I arrived late into the Airport in Amsterdam. It was a rather interesting flight and we had individual screens with info on the trip. What I didn’t realize was just how close we were to Greenland. We flew just south of the tip of that land as we made our way across the Atlantic. Of course the altitude was nearly 40,000 feet and the temperature outside the plan was anywhere from -90 to -125 degrees. Yet we were well fed and warm the entire trip and had looked forward to seeing Amsterdam.
We arrived about midnight eastern time but as I had seen the son set I was waiting for the sunrise now only several hours away. For Amsterdam is 6 hours 
difference from Ohio. So it was around 6 am and the flight didn’t leave until 10:25 am Amsterdam time. So I walked and shopped (window mostly) and tried to keep moving as I would shortly be confined in a plane soon enough. For the traverler Amsterdam has lots of stores and food places. The only downside is that the the dollar is worth only .64 euos. So that makes the inflated prices that much more inflated.
Exhausted I boarded the plane and we waited past our departure time due to 5 people not making it through security. For what reason I don’t know. A topic something several of us discussed. I met people who were from far western Canada, Ohio, Germany, India and had numerous conversation. Especially with one man whom I shared extensively. Exhaustion set in and several cat-naps set it. Nothing like a solid sleep but enough. The trip was helped by their service times of food and an occasional hot moist towelette to re-freshen with.
The clouds cleared and suddenly over Europe huge moutains appeared. They were impressive from the air and were (as I was told) the French Alps. Once we cleared over Africa it was a different story. It appears to be (the section we flew over) was deslote, dry and deserted. There were sings of civilization but the vast, endless stretches of sand, lack of vegetation of rock made one wonder who would live there. I flew over Niger or close to where a lady from our church had been with a medical team. From the air there were few roads and villages seen from the air and mostly devoid of vegetation.
As it turned into night time we arrived in South Africa and saw the lights of the city as we made our approach. It was the most lights or signs of live since we left Europe. We arrived in Cape Town after nearly 11 hours in the air and were excited to get off the airport. I saw Steve and Sonja waiting I was eager to get through immigration and prepared my passport. After a brief interview he took a stamp and placed it in the passport book and I was off to find the luggage. I tried not to think about the possibility of no luggage showing up but sure enough the bags came around and I was off.
I was warmly welcomed and off to their home we went and was able to retire sometime after 2 am. It wasn’t much wonder I didn’t bounce out of bed early. Today was a transition day and we rand some errands and saw Anathoth and the children’s home. Tonight I was able to see the entire city in lights and took a few pictures and enjoyed some of the best ice cream I have ever experienced. I don’t believe this type is found in America.
Thank you for all your prayers and I am looking forward to an exciting week coming up and I am gaining my strength back after the grueling 2 day trip. Sunday will begin fast forward part of the journey when we will be barely able to catch our breath. This season is the beginning of the year for everyone. School is back in session after summmer break and the tourist season is in full swing. Already I have met more people from more countries and with more languages than ever before. Keep watching as I will post as I am able.
Related posts:
- Trip Begins Out of DTW Airport with KLM The flight to South Africa started with a car trip...
- Directors Meeting Set – March 31st Greetings and a heap of God’s choicest blessings in 2007:...
- Dave’s Trip – Update #4 Greetings from Cape Town in the summertime. My time here...
- Recollections and Reflections – Epilogue to my South African trip It has been a fortnight since I boarded the plane...
- The Trip – Dave McLaughlin Goes To See Steve Note: We will receive regular updates about the trip to...
