Just made it safely to Durban, and I'm unpacking as I write this... It was a colorful trip, to be sure. But it's apparent to me that God truly has His hand on my life, and He's definitely looking out for me.
I arrived safely and easily to both Chicago and New York. Switching airports in NY was not difficult, and I met a nice couple from DC who rode the shuttle w. me and told me all about Venice. The flight from JFK to Jo'Burg went well. It was long, but I sat next to a really nice South African woman who is earning her PhD in social work at a school in Kentucky. She gave me lots of good travel advice, and offered to send me a list of contacts/ friends of hers in Durban. She was very thoughtful.
After the 17+ hour flight, and a small stopover in Senegal, I arrived in Jo'Burg. It took a very long time to retrieve the luggage and go through customs. I almost missed my connecting flight, but a persistent (and somewhat annoying) porter actually ended up helping me quite a bit. We literally ran through the Jo'burg airport (both w. one luggage in hand... him sprinting ahead and me panting to keep up) -- and I arrived just in time to board my flight to Durban.
I recieved an upgrade for the final flight and sat by a very nice South African man who was returning to Durban from a business trip in NYC. When we arrived in the Durban airport, he made sure that I got my luggage safely, and allowed me to use his phone to call my B&B (who had forgotten to come and pick me up). He patted me on the head and sent me away with 20 rand to purchase a cup of coffee and wait for my ride. He also told me where his business was located in the airport in case I had any problems getting to the B&B. I think I'm going to purchase some thank you cards tomorrow, becuase he really went out of his way to help me.
Now I am settling into the B&B. My room is beautiful, and it overlooks the Durban skyline. Tomorrow we start the day with home cooked breakfast and an early morning walk on the beach... and then grocery shopping.
That's it for me, for now...
G'nite everyone!