Getting back home - you're never too old for Africa

Johannesburg to Sydney

Heading home - safari survivors - who said we were too old and had mobility issues?

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS:

Load shedding. You definitely wouldn't want to live in those conditions. Of course, no experience with it, so at 2 am when the power resumed, lights came on, heater whirred and TV promoting Johannesburg seemed to be blaring. The TV was so quiet when we rushed in to drop our bags off last night, was so quiet we hadn't realised it was on. That was a mad scurry to try and calm that chaos and an hour later we were being scalded by the heat of electric blankets and were dialling that down and shedding layers of clothing. Well, yes, @Mac only had one layer - but I had a mountain that kudu couldn't jump over!

Thank goodness for the Medistrom battery that just kicks in for @Mac when power is unavailable. Best investment.

Didn't want to sleep in because we were flying out this arvo and was more interested in being in a daze for the flight than drawing the zzzzzs at the Inn. Had a plan to beat the rush and use the shower and wash my hair at 6.30 but that was thwarted by absolutely icy cold water. 

Did have to the luxury of power - at least till 8 am - and after persistent coaxing, @Mac was able to encourage a generous flow of hot water out of the shower head.

Ha ha, @Roz and @Gill still with us

Breakfast together (so cold - we were all shivering at the table) and some tears as we started to disperse. @Gill and @Roz were the first as they headed out for private tour of Johannesburg - and NOT the airport.

Then, farewell to @Louis. He has been leading, guiding, educating and entertaining us no matter what the obstacle or challenge. Always armed with a smile and a plan within a plan with two or three backup plans, we have been in excellent hands. A safe driver (on road and off); great cook (in awe of the planning, prep and outcome) a master at Tetris (managed to fit luggage and passengers in limited spaces); an animated storyteller (loved our nightly Creation stories); and without doubt, a walking encyclopaedia of "stuff" that just brings all that you are seeing and experiencing into a focus that helps to build a deeper understanding of this country of contrasts. Thank you @Louis and our genuinely sincere wishes for great things to come.

Took a little walk to Le Kreamery and enjoyed a rerun of brekkie with the Kiwi Connection - this time in a heated dining area, with power and with internet connection.

Le Kreamery had it all!

The major challenge of the day was to repack the bags - and they were definitely bursting at the seams and zipping was only achieved by some minor miracle due to @Mac's persistence. We were going to ditch the $4.50 brown bags, but one of them at least has joined @Margi and @Tom as their "souvenir" bag to get the loot home for the grandies. A bit embarrassed actually because it was filthy after our 4 days in the bush in Botswana.

Was also very conscious of scrubbing off the dust, dirt and seed residue off the soles of the shoes and making sure that they were accessible for any border security check on arrival in Sydney. Our clothes wreak of smoke, our bags are stained and dirty and our shoes have seen better days. The glue on @Mac's dress shoes has held and I think they will be headed for the bin ASAP when we arrive home. 

Already a steady stream of messages on What'sApp as @Louis continues to check on The Crew's progress to the airport and tour arrangements and as the "tourists" share their new adventures. Fingers crossed that social media allows us to continue to share in the lives of The Crew.

Didn't quite make the noon checkout for @Cecelia- missed by about 15 minutes and then set ourselves up in the sitting room (no heating but did manage to get Wi-Fi access turned back on) to wait for our transfer after waving off the Kiwi Connection for their departure to Cape Town.

We were ready - where's @Francoise?

We waited for @Francoise to pick us up at the gate and did get a little nervous when he was 15 minutes later than expected but had an easy run to the airport. Were informed at check-in that the plane home was "full" and "unfortunately" the audio on @Mac's allocated seat wasn't working. Oh well, we'll just swap. 

Double trouble as he was pulled over at the Security Check because there was still water in the water bottle in his black bag. He just tipped the bottle up and drank the water. I set the alarm off with my knee - no worries just waited for the scan and the pat down and offered a smile and warm conversation. Just like @Louis - no problem- we have a plan and can readily pull out the charm offensive when needed.

Toasted sangas and chippies with coffees - all smiles at the prospect of home

A little souvenir at the airport, some lunch and at 5 pm we were rolling on the stockings for the 10 hour and 48 minute flight to Sydney. A couple of movies (loved it - i watched "Lion King"), a couple of meals, a couple of trips to the loo, a couple of swaperoos to share the working audio and even a couple of hours sleep and it was welcome to Sydney. 

A much faster trip on the way home

Not much love for the food from either traveller - but there was wine!