Arrival (almost!)

We arrived on time in London, and took the Underground into London. The students opted to go to a shopping district--our first choice was the Museum of Natural History, but they were sold out. So we wandered, shopped, and had lunch.

Leaving Kalamazoo

Riding the London Underground. Somewhat steep learning curve to figure out routes, purchase tickets, figure out how to use the tickets, catch the correct train and get everyone on the same car, get off at the correct stop....Happy to report that we did not lose anyone!

At a digital art exhibit. We just randomly came across this, and went in so that the animations were happening all around us. Fun!

Lunch in London. We went to a "Food Hall", and ordered from 8 different kinds of international cuisine. Some were cautious and had fries or milkshakes. Some were adventurous and got sushi or Nepali food!

Our annual traditional London Phone Box photo!

Tube station on the Picadilly line on our way back to Heathrow airport.

 With on short-hop flight from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit left to go, we have had our smoothest travel experience EVER! Flights on time, baggage arriving, even some empty seats/extra space! It reallly feels like my bad travel luck has completely reversed! Last year was a huge struggle. This year, everything has gone perfectly. Including my achieving one of my bucket list items: Flying the long London to Johannesburg leg in FIRST CLASS! When I checked in to board the flight, all the students were already boarding. The gate agent scanned my boarding pass and the machine flashed red. He immediately tore up my boarding pass. I figured this was the moment my bad luck kicked in. But no. I nabout 10 seconds, he printed a new boarding pass, handed it to me, and over his shoulder as I went toward the plane, he said, "You've been upgraded." As in, all the way to first class!

Which was AMAZING! No wonder people pay extra for this! I had my own little mini-unit with a reclining seat that went completely flat for sleep, cubbies, pillow and duvet....After being served a restaurant-quality meal (chosen from a MENU!), I wat back and watched Downton Abbey while my 3 courses were brought. A nice hot towel, and I flattened my bed, spread out the matress pad and duvet, and slept. For nearly 7 hours! (Apparently soundly, because I drooled!) As soon as I woke up, the attendant offered to bring a breakfast tray: gorgeous fresh fruit, yogurt, croissant, freshly squeezed orange juice and tea. With the option of hot breakfast to follow (I was too full after the fruit!).

Fabulous First Class! The bottom photo is the appetizer (buffalo mozzerella with tomatoes, cucumbers and vinegrette, beet salad and rolls), followed by ricotta ravioli in smoked cheese sauce with asparagus, and finished with strawberries and cream. 

So we should be at our lodge within 2-3 hours, settling in, showering, and relaxing (and, usually, eating. A lot!). Our adventure begins tomorrow morning! Stay tuned!