This morning 11 of us met with smiles and a look of excitement as we started our trip Dakar, Senegal. Getting through the airport in Charlotte was a breeze...after a minor delay in flight we were in route to Newark. In Newark, we were met with northern faces that aren't as welcoming as ours but helpful nonetheless. After grabbing a bite to eat we it was time to board for Brussels!! The plane was HUGE but once we took our seats TV and movies were an aided treat and a lifesaver for many of us that couldn't quite fall asleep during the 6+ hour flight.
As we landed we were alerted of the heightened security threat in Brussels but advised not to be concerned. Without wifi to check in that was what we chose to go with so next on the list.....Belgium Waffles of course!! After walking around, security checkin and finding out terminal we took a stroll to one last place. To our surprise in a nice plastic Baggie were waffles that we had been anticipating. After the first bite we all discovered it was well worth the wait a little piece of yumminess that left everyone content.
Next up the last leg of the trip that was another easy flight. There were a few people that kept us entertained with their conversations but again less turbulence so it was all good. Imagine the smiles on our faces as the pilot comes on to let us know that we had arrived (well in 20 minutes)!
After landing, we did the normal customs and baggage claim with one small hitch....2 missing bags. One of those being mine luckily I carried a few things in my carry on so panic didn't set in. While leaving the airport of course we held our luggage tight to keep outside drivers from "helping us" and followed our friends and drivers to the car. As we drove we encountered many people selling items in the street, coming up to the bus and etc. which was a little different but hey we went with it. After a short drive we arrived at Villa Rosa and settled into our rooms. Alas wifi to assure our families that Brussels was ok and we arrived unharmed. We all sat on the terrace and began to talk about the day as we waited to eat dinner. Dinner was yummy and the onion mix to dip on our bread was clearly a hit at the table. We talked with our team and our wonderful volunteers for the week. It was nice to share our initial thoughts, feed our bodies, learn our Senegal names, and prepare to rest for the evening.
Overall today was a great day and once rested we can't wait to see how the week goes!!
As we landed we were alerted of the heightened security threat in Brussels but advised not to be concerned. Without wifi to check in that was what we chose to go with so next on the list.....Belgium Waffles of course!! After walking around, security checkin and finding out terminal we took a stroll to one last place. To our surprise in a nice plastic Baggie were waffles that we had been anticipating. After the first bite we all discovered it was well worth the wait a little piece of yumminess that left everyone content.
Next up the last leg of the trip that was another easy flight. There were a few people that kept us entertained with their conversations but again less turbulence so it was all good. Imagine the smiles on our faces as the pilot comes on to let us know that we had arrived (well in 20 minutes)!
After landing, we did the normal customs and baggage claim with one small hitch....2 missing bags. One of those being mine luckily I carried a few things in my carry on so panic didn't set in. While leaving the airport of course we held our luggage tight to keep outside drivers from "helping us" and followed our friends and drivers to the car. As we drove we encountered many people selling items in the street, coming up to the bus and etc. which was a little different but hey we went with it. After a short drive we arrived at Villa Rosa and settled into our rooms. Alas wifi to assure our families that Brussels was ok and we arrived unharmed. We all sat on the terrace and began to talk about the day as we waited to eat dinner. Dinner was yummy and the onion mix to dip on our bread was clearly a hit at the table. We talked with our team and our wonderful volunteers for the week. It was nice to share our initial thoughts, feed our bodies, learn our Senegal names, and prepare to rest for the evening.
Overall today was a great day and once rested we can't wait to see how the week goes!!
Until next time.....
Courtney aka Codou (my new Senegalese name)
Courtney aka Codou (my new Senegalese name)
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