Start of trip to Africa and South Asia. Probably my last big overseas/"developing world" trip for a while as on to new things in September.
Rushing, as usual, doing last minute packing and getting all things in order. Lisa went to get my USD but they were giving her problems to cash the cheque and wanted to charge $320 - wow! that's a lot of money to cash a cheque. Packed so much mosquito stuff, you would think I'm camping. Even one of those mosquito tennis rackets.
Because of rushing, we were able to go together as a family to the airport. Fairly uneventful at the airport. I'm the NAC guinea pig with "Jet Airways". For future trips, including this one for me, we will save about 50% on flights especially to Kinshasa, DRC and Kigali, Rwanda. "Jet" uses Air Canada's lounge so although a long walk to the Int'l section of Terminal 1, a "Sleeman's Light" and two soups (cream of chicken + minestrone) + checking emails and it brought me to rushing, again, to the gate. Didn't realize how late it was and was the last one to board the plane.
Jet Airways has the "herringbone" configuration for business class. Very similar to Air Canada's Executive Class service. This Airbus seemed brand new and everything in the aircraft was in pristine shape. The tv screen was about 12", bigger than anything I've ever seen on a flight. Dinner was Prawn Curry preceded by Corn Chowder and followed by fruit. I think it was a French Chablis that I was drinking. Watched "Seven Pounds" with Will Smith. A very interesting movie although I could predict what the end was going to be about 15-20 minutes into the movie. Worthwhile nonetheless. Also watched most of a Bollywood film entitled "Datsana" or something. Am I going to India or Africa?
We had 4 flight attendants for 3 passengers! One of them offered to "make up my bed" (with duvet, pillow, sheet and blanket) and I tried sleeping (unsuccessfully - maybe 1-2 hours) before a continental breakfast welcomed us into Brussels.
Interestingly enough, Jet Airways, based in India, has all Indian flight attendants as well. I really could only understand one of them, though. I'm usually pretty good with accents but with the jet noise, et al, I really only understood "the boss". They were all so nice, all different, one Parsee, one Asian (meaning more Chinese/South East Asian looking). BTW, I even went through a Berlitz course in the Entertainment to learn some Mandarin (again quite unsuccessfully). At least I still know Nee How and Sai Jian and Shee Shia.
Rushing, as usual, doing last minute packing and getting all things in order. Lisa went to get my USD but they were giving her problems to cash the cheque and wanted to charge $320 - wow! that's a lot of money to cash a cheque. Packed so much mosquito stuff, you would think I'm camping. Even one of those mosquito tennis rackets.
Because of rushing, we were able to go together as a family to the airport. Fairly uneventful at the airport. I'm the NAC guinea pig with "Jet Airways". For future trips, including this one for me, we will save about 50% on flights especially to Kinshasa, DRC and Kigali, Rwanda. "Jet" uses Air Canada's lounge so although a long walk to the Int'l section of Terminal 1, a "Sleeman's Light" and two soups (cream of chicken + minestrone) + checking emails and it brought me to rushing, again, to the gate. Didn't realize how late it was and was the last one to board the plane.
Jet Airways has the "herringbone" configuration for business class. Very similar to Air Canada's Executive Class service. This Airbus seemed brand new and everything in the aircraft was in pristine shape. The tv screen was about 12", bigger than anything I've ever seen on a flight. Dinner was Prawn Curry preceded by Corn Chowder and followed by fruit. I think it was a French Chablis that I was drinking. Watched "Seven Pounds" with Will Smith. A very interesting movie although I could predict what the end was going to be about 15-20 minutes into the movie. Worthwhile nonetheless. Also watched most of a Bollywood film entitled "Datsana" or something. Am I going to India or Africa?We had 4 flight attendants for 3 passengers! One of them offered to "make up my bed" (with duvet, pillow, sheet and blanket) and I tried sleeping (unsuccessfully - maybe 1-2 hours) before a continental breakfast welcomed us into Brussels.
Interestingly enough, Jet Airways, based in India, has all Indian flight attendants as well. I really could only understand one of them, though. I'm usually pretty good with accents but with the jet noise, et al, I really only understood "the boss". They were all so nice, all different, one Parsee, one Asian (meaning more Chinese/South East Asian looking). BTW, I even went through a Berlitz course in the Entertainment to learn some Mandarin (again quite unsuccessfully). At least I still know Nee How and Sai Jian and Shee Shia.
Dear District Elder, Thought I'd look at your blog. Started to read it but I have to get ready for service, now, but will continue when I get home. It is very interesting. Looking so forward to having and being with our District Apostle. We are praying for you. We don't forget you. Love you. Danielle & Brian :-)
ReplyDeleteHi D.E.,
ReplyDeleteI finally figured this out. I can't keep up with all this new tech stuff. Anyways, wow! What a trip. Thank you for taking the time to keep this personal record of your journey. Luis and I wish you Angle protection and God's Blessings on the work you are doing. To bad you seem to be rushing around with little good food and sleep, but sounds like the air travel is worthwhile, since that is when you get the best food! I'll follow your story, take good care of yourself, our prayers are with you and yours,
love Rose & Luis
Hi D.E. Latorcai,
ReplyDeleteThis is my 4th attempt at trying to figure this Blog thing out. I just can not keep up with this tech stuff. I just want to thank you for finding the time to keep us posted with your travels. What an amazing experience! I hope you will not over due it with all that lack of sleep and too much sausage and white bread! And eating sausage before bed....... It's good that you do all that air travel though as it seems that is when you get some good food! Take good care of yourself, and we wish you Angel protection and Blessings on the work you are doing. We're looking forward to keep reading of your trip.
Love Luis and Rose