From Wichita to Niamey

Well, I made it. After leaving Wichita early Monday morning, I arrived in Niamey Yesterday (Tuesday) evening--around 5 PM. I checked two suitcases, and only 1 made it, but the other should arrive tomorrow. (The one that arrived had most of Mom and Dad's food in it, while the one that didn't, has most of my clothes! Uh-oh!!!)

The trip had several delays--including a 3 hour delay in Atlanta, but other than that, the trip was event-free. I spent a while journaling (10 pages worth) and sipping on some Caribou coffee in Atlanta.



I had some beautiful background music playing while I was writing. The dude was legit! Incredible jazz--both musically and vocally.



As I mentioned earlier, my flight to Paris from Atlanta was delayed three hours. There were problems with the first plane, so they switched us to a new aircraft, and thus had to change seats, catering, gates, etc. In recompense, they gave us each a food voucher to spend in the terminal while we were waiting. They made this announcement right after I had just bought myself some delicious almond blueberry oatmeal--my first real meal all day. Ah well, I couldn't waste the food voucher so I bought myself a Naked Juice. (Doh, have you tried the mango one? Not my favorite, but still delicious!)



From the flight to Paris and on, I only spoke French! It was lovely.

When I arrived in Niamey and was waiting in line for my passport and health card to be verified, I looked out into the luggage area and saw a man holding up the following sign:



There were lots of these guys--all overly willing to help, but thankfully Dad had it under control!!!

I have already taken several pictures, but just to wet your appetite, here are some of my parents soon-to-be new neighbors! (Sorry, not my best photography.)



The boy in the very front is already my little buddy. He kept coming over and holding my hand. The kids LOVED having their pictures taken.