Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Home, Sweet Home
I figure I should let everyone know that we have arrived safe and sound, as did all our luggage. We are happy to see that winter has also come in time to welcome us. It is quite something to go from 32 Celsius + humidity to -16 + windchill, so that we've gone through a 60 degree change in a few short days.
Winter and all, there is no place like home. We arrived in Edmonton early Sunday morning (about 12:30 am). We were delayed an hour in Minneapolis waiting for other passengers and their luggage to load the plane. The trip from Amsterdam to Edmonton was quite long, but I am happy to report that I was much less cranky than I expected. I think everyone was happy about that! My godfather, Bob, and his friend, Tish, were there to meet us at the airport which was a nice surprise. My mother screamed just as I imagined she would. It was a beautiful sound. Mark and Rob were there, as were our winter jackets and boots. Welcome home, indeed!
We got home and unloaded the contents of our bags, distributed gifts, shared a few stories, and had some grilled cheese sandwiches before heading to bed around 3:30am. We all slept well and were up and about by 10:00am. My Grandma Mary came over and we had brunch together. It nice to spend time with family.
Sunday night, after catching up with Kristy and Brad, I finally got to sleep in my own bed, with flannel pyjamas, and a down comforter. Not a week ago, I was sleeping under a mosquito net, sweating in my shorts and tank top. What a world we live in. It's weird how Africa seems close yet so far away.
This week has gone by well enough, so far. I'm trying to get back into this time zone, unpack, get ready for Christmas, and get reaquainted with the world around me. I went to the mall yesterday and felt a little overwhelmed. And I only went as far as Bonnie Doon Mall! This might take some time.
I look forward to seeing many familiar and friendly faces over the Christmas holidays. Christmas is a nice time to come home. I've always loved Christmas lights, Christmas trees, Christmas carols, and the Fire Log on Channel 18. I am getting my pictures developped today, and I would be more than willing to tell anyone the stories behind the precious faces. Big Hugs all around.
Winter and all, there is no place like home. We arrived in Edmonton early Sunday morning (about 12:30 am). We were delayed an hour in Minneapolis waiting for other passengers and their luggage to load the plane. The trip from Amsterdam to Edmonton was quite long, but I am happy to report that I was much less cranky than I expected. I think everyone was happy about that! My godfather, Bob, and his friend, Tish, were there to meet us at the airport which was a nice surprise. My mother screamed just as I imagined she would. It was a beautiful sound. Mark and Rob were there, as were our winter jackets and boots. Welcome home, indeed!
We got home and unloaded the contents of our bags, distributed gifts, shared a few stories, and had some grilled cheese sandwiches before heading to bed around 3:30am. We all slept well and were up and about by 10:00am. My Grandma Mary came over and we had brunch together. It nice to spend time with family.
Sunday night, after catching up with Kristy and Brad, I finally got to sleep in my own bed, with flannel pyjamas, and a down comforter. Not a week ago, I was sleeping under a mosquito net, sweating in my shorts and tank top. What a world we live in. It's weird how Africa seems close yet so far away.
This week has gone by well enough, so far. I'm trying to get back into this time zone, unpack, get ready for Christmas, and get reaquainted with the world around me. I went to the mall yesterday and felt a little overwhelmed. And I only went as far as Bonnie Doon Mall! This might take some time.
I look forward to seeing many familiar and friendly faces over the Christmas holidays. Christmas is a nice time to come home. I've always loved Christmas lights, Christmas trees, Christmas carols, and the Fire Log on Channel 18. I am getting my pictures developped today, and I would be more than willing to tell anyone the stories behind the precious faces. Big Hugs all around.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Back in Amsterdam
Greetings once again from the Amsterdam airport. It feels weird to retrace our steps. It's like seeing life in rewind. We had a pleasant enough bus ride from Songea to Dar es Salaam. It was hot and long but that is to be expected. It was nice to see some of the variety in Tanzanian geography. Unfortunately there are no interesting animal sightings to report. :-(
We then spent a night and part of the following day in Dar, did some shopping, went out for supper and boarded our plane late in the evening. Apparently, we bought too many wood carvings and had to pay off the guard who let us through this time but said, next time to get a certificate from the revenue office in town. ??? We have yet to see if we will be stopped at customs in Canada for the same reasons. Everything arrived here in Amsterdam in one piece, at least.
We had a slow day yesterday in Amsterdam. Slept a lot and went out for lunch and supper. That was about it. What exciting tourists we are! We even watched Crocodile Dundee II on the T.V. We are decompressing and preparing for the long journey ahead.
Look forward to seeing you all soon!
Hugs,
Chantal
We then spent a night and part of the following day in Dar, did some shopping, went out for supper and boarded our plane late in the evening. Apparently, we bought too many wood carvings and had to pay off the guard who let us through this time but said, next time to get a certificate from the revenue office in town. ??? We have yet to see if we will be stopped at customs in Canada for the same reasons. Everything arrived here in Amsterdam in one piece, at least.
We had a slow day yesterday in Amsterdam. Slept a lot and went out for lunch and supper. That was about it. What exciting tourists we are! We even watched Crocodile Dundee II on the T.V. We are decompressing and preparing for the long journey ahead.
Look forward to seeing you all soon!
Hugs,
Chantal
