We departed Chicago at 8:00 pm Saturday evening, and arrived in London at 10:30 am Saturday morning, after a 7 hour flight. Smooth flying, a huge plane that was only half full! Although I slept well, the students did not rest as much and arrived in London a bit tired. However, they were eager to explore London as much as our limited time allowed. A quick lesson in currency conversion and a trip to an ATM equipped us with English Pounds, which we found that we didn't need many of. With James's intrepid uncle as our local guide, we set off!
We rode the Underground (subway, "tube") from Heathrow airport into central London, about an hour's trip. We emerged into central London and saw Horse Guards Parade ground and a couple of members of the Horse Guards, who apparently don't like it when members of the public grab their horse's reins! (Ask Kait--she wasn't the culprit, but he sure got her attention!) We walked on to Downing Street and checked out the Prime Minister's residence, Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. Big Ben was mostly hidden by scaffolding as it is undergoing restoration. A short stroll took us to Buckingham Palace, which was crowded but impressive. We bought ice cream from a stand in Green Park and walked back to catch the Tube back to the airport. Japanese food in the airport fueled us up, and we soon boarded the plane for the 11-hour flight to Johannesburg.
This flight was full, so it was a somewhat cozy 11 hours. We ate Thai red curry, then slept as best and as much as we could. Those who woke in time had Full English Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, grilled mushrooms and tomatoes, sausage, and ham, served with fresh pineapple and a raisin bun, and, of course, tea with milk and sugar. We were all pretty glad to land and walk around!
Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg was nice, and people were so orderly! Everybody just seemed to sow up at the gate and get in line at the appropriate time, no PA announcement at all! By then we were all wanting a shower and clean clothes pretty badly--wipes in a public restroom and re-applying deodorant just weren't doing it any more! More currency conversion (changing dollars and/or pounds to South African Rands), Immigration, and Customs. It seemed a long wait to board our flight for Hoedspruit, but the flight itself was brief and we flew low enough to be able to see the terrain below.
The airport terminal in Hoedspruit. Yep, that's the entire complex!
After 2 days of travel, we are on the ground in Hoedspruit! Tired, wanting showers and a change of clothes, but actually HERE! The building in the background is the airport terminal.
The airport terminal is the size of a small ranch house! It was a bit crowded with a plane larger than a DC-10 unloading! However, the major issue was the long line for the Ladies' room! Our guide met us, and we drove about 45 minutes, the last 15 along a red dirt 2-track that climbed steeply toward the end. We were amazed to see our lodge!
We are housed in a complex of small brick buildings built into the sides of a rocky hill. Each thatched-roofed building houses 2 rooms and 2 baths, and the central lodge a dining and living area, huge deck and swimming pool! We have wi-fi here, so I will try to post updates regularly. We have already seen antelope and rock hyrax (like cute sleek big guinea pigs) with their baby from here on the deck! At the moment, I'm closing out to watch the sunset over the rocky hills. The hills have turned misty shades of grey, and the sun is becoming a red orb sinking toward the horizon. It is silent other than the sound of a bullfrog in the nearby water hole, and just enough moisture is condensing to give the air a sweet, dusty woody smell. The sun is just a sliver now, disappearing rapidly behind the hills, and birds are beginning to sing.
View from the deck of the main lodge. Small balcony off to the left is my room!
Looking southeast off from the lodge deck. Just down and left are where the hyrax were playing.
Wide views. In summer this is all green grass!
Looking west just before sunset
The lodge deck. This is where we have supper!
Looking down from the deck onto the swimming pool. A bit cool, but we are from Michigan!
Group meeting to review our schedule, followed by supper and shower and organizing my things; most of the students have already been swimming and showered. Our adventure is off to an amazing start!
I will add photos tomorrow; mine are slow uploading.
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