Trip Jitters – Smooth Sailing to Joberg

I refuse to rant about Delta today. There was a lot of hurry-up and wait as each leg of my three part trip was delayed. However, I slept well on the 16 hour leg from Atlanta to Johannesburg. I can’t say the same for the traveler in the aisle seat as our co-traveler in the middle seat must have gotten up at least twenty times. Why they didn’t just switch seats is beyond me.

I was ecstatic to arrive at Tambo International Airport. Nervous too as I had forgotten to print out proof of travel out of the country and proof of residence while here. But no worries though. It was a breeze to go through immigration and even if that was not to be the case my arrival coincided with that of Algerian fans who were shouting what sounded like “FIFA Algeria” even while waiting in line for passport control! Imagine being that hyped then being sent away of xyz issues. Ouch!

Once free to roam I found the FIFA ticket machines for my game tickets, activated the MTN SIM card that came with the FIFA confirmation packet and got some cash from the ATM. That went well considering that the day before, I spent hours on the phone with Bank of America who where threatening to lock my account the minute I used it outside the United States because I needed to show up at a local branch (which for me is at least 100 miles away from my village) with two forms of ID.

It was easy to find Ivorian cousin. Actually, he found me. But really, my paternal grandfather (who died the month I was born) has super-strong genes because all the menfolk look alike despite the several different mothers and subsequent generations. We had a quick bite to eat at MonteCasino close to home in Fourways before I laid my pretty head to rest for the night.