We’re back in the UK!
After our night of eating Pizza on the 22nd we had an early night before getting up early to head to Windhoek Airport for our connecting flight to Johannesburg, South Africa. The airport is fairly small but clean and modern. There wasn’t too much to do there after more than an hour though so luckily we didn’t have to stay very long. It was emotional saying goodbye to Rod at the airport. He’s been a great guy over the last few weeks, helped us through a lot and made our team more efficient. I’ll miss him.
After a short flight from Windhoek to Johannesburg we had another 10 hour or so layover before our flight to London. We discovered the restaurant upstairs in the departure lounge too – Steak, Chips and Peas meal with a drink for less than the price of a coffee in Starbucks in most western countries. I love Africa! We did some last minute shopping, made final phone calls home and then boarded the flight to London. I swapped seats on the way back to be able to sit next to some of the group that I have made friends with during the trip, and avoid having to sit next to some people I didn’t want to sit next to from the group, which made the long flight a lot more survivable.
Arriving back in the UK was part sadness part relief. It has been a long month and we’re glad to be back but we’ll miss the place. I know I certainly will. It was also emotional for a few people – I saw one or two tears show on people after clearing customs and seeing friends and family. I guess I never really understood emotion at an airport until today as I’ve never been away for this long. I wasn’t one of the people that cried but it was nice to see people again.
I can’t believe how great the last month has been. We’ve seen some amazing places, met some amazing people and done things that I will remember for the rest of my life. Sure it’s been tiring and there’s been one or two events (and a person) that I would rather forget but this has probably been the best month of my life. So many great memories! I hope to be able to return to Namibia again soon!
