Travel to Africa

 

 Traveling to eSwatini felt like an obstacle course: each completed step put us closer to the finish line of the Emmanuel Wesleyan Bible College in Manzini. 

Thankfully the big snow storm ended on Wednesday so no travel worries there and Fritz said good-bye to winter by helping shovel snow.

First thing on Thursday morning we each took an at home Covid test, that way if one of us were positive we would not find out at the airport after paying the much more expensive tests.

Then we loaded up Anna's car and said good-bye to Eli and my folks, who prayed for us. Our next stop was to say good-bye to Cory's folks.

Then covid testing at the airport parking lot. That done we went into the airport and found Anna who said her good-byes.

As we needed printed Covid tests, she dropped Cory off at the site on her way back to Calvin. Fritz and I waited for him to return at the check-in counter. 

With negative tests in hand we flew to Dulles, Newark, and then on to Johannesburg, South Africa.

The food on the flight was pretty good, a dinner, snack, and light breakfast. 

No problems moving through the check-points. Waited for our 3 bags in vane, however an airline employee asked to see our baggage tags and noted that they had been checked all the way through to eSwatini.

We then walked to our airport-connected hotel. Checked in, connected for some internet and went to bed 9 pm their time [7 hours ahead of Eastern]

Saturday morning we retraced our steps to the airport. Breezed through security, checked in, Cory exchanged some money, bought breakfast and waited at our gate.

The flight to Manzini had about 14 people and we were in the air just over 35 minutes.

Many countries in southern Africa have experienced a very wet rainy season.

The whole area is very green and lush. 

Welcome to summer.

Dorcas picked us up and the drive on a new, very good highway only took 25-30 minutes.

After dropping our things off at a small guest apartment, she took us grocery shopping.

Going into town, Manzini, takes about 12 minutes.

For the Michigan folks, a small Meijer - like store with many things from South Africa.

Prices are a little better than in Haiti, overall similar to USA with fruits and vegetables being cheaper

"The potatoes are beautiful' Cory noted.

Then we enjoyed hamburgers and fries at the Chaney's home, used a bit of internet, and headed to bed, very thankful to have arrived.