13 June 2007

The journey has begun






First off - a day hotel at Frankfurt Airport is the way to go!





I decided I did not want to be one of those uncomfortable souls sprawled out on the floor of the airport trying to sleep while maintaining vigilance over my belongings. Despite getting my luggage checked all the way through to Malawi (bonus! was not looking forward to multiple baggage claims/customs/re-checking) my inner bougie was calling for some last minute pampering. Serge will probably accuse me of being a softie, but what girl doesn't love a hot shower and crisp sheets? The Sheraton is attached to the airport, was the perfect place to catch a few extra hours of sleep, and has REALLY good pommes frites.


The first leg of the trip was relatively uneventful, save for some crazy downpours on the way to Newark and me giving up my row of 4 empty seats to a cute 7 year old who really needed to stretch out and sleep.



I'm headed back over to the airport to catch my next flight.

Here are some pics of my kitties helping me pack. Cosmo is a BIG help don't you think?















13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy trails, Heather. We miss you here already. Keep the posts coming!

Nacho said...

Nice! if i could help my mom pack i would but i'd rather beg for treats and steel underwear.

If you see any jack russell/pug mixes in Malawi tell them i said wazzzz up!

Richard Neill said...

Nice! Now don't ignore your thesis work just because you're posting pictures and in Malawi. : )

Anonymous said...

I would have wanted a shower and crisp sheet also. Thanks for the pictures, cute kittens. I miss you so much. have a great trip and a safe one too. Keep me posted. Mary Anne Seitz

Anonymous said...

I love you Heather! I can't wait to hear more! Here is some news for you, we are expecting baby number 2. On your birthday!

Unknown said...

Hope the rest of your flights are smooth & uneventful. Glad you'll be blogging - it'll be good to say hello and see what adventures you're having. Be safe!

Anonymous said...

Heather,

Thanks for sending me the link. Safe travels and will look forward to hearing more about your adventures.

Managed to finish the marathon in just under 3 hours and 39 minutes. First 20 were a breeze...last 6 was life changing. Take care of yourself.

Anonymous said...

awww heater! tanx for including me! I got the database and finally met serge--he was wearing his finest scrubs! hope you are safe and sound in malawi...
dee

Unknown said...

Hope the rest of the travels were smooth. Glad you had one last "indulgence" with a shower and clean sheets.

Shandy's with Nacho and Cosmo on the not really much help in packing -- unless of course you need shredded paper or tissues for packing :)

I'm w/ Dr. Neill -- have fun, keep in touch, but don't forget that pesky dissertation!

L4M said...

Smart move with the room. Your travel buddies are far, far away, so stay safe out there on your own. Can't wait to hear more about the adventure!

Anonymous said...

Aunt's Candy and Caroline are following your progress as we sunbathe by the pool. Good luck and have fun!
Sarah also read blog. We all axiouly await news of your venture!

Anonymous said...

Travel to Africa is very life altering...we can never truly grasp what suffering is...here. I miss Ethiopia too. One thing you have to let go of is the self centered mentality of Americans, that we can save others from themselves, or change the way the world works in any given moment. It was very hard for me to realize how ignorant I was...the best you could have done was a bandaid, a contrived and short term intervention that would not have sustained. I think it is irresponsible for Americans think we have the power to fix problems, with tangible things. If you had helped her in that moment, you would have to hurt her again, maybe more painfully by leaving her -if after a few moments or a few hours. By being there you ARE doing something.

Anonymous said...

Heather - We love your stories and pictures and miss you so much! What a contrast to our lives here - I am taking a technology course learning about all this high-tech stuff so we can improve our teaching and so our students can be oh, so smart. In the scheme of things it is ridiculous. Where you are, people are just trying to survive. We are so very proud of your courage and what you are doing. (You are in my prayers each night!!) I'll keep praying for no ants and safe bus rides!
Mom and Dad (on his way back from Mexico City)