The ABCs of Another Steppe Into Adventure!- Last Africa Ch. + World Showcase Pt. 2

[pkondz]

Not all of us are created to enjoy the same things.

But some of us are.

I’m well aware that I’m in the sound minority of those who like to gussy up on occasion and fancy it up for fun.

Mind if I join in on that minority?

Care to saunter with me?

I did!

As organized as I am, it is inevitable that something is always forgotten. Occasionally it has been underwear. Since my dress was sheer, I was glad it wasn't that this time.

You'll never know how disappointed I am to hear that it wasn't.

Don’t worry! I didn’t know what a “fascinator” is either

I do!

Of course you explained it to me when I complimented you on it.

I’m going to give you 3 guesses as to how many places sell makeup in Disney.

27?

Correct.

Yusss!!!

I suspected that I’d forgotten it while still in Portland as well, so looked at the airport just in case I was right.

Oh! You knew even back then!

Guess how many places in the Portland Airport sell makeup.

4?

Correct.

Woot! I'm on a roll here!

Guess who had to use period INcorrect lipstick for Dapper Day. Correct.

I honestly didn't notice.
I did notice some of the ladies had the bright red lipstick, but I never noticed that you didn't have it.

Did I still look dapper? Sure, it was a passable look

Passable???? You looked great!

You are probably wondering what Dappering involves, aren’t you?

Nope. I was there, lady!

I think the photographer who took these did very well considering the tough lighting conditions I chose.

Nah. He/she had a photogenic subject to shoot.

I didn’t go far before I found other Dapper folks. Among those on my bus, there was plenty of happy chatter and excitement.

I had a very similar bus ride.

It was becoming clear that this was no small event. Little did I know…

I know!! I was shocked at how many people were there and dressed up! I thought I'd see maybe a handful. I never imagined!

Assured that messing up a good hair do with violence with was not part of the plan,

Um..... what? You tried to get your camera back and got in a fight?

I met up with my equally Dapper Dapperer (@pkondz )

But not equally Dapper. You far outshone me.

In hindsight, I wish I’d taken far more photos, but as we’ve all remarked at times on our TRs, there are times where it’s just so much better to put all the tech away and simply… enjoy.

I really wavered back and forth.
"Put the camera away and just enjoy.... no! Take it out and shoot!"

There were lots of friendly waves and quite a few, “Hey, can we take a photo with you?!”s.

That was so much fun! Made my day.

One place that was unique to this event was a pop up store selling vintage-style clothing, but in Disney-themed fabric. Not my cup of tea so much (for this event anyway),

Ah. So that's what that was.

Another “hub” for Dapper Doings seemed to be in “The Side Alley”-

You mentioned the alley, but that shot was from the Hub.

Everyone else looks very dapper. Apparently, I have to learn to put my hands in my pockets!

Around 1:00, we parted ways for a bit while I went off to meet a longtime friend, Dawn.

Nice! Glad you got to do that!

Coincidentally, Anita and Mark, whom many of you also know, were there at our meeting place as well. To this day, I still don’t know who arranged that or how it happened, but I was thrilled I got in yet another, albeit completely unplanned, DISMeet!

You mentioned that. Still think it's great that you got to meet them!

By then, my feet were just DONE, and I needed a ride to get me off of them for a while.

We should take the train!

So, we took the entire circuit.

Ummm... No. I don't think so? Didn't we just take it from the back of the park, by Splash?

It doesn’t matter how hard I try, I am ambushed by that infernal parade Every. Single. Time.

Oh! I thought you wanted a break, so, using my VIP transpo, I arranged to have the train just sit for a while.

Storybook Circus that no one really goes to unless their kids are under 5.

I guess that's why I still haven't been there.

Or you’re doing a job interview for a position as Charge Nurse for the 7 Dwarves Mining Co. (See last TR.)

Luckily, we’d discovered this lack of amenity in our planning with plenty of time to snag an ADR for perhaps the most appropriate place one could end up for Dapper Day.

I'm really glad we did that. Fitting end to a very Dapper Day.

we got no small amount of stares and questions (the whole day, in fact)

That was fun, too.

and it was fun to strut the stuff with our upturned noses to the masses.

Oh, you did not. You were perfectly charming all day long.

Not really. Neither of us is snooty.

Certainly not you.
I, on the other hand, am a jerk.

At least I don’t think so? (Why do I suddenly feel very vulnerable? )

Nope! You were adorable.

We had time to check out the gingerbread house.

That thing was cool! And big!

Time to lift a finger. No! Not that one. The pinky one.

Quite possibly the best photo of the TR so far.

While we waited, we broke character and became quite silly. Two TR writers, doing what TR writers do. Dorks in Dapper Duds. But the point is to have fun, so we did.

I don't remember who came up with that. That was fun!

The selections were generous and delicious, and, while I can’t speak for pkondz, I was stuffed after the sandwiches and scone.

Nope. You can speak for me. Oof. Fulllll!!!

So much so that I only had 3 bites of my trifle.

I'm quite sure I didn't finish mine either. I remember not even wanting to start it.

I’d had had just enough to pass judgement though. Hmmph.

Oh, really!
I rarely eat trifle, so I didn't complain. My belt might have been... but I wasn't.

A is for African Departure Adventures- Where Adventure Begins Before You Even Leave.

Can't wait!

 

[pkondz]

I still feel too young to be called that, but she is so darned cute, I guess I can get used to the idea.

Well, that's true. You're too young, but... you are one now.

Awwwww!

Proud papa!

Any time something happens to our little ones parents get upset and frightened. Doesn't matter where you live, HOW you live, or anything like that. I really felt for him.

Yes. Yes, I know.

I guess?? I wish I had done a bit more medical history gathering while there.

That's insane. Just from that. Wow.

We're already at $1,100 of given or committed support for getting him on his way and healed. Faith in action!

Really! Wow! That's great!

 

[MeghanEmily]

I’m going to give you 3 guesses as to how many places sell makeup in Disney. Correct. I suspected that I’d forgotten it while still in Portland as well, so looked at the airport just in case I was right. Guess how many places in the Portland Airport sell makeup. Correct. Guess who had to use period INcorrect lipstick for Dapper Day. Correct.

Oh no!!!

But alas, it could have been much worse. At least it wasn't the fascinator. Or the underwear.

Wow! Queen Steppe is quite the smoke show!

How fancy you look!

In hindsight, I wish I’d taken far more photos, but as we’ve all remarked at times on our TRs, there are times where it’s just so much better to put all the tech away and simply… enjoy.

Absolutely. Sometimes it's more than enough experiencing it all for what it is.

You both look quite fabulous.

Wow! Some beautiful looks here!

How festive! These photos are getting me in the spirit...

It IS pretty! Even if the actual tasting of it was disappointing.

Oh my goodness! What a precious little human being she is! Congrats to you and your family!

 

[Steppesister]

PM sent

Got it!

As I also said on Facebook....CONGRATULATIONS!!! She is such a little cutie!

Kim

Thanks Kim! She is super cute!

All that hair!!! She such a doll. Congratulations!

Hair for days! I was surprised at how filled out she came out.

PM sent

Got it!! And thank you!!!

 

[Steppesister]

I love the Dapper idea! You look fantastic. I really like the guy's outfit who's standing next to you. I think that's the kind of outfit I would attempt if I ever went on Dapper Day! The afternoon tea is something I would also like to try, since I'm a tea drinker.

Thanks, Jeff! It was really fun to get all fancied up and play dress up. Maybe you'd like to do a Dapper Day sometime and try that outfit style out! Everyone always seems to slam Tea at the GF for guys as too "prissy" and "fancy", but honestly, it's a LOT of food that you really wouldn't leave hungry from.

Trying to get caught up around the DIS...can't wait to hear more about all your travels on both sides of the world...love the Dapper outfit...but yeah, can't imagine walking around for any length of time in those shoes! What we do for fashion lol

Me too, Kathy!! LOL!

The next Africa update is written, but I'm touching it up a bit. But will be posted very soon.

Walking around in heels was fun for about an hour. After that? Yeah, not so much.

Congrats again on the new addition to the family! Love it!!

Thanks!! Our stocking collection on the mantle is growing.

 

[Steppesister]

Congratulations, grandma!

Eh? What's that?

Oh, man. That poor kid!

ZZZZZZzzzzzz...

Huh? Wha...? I mean, uh, I can TOTALLY see why they call it a "fascinator".

That fascinating?

I can't believe you even entered the park like that! Sheesh.

It was hideous. Hideous, I tell you!

I had no idea this was even a thing.

Soooo many dresser-uppers!

Fancy? That means I'd have to wear a belt and tie my shoes.

Don't forget the red lipstick!

Well, you guys certainly scrub up quite nicely.

Thanks!

Yay, Dawn! A fellow Dela-weenie.

HAHA! I'd not heard that nice little term of endearment.

No idea what you're talking about.

So what do you really think about the Barnstormer?

You too, huh?

You should have been on our Deep South road trip, then.

Yes, I should have!!

I'm trying to relate. Really, I am.

That tough, huh?

I think you need to at least pretend just to survive in there.

For reals.

Sort of.

Love the gingerbread house. The sheer scale of it is amazing!

I think it was like 20 feet tall. Crazy huge!

But where's the BBQ???

Hoop de Doo this ain't.

This is my new name for pkondz.

All together now: AAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW...

Awwwwww.....

 

[Steppesister]

I've thought this several times and just realized I haven't said it yet.

CONGRATULATIONS GRANDMA!!!!

Welcome to grand parent-hood. It's grand! (pun intended)

THANKS!!!! Can't wait to see her!

 

[Steppesister]

But some of us are.

Thank goodness! Makes for Dappering way more fun!

Mind if I join in on that minority?

The more the merrier!

You'll never know how disappointed I am to hear that it wasn't.

I know... so, out of character.

I do!

Of course you explained it to me when I complimented you on it.

So fun to wear! I mean how many occasions does one have anymore to wear feathers?!

27?

How do you DO that?!

4?

Sooo close!

I honestly didn't notice.
I did notice some of the ladies had the bright red lipstick, but I never noticed that you didn't have it.

I had lipstick envy. LOL!

Passable???? You looked great!

Thanks!

Nah. He/she had a photogenic subject to shoot.

I know!! I was shocked at how many people were there and dressed up! I thought I'd see maybe a handful. I never imagined!

Me neither! I think its popularity is growing too. THey have events year round at various venues.

Um..... what? You tried to get your camera back and got in a fight?

Well, you know me. If I'm not elbowing my way to the front of a line, I'm losing my camera and fighting with people.

But not equally Dapper. You far outshone me.

I think not.

I really wavered back and forth.
"Put the camera away and just enjoy.... no! Take it out and shoot!"

See?! Always a struggle!

You mentioned the alley, but that shot was from the Hub.

Yes, it was. But I MUCH prefer the ones from the alley.

Everyone else looks very dapper. Apparently, I have to learn to put my hands in my pockets!

I think with the period you chose, people were more formal. Maybe less pocketing.

We should take the train!

GREAT IDEA!

Ummm... No. I don't think so? Didn't we just take it from the back of the park, by Splash?

Yep, you are quite right. See how once you become a grandma the memory deficits increase?

Oh! I thought you wanted a break, so, using my VIP transpo, I arranged to have the train just sit for a while.

You think of everything, don't you?

I guess that's why I still haven't been there.

Like with alll things Disney, the theming and details are well done.

I'm really glad we did that. Fitting end to a very Dapper Day.

I agree! Fancy, but not stuffy.

Certainly not you.
I, on the other hand, am a jerk.

You are? I thought that was the train starting to go again.

Quite possibly the best photo of the TR so far.

You think? I like the food ones better, but this was just simple and to the point. And maybe your cup of tea.

I don't remember who came up with that. That was fun!

LOL! I think we were both just goofing around taking pictures and we started aiming them at each other.

Nope. You can speak for me. Oof. Fulllll!!!

Too. Much. Food!

Can't wait!

Coming very soon!

Well, that's true. You're too young, but... you are one now.

And nothing can change it. Time marches on....

 

[pkondz]

The more the merrier!

But not too many. Because then it becomes a majority.

I know... so, out of character.

So fun to wear! I mean how many occasions does one have anymore to wear feathers?!

I know, right? Like... I don't think I do that more than once or twice a week!

How do you DO that?!

It's a gift.

I had lipstick envy. LOL!

I bet you did!!

Me neither! I think its popularity is growing too. THey have events year round at various venues.

Yes, I know. And yet.... I still didn't expect that! I thought "Oh, we'll maybe see some people dressed up here and there... maybe..."

Well, you know me. If I'm not elbowing my way to the front of a line, I'm losing my camera and fighting with people.

This is true. No arguments here.

See?! Always a struggle!

It's real.

Yes, it was. But I MUCH prefer the ones from the alley.

That was definitely the place to see and be seen.

I think with the period you chose, people were more formal. Maybe less pocketing.

Thanks. But I still look like a big galoot.

Yep, you are quite right. See how once you become a grandma the memory deficits increase?

I'm surprised you remembered that.

You think of everything, don't you?

It's what I do.

Like with alll things Disney, the theming and details are well done.

I wouldn't know! The thought of the area, just doesn't appeal. Kind of like the dinosaur area of Animal Kingdom.

You are? I thought that was the train starting to go again.

Me and trains. Both jerks.

You think? I like the food ones better, but this was just simple and to the point. And maybe your cup of tea.

I loved the play on the depth of field and the simplicity of the subject matter.

LOL! I think we were both just goofing around taking pictures and we started aiming them at each other.

I'm sure you're right.

 

[docsoliday1]

Thanks. But I still look like a big galoot.

I'm not sure you having your hands in your pockets would change that.

 

[Steppesister]

A is for: Awkward Adventures and Arrivals​

Have you ever seen MONTHS of preparation and DAYS of packing unravel in 5 minutes? This is a tale of a journey laden with inexplicable joy intertwined with chaos and disorder. Don’t misunderstand me, not all the disorder and confusion were lost without good coming of it, but well…. let the tale unfold and you be the judge.

The Traveling Team (5 of us) arrived mostly on schedule, the African contingent of 2 only 30 minutes behind the 3 Americans traveling- my daughter, Rebekah, my aunt, Betty, and myself. Rebekah had been tasked with bringing our tubs that we had spent several Saturdays carefully packing, sorting out our personal things strategically, and making a mental manifest of what was where. We were allotted 2 checked bags apiece and were able to get the thousands of dollars-worth of donated medical supplies in, without compromising the packaging or cleanliness.



A group of perhaps 10 Africans showed up to the Departure Area with literally 20 bags for 5 people. Apparently, when anyone travels to Sierra Leone they become a cross-oceanic courier for many. I get that. When we lived in Crapistan we’d beg anyone coming to bring peanut butter, Legos, and school supplies. They are also frugal with their money- as they should be, given that this was Foundation money that was being used almost entirely for getting supplies and the team over there. So, the logical (?) thing to do naturally was take every suitcase (and box) and re-arrange the entirety of their contents from suitcase to suitcase and from OUT of our boxes into suitcases so that a) there would be fewer of them, and b) each would be 50 lbs. or less. We took up approximately half of the IAD Departures Hall.

Two of our very carefully packed Rubbermaids went from this:



To this:



I was devastated. I watched my boots go from a pair to singlets… in separate bags. My coffee and mini French Press were whisked away to other (separate) bags (this is about to become a theme). Medications were deftly “dumped” and strewn hither and yon. What were once sterile gloves were tossed in and compromised and I was getting more and more irritated and upset with each moment. I felt helpless and that things were out of control with no way to reign in what was going on. At some point in a scenario such as this, one just gives up. I walked away and let them “handle it”, (pun intended) knowing that there was the same amount of work ahead that we’d already put in not once, but twice, before. On the other hand, I learned a valuable lesson: a detailed manifest would have been helpful for the medical supplies we were taking which would have saved some time when we got there. As for our personal items, now parsed out to 14 other bags, time would tell us whether we’d see them again.


It was finally time to pay for the whittled down number of bags we’d have to pay for as “extra bags”.


The reason for so many extras was that Ahmed (the Founder and CEO of the NGO) was in the process of building/opening a hotel to help support the work of the Foundation. It was, as of yet, devoid of bedding and towels and other essentials as you will see in the next chapter or so. The total came to 6 extra bags... $600. 10 checked plus 6 extra paid for, equaling 16 pieces. But who had the $600? Who knew that they didn’t take cash?! Seriously? Betty offered to let them use her credit card and it was processed.


I kid you not! The second it had processed on the check-in lady’s handheld device, one of the women who was sending a suitcase filled with foodstuffs ran up to Ahmed and had changed her mind. She didn’t want him to pay for it and take it after all.


Are. You. Kidding. Me?


Check-in Lady, who was full-on as exasperated as me rolled her eyes and, as nicely as she could, explained that she couldn’t refund the $100 herself, but Betty and Ahmed could go over to another counter and do the half-hour process (stand in line, etc…) to get it refunded. Which they did. I consoled myself in a giant plate of Groundnut Stew that Ahmed’s lovely wife brought to the airport. Seriously, it was delicious!






It was also the last red meat I ate for 10 days.


And the first meal of rice I’d eat for nearly EVERY meal for 10 days.


I also enjoyed watching the other passengers who were obviously traveling with us to W. Africa. Their beautiful, colorful outfits lent an exotic touch to the otherwise ordinary and somewhat drab Departures Hall. The melancholy of leaving Disney was still fresh and, while the mood should have been extreme excitement, the transition from order, the known, and comfortable to the unknown, disorganized, and difficult was admittedly weighing on me. Nevertheless, I put on a brave face, surrendered to taking a backseat and allowed myself to try and be content in learning, observing, and enjoying.






And with one final good-bye to those sending us off and standing in solidarity with one purpose: "To Help Others Succeed!", we were off.






Finally, FINALLY after 2.5 hours it was time to head to security which we sailed through with no issues. The gates that go to Africa are a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG way’s off, including a bus ride. And an approximately 14-mile walk down a long hallway. Appropriately commensurate with the miles of walking was the poundage of my carryon bag. A pound for every mile. The neck and back issues got a foothold that lasted about 14 days.



Eventually, we made it to our gate with the sweet older lady the guys took under their wings. The one in yellow in the picture up there ^. She really needed a bit of shepherding and translation along the way. Eventually we boarded and were on our way. 7 hours and 20 minutes of zero sleep. But Brussels Airlines did make up for that with unlimited wine, decent food, seatback games, movies and music. I also played my usual “How many times can I bother my seatmates to pee?” game. I didn’t count, but am guessing it was probably 14- just to be consistent.




In the wee hours of the Belgian morning, we landed in typical Western European crap for weather and took another bus ride to the African gates. There were flights to Dakar, Abidjan, Mogadishu, Nairobi, Lagos… you name it, leaving that morning. The bright colors of traveling attire made it evident we were not in Kansas anymore. Well, technically we never were in Kansas, but we weren’t going to Oz either. I found a few square feet of floor, rolled up my jacket, and succumbed to 3 hours of glorious sleep. Yes, I drooled all over the floor. No, I didn’t care. It was probably the scent of Belgian chocolate wafting from the kiosk adjacent to our gate. We loaded up once again for the next leg of our journey- this time a mere 6 hours and 40 minutes. No, I didn’t sleep on this one either. Yes, I had another glass of red wine. (That’s 3 in case you’re concerned.)

VV: Sleeeeeeeeeeeeeeep... please... sleep.....



Smile! (but I don't wanna!!)




About an hour before we landed, a palpable commotion began to sweep through the cabin. People were standing in the aisles and everyone’s cell phones came out. Huh. It didn’t take long to learn what the buzz was all about. Let me ask you something… How normal do you think it would have been to find Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, or Trump on a commercial flight a few months before a major presidential election? Sierra Leone’s leading candidate was. On ours, in fact. And he was schmoozing it up pretty good too as all politicians do. It wasn’t long before he got close enough to us that my aunt could ask for his photo with us. And here’s where I began to get very uncomfortable. I know she meant well and was very excited, but IMHO overly doe-eyed.


First of all, I have NO idea about this guy, what he stands for, his history, CV, character, nothing. To me he’s just a candidate running for office. Secondly, I was fairly unsure I wanted my photo with this guy not knowing much about him. And lastly, the flight attendants were in a bit of a frenzy at this point as they were trying to get the last bit of cabin service done. They were pleading with people to clear the aisles and make way for the carts, but NO ONE was listening. At all. But, as would become a pattern, things were pretty much out of my control at this point and I had no choice. Stand and be seen, or risk offending. So, here is our team with the leading presidential candidate. (For security reasons I do not want to name his name so this thread doesn't come up in a Google search.) Possibly the next president of Sierra Leone. PM me if you HAVE to know his name.



I could go into a very, very long litany of human rights offenses made by the former and current governments and leaders of this W. African nation, but will refrain as this is not the proper forum to do so. Suffice to say, the people are sadly ill-led and corruption is rampant to a degree that would make even the worst examples here in the West look like a game of patty cake.

My first views of Africa:





After a bit, he moved on and the flight attendants could get the last few folks their Cokes and prepare us for landing. Which we did.... at the tiniest airport I’ve been in since living in the rural west of Crapistan. One runway, one building for Departures and Arrivals, one baggage belt, one security x-ray, and 4 million porters and taxi drivers. This scenario of chaos and stress would pale in comparison to the airport transportation/exit process on the way out, but hey, baby steps. Baaaaby steps.








The Freetown Team had lined up an arrival TV interview for us, so we had to make haste in getting from the airport to the Mainland. The airport happens to be on an island an hour by ferry away from the capital city, Freetown. Yes, on an island, nowhere near civilization. But, we didn’t have time for a ferry. So, we took a speedboat. Which only means “a faster boat than the ferry”. Arrangements were made, which meant that a “cluster scenario” of arguing, tugging at our luggage, yelling, and general chaos ensued to determine who would get the money from our transportation needs. We were finally shown to a van which took us to the speedboat dock where we waited about 20 minutes to board. I took a couple of shots quickly while we waited.






Surprisingly, we were given lifevests, and then given a choice of down below or “on deck”. Below was over-crowded and stuffy, so we chose up top in case something went awry and we could bail off quickly. The city lights loomed in the distance as we clipped along at a pretty decent pace. The wind destroyed our hair tangling it in irreparable knots, but it felt good even though the air still felt sultry and sticky. Every now and then a flash of lightning lit up the sky above the city and we wondered if we would get a nice thunderstorm in the night.









(I apologize for the crappy photos that were the norm for this update. Most are cell phone photos as I couldn't get the camera out by then.)

25 minutes later, we landed at the terminal to a giant commotion. We were met by the Freetown Team (Liz, Sarah, Amanda, and Osman- you will see these names a lot) and hugs were given all around. And the Freetown Team brought the TV crew. And a light was shone in my face. And a microphone was shoved up close. And I went mute. Or nearly so. I never had a stutter before. Huh.





After an abominable interview it was time to go. At least we wanted to leave. But remember that Presidential Candidate on our plane? Yeah. He arrived to his own throng of thousands of admirers, so we were soundly stuck in the lobby of the port. It was hot. Like 29 billion degrees hot. And the air was wet with humidity and soon my shirt was too. In fact, once it got wet, it never dried out until I took it off for bed. And we sat. And sat and sat and sat. Meanwhile, there was dancing in the streets, music and singing, a general cacophony. Basically, a political rally, African-style. Eventually, after what seemed like a year, the crowd thinned enough that we could get our cars out and start making our way home. But one does not simply drive from Point A to Point B in Freetown. There are no words to describe the massive free-for-all that is W. African city traffic, where the rule is simply find a way through paying zero mind to anything or anyone else- be it motorbike, pedestrian, policeman, curb, or any other barrier. Mind you this is on roads meant more for 4-wheel drive vehicles, not 2 door sedans with 4 in the backseat and 3 in the front. But, I will rant about the driving more another time.


10:00 rolled around and so did we. To Atama’s house, that is. Time to eat our first meal on African soil. Which meant it’d be fish and rice. And groundnut stew. Don’t get me wrong; I like both. But… I wouldn’t want lasagna for 10 days in a row either. Which makes me sound utterly ungrateful and spoiled. Look… I’m just being real here. Honesty is the best policy, so that’s what you get here. The good news is that this was hands down the best fish we had all week. And maybe the 2nd or 3rd best fish I’ve had in my life. It was Red Snapper caught that day off the coast of SL. Sadly, the Chinese have commercially invaded and are fishing out the waters off the coast of SL and it IS impacting the livelihoods of many. Anyways, the meal was delicious and enjoyable, despite us being more tired than a nurse after a 12-hour shift. During the meal we learned that Atama runs a beauty school for 6 street girls at a time who come to live with her and learn a trade that will keep them from turning to prostitution in order to simply eat. She has many success stories of girls that now run small hair dressing kiosks in the city.







Soon it was time to go…

I believe it took us another hour to finally get “home” where we began to settle in. Of course, most of what we’d packed was MIA, and some wouldn’t show up for days. But that’s getting way ahead of myself.

Meanwhile, perhaps a tour of our digs? Check out the only-sometimes-functioning, but quite-spacious-and-lovely showers! The fact that they didn’t drain because they forgot to slope the floors was irrelevant except when we filled them with bucket water each morning. I lost count of the times I crawled out on my hands and knees for fear I’d crack my head open from slipping, and wondered if I did how they’d get my body out of Africa. (It wasn’t the only time I wondered that.)



Chairs. AKA places to throw our stuff on each evening



See the security bars? Those are standard equipment on pretty much every house in every other country outside of N. America. A familiar sight to us. Nothing to see here. Move along.



Yep. We even had a fan! Too bad there was only very, very rarely electricity to go with it.



Beds. Note the single pillow. I played the I’m-the-Mom-card and won it for the 10 days. She was a good sport and didn’t complain much because she’s a tummy sleeper and was fine without it.




And that’s where I’ll leave off. Laying in a pool of sweat trying to find sleep amidst the angry, tropical thunderstorm that raged through the night.

 

[docsoliday1]

A is for: Awkward Adventures and Arrivals​

Have you ever seen MONTHS of preparation and DAYS of packing unravel in 5 minutes?

Thankfully no. Sorry you had to.

The Traveling Team (5 of us) arrived mostly on schedule, the African contingent of 2 only 30 minutes behind the 3 Americans traveling- my daughter, Rebekah, my aunt, Betty, and myself. Rebekah had been tasked with bringing our tubs that we had spent several Saturdays carefully packing, sorting out our personal things strategically, and making a mental manifest of what was where. We were allotted 2 checked bags apiece and were able to get the thousands of dollars-worth of donated medical supplies in, without compromising the packaging or cleanliness.

The best laid plans...

A group of perhaps 10 Africans showed up to the Departure Area with literally 20 bags for 5 people. Apparently, when anyone travels to Sierra Leone they become a cross-oceanic courier for many. I get that. When we lived in Crapistan we’d beg anyone coming to bring peanut butter, Legos, and school supplies. They are also frugal with their money- as they should be, given that this was Foundation money that was being used almost entirely for getting supplies and the team over there. So, the logical (?) thing to do naturally was take every suitcase (and box) and re-arrange the entirety of their contents from suitcase to suitcase and from OUT of our boxes into suitcases so that a) there would be fewer of them, and b) each would be 50 lbs. or less. We took up approximately half of the IAD Departures Hall.

Given shipping costs, that makes sense, albeit not fun sense.

You've heard of Orange is the new black?
Messy is the new neat?

I was devastated. I watched my boots go from a pair to singlets… in separate bags. My coffee and mini French Press were whisked away to other (separate) bags (this is about to become a theme). Medications were deftly “dumped” and strewn hither and yon. What were once sterile gloves were tossed in and compromised and I was getting more and more irritated and upset with each moment. I felt helpless and that things were out of control with no way to reign in what was going on. At some point in a scenario such as this, one just gives up. I walked away and let them “handle it”, (pun intended) knowing that there was the same amount of work ahead that we’d already put in not once, but twice, before. On the other hand, I learned a valuable lesson: a detailed manifest would have been helpful for the medical supplies we were taking which would have saved some time when we got there. As for our personal items, now parsed out to 14 other bags, time would tell us whether we’d see them again.

Come on, you only wanted one boot anyway. Who REALLY needs two boots after all?
Although, I personally don't like coffee, hopefully you were able to get the coffee and french press reunited.
I think the part that would have really gotten on my nerves is the sterile gloves becoming no longer so. On the other hand, I imagine it mattered less than it would in the states. I hope this doesn't come across as snooty, it's just I think many countries care less about sterility than we do and also have a much better resistance/tolerance to unsanitary conditions. We're spoiled!

I kid you not! The second it had processed on the check-in lady’s handheld device, one of the women who was sending a suitcase filled with foodstuffs ran up to Ahmed and had changed her mind. She didn’t want him to pay for it and take it after all.

Are. You. Kidding. Me?

Nope, she wasn't.

Yes, I drooled all over the floor. No, I didn’t care. It was probably the scent of Belgian chocolate wafting from the kiosk adjacent to our gate.

And you didn't bring me any??

Smile! (but I don't wanna!!)

Smile Steppe!

That's better!

My first views of Africa:

Isn't it amazing how everything looks so peaceful from the air? That's the real reason you're getting your license, isn't it? Come on, fess up!

10:00 rolled around and so did we. To Atama’s house, that is. Time to eat our first meal on African soil. Which meant it’d be fish and rice. And groundnut stew. Don’t get me wrong; I like both. But… I wouldn’t want lasagna for 10 days in a row either. Which makes me sound utterly ungrateful and spoiled. Look… I’m just being real here. Honesty is the best policy, so that’s what you get here. The good news is that this was hands down the best fish we had all week. And maybe the 2nd or 3rd best fish I’ve had in my life. It was Red Snapper caught that day off the coast of SL. Sadly, the Chinese have commercially invaded and are fishing out the waters off the coast of SL and it IS impacting the livelihoods of many. Anyways, the meal was delicious and enjoyable, despite us being more tired than a nurse after a 12-hour shift. During the meal we learned that Atama runs a beauty school for 6 street girls at a time who come to live with her and learn a trade that will keep them from turning to prostitution in order to simply eat. She has many success stories of girls that now run small hair dressing kiosks in the city.

I'd have to take protein bars and/or peanut butter. I don't care for fish that much and eating it all the time would....well, I guess that'd be one way for me to lose weight.

Beds. Note the single pillow. I played the I’m-the-Mom-card and won it for the 10 days. She was a good sport and didn’t complain much because she’s a tummy sleeper and was fine without it.

You failed to insert a word...."I'm-the-mean-Mom-card".
Or the mean mom phrase..."I brought you into this world, I can take you out too! Gimme the pillow!"


Obviously someone failed to mention you're royalty and prepare your palatial accommodations appropriately.

 

[franandaj]

OK so let's see...I read the Dapper Days update a while back. You two looked great! The story about the Fascinator was interesting and how it evolved over the years. I might enjoy attending one of these Dapper Days someday.

Your GF Tea sounded interesting. I might like to try it sometime, but it isn't Fran's cup of tea. See what I did there?

Not sure if I already said it, but congratulations on becoming a grandma! You'll have years of joy and spoiling little one(s) ahead of you!

About the whole Africa thing. There is no way that I could have dealt with that situation in the airport. Did you ship your Disney clothes home after your trip? I know you couldn't have anticipated that situation, but I would have freaked out if my clothing and stuff were strewn over 14 different suitcases!

And the lack of control, just no. I don't know how you can be so "go with the flow". And talk about a long scary travel day! You have convinced me that Sierra Leone is not on my bucket list. On the positive side, your accommodations are much more than I expected. Somehow I thought you would be staying in mud huts, with mid floors, like you described in Crapistan.

Perhaps when we meet up in April, if the elections have happened, you can tell me more details if you know them. Not dying to know, but might like to hear more if you care to share. I didn't think about it until you brought it up, but seeing a candidate and then not knowing their views, you certainly might not want to appear in a picture with them!

 

[pkondz]

I'm not sure you having your hands in your pockets would change that.

Correct.
But it couldn't hurt!

 

[pkondz]

Have you ever seen MONTHS of preparation and DAYS of packing unravel in 5 minutes?

Uh, oh.... imminent fore-shadowing....

let the tale unfold and you be the judge.

I am prepared to judge!

(I'm very judgy, you know.)

hmmmm... she seems happy in this photo.... if only she knew of the chaos that lay ahead...

A group of perhaps 10 Africans showed up to the Departure Area with literally 20 bags for 5 people.

Um..... er...... uh..........

When we lived in Crapistan we’d beg anyone coming to bring peanut butter, Legos, and school supplies.

I am very familiar with this. We did similar for about 10 years. Except we'd do it ourselves, everytime we would head south.

So, the logical (?) thing to do naturally was take every suitcase (and box) and re-arrange the entirety of their contents from suitcase to suitcase and from OUT of our boxes into suitcases so that a) there would be fewer of them, and b) each would be 50 lbs. or less.

They... what????

Oh, that looks, very... um.... organized......... um....

I was devastated.

Awww...
Sorry to hear you were stressed out, Liesa.

I watched my boots go from a pair to singlets… in separate bags.

Is that one of your boots in the above photo?

My coffee and mini French Press were whisked away to other (separate) bags (this is about to become a theme).

Uh, oh.

Medications were deftly “dumped” and strewn hither and yon.

Sure. That should make it easy to keep track of.

What were once sterile gloves were tossed in and compromised

Oy. The term "sterile" being a foreign concept perhaps?

I was getting more and more irritated and upset with each moment.

Again... all I can say is and sorry you had to go through that.

I walked away and let them “handle it”, (pun intended)

Oddly enough, I'm not laughing.

knowing that there was the same amount of work ahead that we’d already put in not once, but twice, before.

Man... I can't imagine how frustrated you must have been.
"Listen. You want to mess your stuff up? No problem. See these? These are off limits."

Actually.... Do that next time.

As for our personal items, now parsed out to 14 other bags, time would tell us whether we’d see them again.

Oh... Lord.

It was, as of yet, devoid of bedding and towels and other essentials as you will see in the next chapter or so.

And pillows.

The total came to 6 extra bags... $600.

Ouch. But the price doesn't surprise me.

Who knew that they didn’t take cash?! Seriously?

me! I knew!

On a recent trip (don't recall which) I was overweight.

So was my checked bag.

Betty offered to let them use her credit card and it was processed.

I wonder if she'll get reimbursed?

I kid you not! The second it had processed on the check-in lady’s handheld device, one of the women who was sending a suitcase filled with foodstuffs ran up to Ahmed and had changed her mind. She didn’t want him to pay for it and take it after all.


Are. You. Kidding. Me?

Oh, come on!
Figure that out before you pay, lady!

Sheesh. I'm ticked on your behalf.

Betty and Ahmed could go over to another counter and do the half-hour process (stand in line, etc…) to get it refunded. Which they did.

Maybe get the mind-change lady to stand in line for you.

Groundnut Stew

What the what?

Well, for all your travails, you certainly look happy!

nom nom nom!
It sure looks like it was good!

It was also the last red meat I ate for 10 days.

Ah. They prefer their meat more to the medium well side, do they?

I also enjoyed watching the other passengers who were obviously traveling with us to W. Africa. Their beautiful, colorful outfits lent an exotic touch to the otherwise ordinary and somewhat drab Departures Hall.

That must've been so cool!

The melancholy of leaving Disney was still fresh and, while the mood should have been extreme excitement, the transition from order, the known, and comfortable to the unknown, disorganized, and difficult was admittedly weighing on me.

I can see how that would require a major shift in thought process and emotions.

Right. Pretty. Left....... not so much.

it was time to head to security which we sailed through with no issues.

Really! I would've guessed the opposite.

The neck and back issues got a foothold that lasted about 14 days.

Sorry to hear that.

Eventually, we made it to our gate with the sweet older lady the guys took under their wings. The one in yellow in the picture up there ^.

Ah. Betty I presume.

7 hours and 20 minutes of zero sleep.

You can't sleep on planes, too?

But Brussels Airlines did make up for that with unlimited wine, decent food, seatback games, movies and music.

Noice!
Garcon! More wine!

I also played my usual “How many times can I bother my seatmates to pee?” game.

What is that?

The bright colors of traveling attire made it evident we were not in Kansas anymore.

I should guess not! Must've been a feast for the eyes, though.

I found a few square feet of floor, rolled up my jacket, and succumbed to 3 hours of glorious sleep.

Awwwwww....

Yes, I drooled all over the floor.

You didn't!!!

It was probably the scent of Belgian chocolate wafting from the kiosk adjacent to our gate.

Uh, huh. Sure it was.

I think you want to follow the advice of your jacket.

Who! Two very pretty ladies!

People were standing in the aisles and everyone’s cell phones came out.

When ya gotta make a call, ya gotta make a call.

How normal do you think it would have been to find Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, or Trump on a commercial flight a few months before a major presidential election?

Well, they probably wanna schmooz, so... pretty high?


How should I know? I'm not from the U.S. (I am American, though, of course.)

And he was schmoozing it up pretty good too as all politicians do.

Seee??????

First of all, I have NO idea about this guy, what he stands for, his history, CV, character, nothing.

Yeah... I can see how you'd be reluctant.

Stand and be seen, or risk offending.

I can see that too. At least if it turns out he's a despot, you can claim not to have known that.
"I thought he was a movie star!"

(For security reasons I do not want to name his name so this thread doesn't come up in a Google search.)

That's okay. Totally understandable.

Possibly the next president of Sierra Leone. PM me if you HAVE to know his name.

Huh. I Googled "Next president of Sierra Leone" and "name" and this thread came up.

My first views of Africa:

Fess up. Despite your lack of sleep... how excited were you right then?

One runway, one building for Departures and Arrivals, one baggage belt, one security x-ray,

You consider this small?



You ain't seen small then.

This scenario of chaos and stress would pale in comparison to the airport transportation/exit process on the way out, but hey, baby steps. Baaaaby steps.

Oh, dear.

Yes, on an island, nowhere near civilization.

I'm trying to think... I know there's a major airport on an island... Hong Kong?

So, we took a speedboat. Which only means “a faster boat than the ferry”.

Ah. So... "slightly faster boat" would be more accurate.

“cluster scenario”

Oh, man. I love this photo! I'm not sure why, but it really does draw me in!

This one too. Not as much as the previous, but... Me like.

Surprisingly, we were given lifevests,

Why, "surprisingly"?

we chose up top in case something went awry and we could bail off quickly.

Probably a good call. Were you guys feeling less than secure?

The wind destroyed our hair tangling it in irreparable knots,

Because 24 hours of travel hadn't had an effect.

That looks familiar. Yep! The classic "Liesa thumbs up pose".

(I apologize for the crappy photos that were the norm for this update. Most are cell phone photos as I couldn't get the camera out by then.)

We're just happy you took any at all!

And the Freetown Team brought the TV crew. And a light was shone in my face. And a microphone was shoved up close. And I went mute. Or nearly so. I never had a stutter before. Huh.

And yet, you look very poised.

After an abominable interview

It was hot. Like 29 billion degrees hot.

So..... you're saying it was hot?

And the air was wet with humidity and soon my shirt was too.

Now I know I want to go!
Impromptu wet T-shirt contests! All right!!!

Meanwhile, there was dancing in the streets, music and singing, a general cacophony. Basically, a political rally, African-style.

If you hadn't been so wiped, I'm thinking you probably would've found it quite interesting... if not fun.

But one does not simply drive from Point A to Point B in Freetown.

They have flying cars in Africa?!?!?!?!

There are no words to describe the massive free-for-all that is W. African city traffic, where the rule is simply find a way through paying zero mind to anything or anyone else- be it motorbike, pedestrian, policeman, curb, or any other barrier.

whoa..... I think I'll leave my bike at home, thanks.

But, I will rant about the driving more another time.

It doesn't get better, huh?

But… I wouldn’t want lasagna for 10 days in a row either. Which makes me sound utterly ungrateful and spoiled.

Nah. I get it. I'm sure we'd all feel the same.

The good news is that this was hands down the best fish we had all week. And maybe the 2nd or 3rd best fish I’ve had in my life.

Really! Wow! Well... woot!

Sadly, the Chinese have commercially invaded and are fishing out the waters off the coast of SL and it IS impacting the livelihoods of many.

In international waters? Or SL waters?

despite us being more tired than a nurse after a 12-hour shift.

Now that's tired.

During the meal we learned that Atama runs a beauty school for 6 street girls at a time who come to live with her and learn a trade that will keep them from turning to prostitution in order to simply eat. She has many success stories of girls that now run small hair dressing kiosks in the city.

That's a great story! Wonderful!

I note the upside down plates. And am not surprised at all.

That looks good!
I can see how you'd say it was one of your best.

Of course, most of what we’d packed was MIA, and some wouldn’t show up for days.

Meanwhile, perhaps a tour of our digs?

Sure!

The fact that they didn’t drain because they forgot to slope the floors was irrelevant

Maybe I shouldn't laugh, but.... it struck me as funny.

except when we filled them with bucket water each morning.

Er.... filled the floor? What?

I lost count of the times I crawled out on my hands and knees for fear I’d crack my head open from slipping, and wondered if I did how they’d get my body out of Africa. (It wasn’t the only time I wondered that.)

Holy crap!

Chairs. AKA places to throw our stuff on each evening

True worldwide.

See the security bars?

Yep.
More ornate than I'd think when I'd think "security bars".

Yep. We even had a fan! Too bad there was only very, very rarely electricity to go with it.

"The fan's on!"
<There was great rejoicing.>
"Whup! Nevermind. It's off again."

Beds. Note the single pillow. I played the I’m-the-Mom-card and won it for the 10 days.

There are certain benefits to being the parent.

And that’s where I’ll leave off. Laying in a pool of sweat trying to find sleep amidst the angry, tropical thunderstorm that raged through the night.

Really! I would've thought that by then, nothing could have kept you up.

Wonderful read, Liesa! <applause>
I can't wait to read more of your adventures!

 

[rndmr2]

AWW! So sweet! Congratulations on your new precious granddaughter! Are they the ones that live far away? Have you seen her in person yet?

Thanks for sharing your Africa travel day, wow! Crazy! I don't think I would have been too happy with the dispersing of all the bags/boxes either. You probably did the right thing walking away and letting them handle it.

I agree with others, Your accommodations were better than I was expecting them to be. Good for you for claiming the pillow

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Are you related to the great pumpkin from Linus at halloween?
BTW: Do know your pictures aren't showing due to photobucket garbage?

Distant cousin.

Yes. I just haven’t decided how to go about fixing it yet. I have about 1500 photos spread around my TR’s and haven’t had time to transfer them elsewhere.

Well, howdy Friend!!! It's been faaaaaar too long since we've seen you here! I know those precious girls of yours are keeping you very busy as I'm sure work and the production stuff is as well! It was a perfectly interesting trip riddled with the usual amounts of frustration, wonderment, curiosity, learning and excitement that all overseas trips have. Ours was certainly no different.

Awesome to hear! It has been quite some time since last I visited these hallowed halls.

Life is good!

I’m officially in remission, the girls are growing exponentially and keeping me busier than ever, I’m on a project now that has kept my editing PC blazing long into the night and I’m just about to embark on a rather peculiar yet exciting new adventure involving our beloved vacation destination.

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Awesome update! I am reading/posting on my phone so I am unable to quote easily, but I loved the arrival sequence.

That sounds crazy stressful.

I get exactly what you are saying food wise. I’m thinking I would be decidedly less fluffy after a visit to West Africa. It’s definitely not all Jiko all the time.

I enjoy your use of foreshadowing and am anxious to see whether your items ever surfaced, and what other events caused you the ponder the logistics of your postmortem transportation.

 

[MeghanEmily]

Oh my goodness! This is, by far, the most eventful travel day I've ever read about on the Dis! What a wild experience you've already had, and the trip is only just beginning.

I can only imagine how anxious and frustrated you were with the re-packing situation. Especially when dealing with compromised sterile equipment.

I could just feel my own body starting to crash just reading about the exhausting travelling you went through...

How lucky to have a fan!! ...and no electricity to run it.

Looking forward to following this trip. I'm sure you had mixed feelings about everything you saw and went through there, but also how fulfilling and unique an experience it must have been.

 

[Terra Nova guy]

Liesa, I read your last update with both a tear and a smile.

A tear because I can only imagine how difficult it must have been. I would have had a hard time coping at least. I am someone who likes order and simplicity. The unfamiliar chaos would have been very rough.

A smile because in my "former working life" overseas, I experienced just a taste of being in an unfamiliar place. Brunei lies closer to North America on the spectrum than Freetown, but begins to drift enough that it feels different and there's a certain familiarity with what you experienced, just many times diminished.

Makes all the easier to read of course knowing that you've arrived safely home, though forever changing, no doubt.