The Night Before My Flight

Tuesday night, January 31st

I went to bed early knowing that I probably wouldn’t get much sleep considering I would have to wake up at 3:15 to be at the airport on time for my 5:30 departure. As I laid down and began to plug  my phone in so it would have a full charge, I noticed a message from Delta that said one of my flights was changed and that would affect all my other flights. So they would be working on changing my itinerary. I went to bed and tried to get some sleep when the alarm went off at 3:15 I checked my phone and discovered that Delta had not found an alternate flight yet. I quickly went to my computer and began to look for an alternative flight. While I was searching I received another text message that said they had rerouted me. There was a bit of a blessing in the change, and that was that my flight wouldn't start until 10:10. So I told Bruce who was just waking up and realizing he could catch a few more hours of sleep, he jumped back in bed. I got on the phone and called Delta so I could request my seats. My new itinerary would take me first to Seattle, then Amsterdam and on to Johannesburg. 
As I boarded my flight to Seattle and located my seat, I found it ironic, that my first solo flight I was sitting next to an empty seat. 

I had been assuring myself and everyone else that I was not anxious, merely excited for my solo journey to Joburg.  I was reminded of the reality of flying solo when I took my seat on the flight to Seattle and found the seat next to me empty. As I tucked my belongings under the seat in front of me I found my heart racing a bit. I must admit, that I was a bit anxious. As we began to taxi down the runway, I realized that I wouldn't be holding my husbands hand for take-off as I have done for the past 38 years.I settled into my seat, headphones, i-phone with my favorite music and a few podcasts downloaded, paperback book, notepad; and pen, sweater, and fan for those annoying hot flashes, all arm’s length away. I fastened my seatbelt and leaned back into my chair when the thought crossed my mind, “I can do whatever I want.” That’s one of the advantages of being a fifty something solo traveler. I realized that I might start a book and finish with no interruptions. I could have a scone and eat the whole thing myself. I could play Keith Urban as loud as I wanted to. I might even sing along and not worry about what anyone thought. 

 The flight to Amsterdam was a little over and 10 hour flight as well as the flight to Johannesburg. I believe the flight to Seattle was 4 hours. Needless to say, I left home at 7:30 am on Monday morning and when I arrived in Johannesburg it was 10:10 Tuesday evening. After I gathered my bags and cleared customs, I found my driver Abram waiting for me. Abram and I waited another 25 minutes for the National Public Affairs Director from Cameroon to arrive.  Abram drove me to Duke's court where I was staying with the Lee's. The Lee's were traveling with their son and his wife and I had to stop at Brent's brothers apartment to pick up the key. I was so happy to finally have a bed and I slept very well. I could hardly wait to walk outside in the morning. It felt so good to be here. When I opened the front door I was flooded with familiar sights and sounds. I took a moment to say hello to a security guard I recognized from our mission. Then I walked across the street to Kilarney Mall. The first stop was to the Nail Salon to say hello to the receptionist there. She greeted me with a warm hug and then asked where Mr. Bruce was. So sweet! I had lunch at restaurant we frequented while on our mission, Mug and Bean. I then did some grocery shopping and went back to the Lee's flat. Once I got my groceries unloaded the Lee's returned and we had a great time caching up. So good to be back.

Landing in Amsterdam

Come Away With Me