Travel Day - Toronto to Africa

My seat on the Brussesl to Nariobi flight

Sorry for the odd placement of that photo. I'm learning!!!!!
 OK -- so I'm in Africa as I write this and it's COLD!!!! Who would have thought that? 

We left the house on Monday afternoon around 3 PM. YES- DH and I are travelliing together which will be an experience in itself. 

No issues getting through the security line at the airport and sine we splurged and bought business class tickets, we went through the Business Class checkin. I guess because of hisi status wih the airline, we would have done that anyway! BUT we have had to show our ETA documents all along the way, even in Toronto. I guess they do not want you to get on the flight and not have the proper documents once you arrive. 

We were extra early for our flight even though we did not check any luggage. I know -- three week trip and only carry on luggage for both of us!! When you get to the airport and through security, you can wait at the gate for the plane. I have zero issues with that but I don't usually have very long to wait as I cut that wait time to next to nothing. Not good for everyone, but it works for me. 

If you have access to the lounges, then you can wait there with a bit more comfort and there is food and booze for free. DH needs that perk, while I couldn't care less. However, because we bought business class seats, we could go to the special lounge which is a bit more formal. They have a sit down meal that you can have and I found out later there is a buffet as well. 

Most of that pomp and circumstance is lost on me, but that's OK. He enjoyed it. I mostly enjoyed what we ate especially the many multi-layer chocolate cake and ice cream, but that filled me up more than I like and I had issues after. Nothing serious - just gassy, which I know is more than you needed to know!!! 

We left the lounge to get in line to board the 6:30 flight. It had bee delayed by about 30 minutes. Then as we were waiting in the line, it got delayed again, so we went back to the lounge. 

If it got too muh delayed, we would be in trouble for our connecting flight, however the staff in the lounge were on top of it and we had a contingency plan. However, we had barely sat down when someone notified us that the off schedule maintenace was done and we were boarding early again. So back downstairs. 

But not before we had a discussion in the lounge beside a lady where DH and I were chatting about the reasons there could have been an unscheduled maintenance. I donˋt think the lady beside us was too impressed with my options. Hey --- it could have bee

n something totally crazy that needed to be cleaned on the aircraft and thatˋs all Iˋm going to say about that!

Then on the plane and settled in our seats which convert to lie-flat beds. You canˋt beat that for a long flight at night. Itˋs not my first time, nor will it be my last. I love them for night flights. I didnˋt sleep the entire way, but I got in a pretty decentn sleep and before we knew it, we had arrived in Brussels. 

We thought it might be a hike to get to the next flight by Brussels Air (an alliance partner with Air Canada - hey - I want those points). But we got to take a shuttle which brought us almost to the gate. Easy peasy!!!  I will admit that travelling with two is a bit easier than traveling alone. You have two sets of eyes to spot the signs, and someone to watch your  luggage if you need the washroom. 

The first flight was 6 hours, the second was almost 9. But we had lie-flat beds on that flight as well, so all was good. I was pretty tired so I didnˋt even want the evening meal on the plane. It makes me laugh when I saw people stretched out in their travel clothes - all wrinkly and no one cares. What would have done in the 60s with their business suits. 

Again - we had to show our ETA for Kenya before boarding that plane. But because it's super handy to get in my waist pouch -- no big deal! I only watched one movied - a Mission Impossible and I watched a couple of other shows, but to be honest, I slept or dozed most of the way. I hope that helps with the jet lag. 

It also helps that we arrived at the hotel last night at 10 PM local time, so we should be able to get right on schedule for the trip and the time zone changes. For those back home we are 8 hours ahead of you! Basially, it feels like Tuesday didn't exist!!! 

We got off the plane on an open staircase, which always seems more exciting to me than getting off in one of those big ramps that take you into the airport. Nope - we got on a shuttle bus and went to the airport, where the first thing we did was go through customs. That was also very easy - at least for me. They wanted DH's fingerprints, which did NOT work, but I bascially walked through and no issues. Again - we needed to show that ETA. 

The airport inside was NOT busy. It seemed to be our plane only and since we didnˋt need to wait for luggage, our next goal was to find the car. We had hired a car and driver to get us from the airport to the hotel. That was a brilliant idea. 

There were tons of people holding signs, and I quickly spotted our driver. He drove a Toyota, so I felt right at home. But oh my -- I forgot they drove on the other side of the road here and the steering wheel is also on the right, not the left. 

Getiting out of the airport was a nightmare and thank goodness we had someone who knew what they were doing. I swear the collision sensors on the car were working overtime because no one respects the lines - there probably arent any! And it was every man for himself, including the pedestrians. We finally exited the airport grounds where the traffic was quieter. 

I thought the hotel was close to the airport, but it was a bit of a drive, which was OK. And then we arrived at the hotel to a ton of security. Not for us, but because the president is here for a conference or something. Maybe to personally welcome DH home after a 50 year absence!!!! LOL. 

It was freezingi in our room, so the AC got turned off quickly. As mentioned, it was cool last night and it was only 11 when I woke up! And sunrise is at 6:30. We are just south of the Equator and I hope we get to the Equator - not sure whatˋs on the agenda. But sunrise is at 6:30 so itˋs fianlly light outside and I can see the big animal park right outside our window. I wonder if weˋll see any animals in it. Iˋm sure if you look on a map of Nairobi, youˋll see this giant park. 

Well, I had a snack on the plane becasue I had missed the meal, but now I would say that I could use some food. Waiting on DH to wake up, but of course, Iˋve been awake for hours. I might have to venure out on my own Who knows who I'll run into. 

As far as travel days go? That one was pretty easy and no major issues at all. One slight delay on the first plane and all as good. 

Remember that I''m typing on my tiny little keyboard, which actually isn't that big of a deal, but there could be typos. I've been trying to keep things looking good as I type, so I don't have to go back and edit. My phone screen is pretty tiny. Excuse the typos and the grammar. this is the rough and wild version of the blog. I posted a couple of pictures on FAcebook, so have a look at those if you haven't seen them yet. 

Have a super day!!!!!

Ciao!!!!!