name as silly as that sounds. We got to my apartment around 11:00p.m. and I quickly tucked in and prayed myself to bed. After 39 hours, I can proudly say I've been warmly welcomed to Cape Town, South Africa and I'm excited to see where this journey is going. Tomorrow, we head out on a three day excursion where we will be riding ostriches and elephants as well as doing some caving and canoeing. Check back mid-week to hear all about it and maybe see some pictures!
Loyally,
Morgan
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