I've always loved flying and I'm not sure why. Maybe it is because I didn't fly much when I was young or to take long vacations. But every time I book a flight and step on an airplane, I get a huge high that is incomparable to anything else. For my flight to Uganda, I was scheduled to fly through Washington, DC, Brussels, Rwanda and Uganda. But when I arrived at the airport, my flight was delayed, which caused me to be re-routed through Chicago and London. I don't usually mind getting re-routed through another country as long as I get to my location around the same time. The first flight to Chicago was uneventful and very fast. I'm always amazed that the flight to Chicago is only 40 minutes. I sat next to a girl who was going across the pond for the first time and she was very excited. Her name was Maria and she was traveling to Ireland. She just graduated from her graduate program and was going to visit some friends. We ended up sitting just a few rows from each other on the London flight. Dinner on the flight over to London was okay with a salad, manicotti, roll, and a brownie. I was disappointed that there wasn't free wine because I have always had free wine on international flights. I was also disappointed with the entertainment because it was very old and outdated. Most of the flights I have been on over the past few years had an adjustable screen with many movies, tv shows, games, and audio channels. There were a couple good movies playing (One Hundred Foot Journey), but definitely sub par compared to others. The scariest part of the journey was the landing. We approached Heathrow to land, but suddenly the plane engines roared and the plane headed upwards. I quickly realized something was wrong and we were not landing. On the approach to land, it was very windy, so I figured it was unsafe and that is why the pilot aborted. Sure enough, the pilot came on and said he was going to try again after he circled around. He landed the plane and all was well. I think that is the first time I have been scared on a flight. My mind kept wondering what was going to happen if we ran out of fuel or had to be diverted. But we landed and all was well.
I was able to get some coffee and French toast with yogurt and fruit. It was a nice introduction into the British world. Of course, I didn't have pounds, so I had to change my money. I tried to FaceTime with my family and friends thanks to the free wifi but only my friend Alex was awake. We chatted for a bit and then I read my book while I waited for the flight to Entebbe.
The flight from London to Entebbe was comfortable and I began to get really excited. I sat between two Ugandans swapping stories about life in the developed world versus the developing world. The contrasts are startling to say the least. I wish I could express in words how comfortable I felt on this flight. From the local language, Luganda to the way people say "sorry" for when you when you drop things, I felt so at home. This flight was with British Airways and it is the first time I have taken them. I would take them over again. They where absolutely wonderful. My favorite part was when I asked for spicy tomato juice, the flight attendant shook a bottle of Smirnoff vodka at me and asked if I cared to have something to liven it up. I was thrilled to have a Bloody Mary after so many hours of travel. They also offered wine with dinner and my neighbor next me asked for another bottle and gave it to me. No, I didn't get off the flight drunk, but I did enjoy my glass of wine and took the other bottle for the road.
When I arrived at the airport in Uganda, I was surprised at the changes because of the Ebola epidemic. I had to fill out a questionnaire about my health and then waited in line to see a nurse. The nurse asked me a few questions and then took my temperature. The adults were separated from the children and since I didn't have any children with me, my line went quickly. My temperature was a normal and I was free to go. Usually I can get through the visa process rather quickly, but this time it took a while because there were big three planes at once. My biggest recommendation about visas is to get them before leaving your home country. This saves you a lot of time and eliminates any corruption when the staff tries to charge you more than the required fee.
I breezed through immigration and went to look for my bags. I didn't see them, so I took the opportunity to change my money. The girls behind the exchange place were arguing over who could help me, but finally settled on one and I changed my money. I was happy with the rate because it was Shz2600=$1 and I think I could probably get even more in town. Just six months ago the rate was 2400 or 2500. I guess the dollar is gaining strength. I changed my money, found my bags, and then went out to find my friends. My friends Jenny and Sam were waiting for me and I found them as soon as I exited the airport. I squealed with joy and gave them big hugs and we headed to their house in Mukono. And once again I was in my home away from home.
