Friday, December 4, 2009

Back in the U.S.ofA.

Well after 44 total hours of traveling I landed back in LA. VERY TIRED. But you know what I say, "Never to tired for "Red Robbin" Thats a restaurant that we always went to growing up.

So a little bit about my traveling. It started out at 8AM when I met the shuttle in Swaziland and drove to the JoBurg airport. It was kinda a bummer because my flight didnt leave till 8:20 and I got there at about 12:30. So I had a long layover before I was even on a plane. I walked around the aiport a lot and spent the last of my rand. The good thing was Swiss Airways had an "Early Check-in" so I was able to check in at like 4! Before that I had to lug all my bags around. So I got in with no money and I really wanted a coffee. So after nervous self debating I decided to whip my Guitar out and try to make some money. It was not promising for the first 30 minutes. I threw in a One Dollar bill and people got the idea. So they threw in some Rand some Euro's. Not much. Just tons of change. But I had just enough for a big coffee right before my flight. And that was good because I was planning on catching up on movies in the plane. And OHHHH did I. Pretty sure I watched 5 on the first plane. My favorite was "Time Travelers Wife" OH and there was this CRAZY lady that sat next to me! Before we even left the ground I knew her whole life story. One of those people that you meet and think "I should just keep quiet and not ask questions"

So I landed in Switzerland at about 6AM. Couldnt see any mountains which was a bummer. I had a 7 hour Layover in Zurich so I went into town. What I didnt consider was how cold it would be. Coming from a hot day in South Africa to a cold day in Switzerland is tough. And I was wearing sandals. So I found some plane sox in my backpack and threw them on. I must have looked like a ninja... or a fool. It was a VERY nice city. Lots of cool architecture. The first thing that caught my eye was "STARBUCKS"! So I went over thinking "I'll get a really good, sweet, chick Coffee. But I saw that the "Toffee Nut Latte" was about $9.50!... I'll take a small black coffee please. Even that was 4 bucks! I soon realized that EVERYTHING was expensive in this city. At the grocery store they wanted me to pay two bucks for a cart! I couldn't even find a free public bathroom (they wanted a dollar to use it!!). I was going to pee on a tree but I found McDonalds. Only problem was they had a keypad next to the bathroom door and they only give the code to customers. But luckily the girls bathroom door was broken. After returning to that ladies room 3 times I thought I should buy something. So I got a Croissant and it was actually REALLY good. I tried hard to find an Internet Cafe with computers but that wasnt promising. Most people these days have their own laptops. I also soon realized that Zurich was FULL of beautiful girls! Except they all wore high heels and smoked. NOT COOOOOL. I mean really I understand the smoking but HIGH HEELS??!! :-) My favorite part was seeing men in there 40's and 50's riding "Razor" scooters all over town. Most of the people I met were actually pretty snobby. Maybe its because I'm American. I think I heard people don't really like us. Very advanced city though. They had sensors on the escalators so they only came on when you stepped on it. I thought that was cool.

Well after my second long flight I landed and met my mom. Then we met my grandma at the restaurant. That was nice. Got home and my step dad had a hot bath waiting for me. That was nice too. I'm a blessed guy. I tried to get online but fell asleep w/ the laptop on my lap. So far today I am pretty awake. No jet lag. I'm cool like that.

Well now that I'm back I wont update my blog as often but you can check back here and there. I'll still update it. When I get my Music Site finished I'll use that blog instead.

Once again thank you guys so much for taking part in this amazing journey with me. It's been so amazing and I am so lucky to have people in my life that would support me to do it. Your words have always brought me joy. I hope you have enjoyed this blog. Please keep the kids in your prayers.

And if you havent seen my last batch of pictures please CLICK HERE to check em out.

Peace&Love... Keep Spreading It!!!

2 comments:

Sharla M. said...

This is going to sound terribly selfish, but I think I'm sad you're home...

Now don't get me wrong, I'm glad you're safe and I know you're glad to be home, but as I just read your last post, it hit me how much I had come to look forward to your weekly updates.

I just realized that you had become my connection to Africa... I loved reading about Kenya and the people I had heard about and I really loved when you were in Swaziland and reading about the people and places I knew...

You have such a beautiful heart for them and I loved staying connected to them through your eyes...

I really am glad you're home, but I am so sad to think that there won't be a regular update from you in Africa...

Can't wait to hear some of your songs that I know God gave you while you were there...

Blessings,
Sharla

Anonymous said...

Welcome Home,
I can not imagine what this has been like for you---so happy to be home, see you family and friends---but then missing, longing for the part of your heart that is left in Swaziland and Kenya. Whew, tough transition. It was difficult for me after I had only been gone 10 days, can't imagine after 6 months. I found that the thoughts of them were always there or right @ the the surface. And if I closed my eyes the tears could just roll out. My thought were so consumed with them, and i had very little patience with whining, grumbling, and complaining about insignificant things. (That has not gotten much better). I really have to bite my tongue when people, kids complain about food, school, studying, working, etc. We are so blessed in this nation.
Now I don't think I can ever pass thru and airport, see someone playing a guitar, or whatever and not stop to give them some money---they may need a cup of coffee. I love how you make your way thru it all.

As Sharla mentioned, I am going to miss reading about your adventures and hearing/seeing what is happening in Swaziland, Project Canaan, and the children. Know they are missing you too.
My best wishes to you for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Love,
Melba
P.S.
I know your Mom is so happy to have you back home safely.