We didn't get on the flight we were on the waiting list for, but we did get something else. We were pretty much the only ones who got a flight out of the couple hundred at just our hotel who were waiting. The reason? We found possible flights ourselves and then rushed them to the local South African Airways rep assigned to help those at our hotel. While the others were waiting on updates and for SAA to re-open, we were hard at work searching for anything else to get us home, and it paid off. It sounds simple, and it really wasn't. We spent 15 hours at least over the last few days searching and there were many disappointments, even after we pushed through the crowds, waited in long lines at the airport and finally got up to the counter, we were told our paperwork was wrong. We first got a flight to London, and we thought we definitely had seats, but the airport said no, we were waitlisted, but after a few scares, we got on.
Next, we flew to Paris, and from there we flew to Atlanta where my parents picked us up late last night. The wonderful thing-- besides actually getting home-- we were in first class for the 9 hour flight from Paris to Atlanta, and SAA paid for it. I can never fly economy again. I've been ruined. We were so spoilt that I can never go back. Ordering from a menu, unlimited whatever you want, fancy French toiletries from L'Occatiaine, seats that turn into beds . . . I am ruined.
I was supposed to go to a meeting today at work, but I don't think so. I am more exhausted than I can remember ever being before and the mountain of laundry waiting for me needs attending to.
I shall return later today . . . In the meantime, know that I missed you all and appreciate your kind words and prayers. I know only God could've got us through all this.
Posted by Hannah at July 27, 2005 10:00 AMOh goodness you're home safe and sound! What a trip! Glad you got to come home first class. I would say so after all the hubbub.
Posted by: ani at July 27, 2005 10:33 AMGood to hear that you're home safe albeit tired. I think that it was truly an experience :) now you're a super traveller who knows the ins and outs of travelling and getting a flight when there is a strike going on. Still, that Paris-Atlanta flight sounds like a good finale for the trip. Write more :) soon but for now, REST!
Posted by: stef & mike at July 27, 2005 11:45 AMYeah, definitely get some rest, Hannah! I was so excited to see your TeaSwap post and to see you back!!! :) I bet you're completely exhausted. ;) Me? I would have stayed in Paris, LOL! :D
Posted by: Lisanne at July 27, 2005 12:52 PMglad you're back! relax!! and hope the plumbing is fixed okay!
Posted by: Rachel at July 27, 2005 12:58 PMI'm so glad you're back. I've been thinking of you.
Posted by: Laura at July 27, 2005 01:15 PMGlad to hear you are back! First class sounds like it was worth the hassle! :-)
Posted by: Allison at July 27, 2005 01:31 PMI am pleased you were able to find an alternate route and airline out of that godforsaken hell hole *lol* ..... I mean out of my beautiful country. Pity you had to experience this awful strike though the last time they did it was in 1998 so they have a good strike record *grin*. I am dying to hear about the rest of your trip and to see the pics. Can you send me the one James took of you and I at the Waterfront? The one he took with my camera was blurred. Tell him I say hello and it was absolutely divine meeting the both of you. Rest well and see you on your blog soon. (((( hugs ))))
Posted by: Michelle at July 27, 2005 07:58 PMWelcome back!
Nice that you got first class, and on a long leg!
I am glad that you are back, I am really sorry for what happend. But now you will never be able to forget your visit South Africa it was unique and exciting in ways you never could have imagined!!!
Posted by: Pixy at July 28, 2005 02:58 AMGlad to hear you're finally home!!! I was ecstatic to hear that you went first class - and at SAA's expense!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!
Posted by: Valkyrie at July 28, 2005 05:19 AMHey.. So glad you got home safe. :o)
Posted by: Christel at July 28, 2005 05:25 AMSo glad you're home! And I totally know what you mean about being spoiled by first class!
Posted by: shannon at July 28, 2005 04:58 PMWhat an ordeal! So glad it got cushioned by that first class trip home. I've ridden first class once and it was wonderful.
Posted by: Pink Sun Drops at July 29, 2005 07:44 PM