We made it!

We're finally in Gaborone (the capital of Botswana)! It took us about 42 hours of travel and 16 hours, 7 minutes (yes I was timing it) in the air, but we're here. We'll be in the capital for almost a week before heading up north to start the research. For now it's preparing, meetings with officials from the Wildlife Department, and spending time together.

The flight out, though long, was fine...at least once we got going. As we were about to taxi out a big storm with lots of lightning hit Atlanta and we sat on the tarmac for 2 hours. Finally we set out...and stopped 500 feet later as we had to wait in a line of other planes that were also delayed by the storm. We eventually set off and must have made good time because we only arrived an hour later than we were supposed to. The movie selection on the flight was very good and we slept a little and watched a lot. The flight was VERY turbulent, however, more than I'd ever experienced. The seatbelt sign was on almost the whole time. The Lord kept us safe, though, and we made it to Johannesburg and the next morning to Gaborone (or Gabs). We found a place to stay in Gabs that is small but seems nice and is near where I've stayed before so I know the area. All in all it's nice...though the light bulb did burn out soon after we moved in and I had to climb up on the bed to change it, and we get mild electric shocks when the shower's running and we touch the handle, but all in all not bad.

~Tim

Ummm...cold! I did not expect it to be this cold here in Africa! I guess I was just thinking Africa is desert and therefore should be hot. Nope. When we landed in Joburg it was 46 F and windy. Coming from a hot and humid Florida, (where our AC was broken!) it was a shock! While we were freezing waiting for a shuttle to the hotel, we realized neither of us had packed my jacket. I do have a sweatshirt, but we're currently in the market for a heavier jacket because I get cold easily. Botswana has definitely been warmer than Joburg was, which is very nice, but its still cold enough to warrant heavy blankets at night. My first impressions of Africa have been great, even through the tired haze of jetlag. The people are very friendly and the countryside is beautiful. Like Tim described, our room is fairly nice. Especially the ceiling! I think I'm going to be doing some redecorating at home!

~chels

Tim replaces the lightbulb in our room. Note the beautiful ceiling decorations!