I set out tomorrow to conquer some fears and fulfill some dreams in the small town of Swedru. Swedru is approximately one and a half hours west of Accra towards Cape Coast. I will be living with a family - a mother, a grandmother, and two young girls (Kate and Irene). They will be my new family for the next three weeks as I embark on the latest and bravest part of my adventure in Africa. Among some of my most primary challenges will be the washroom and water situation. The washroom is outside. It is a pit toilet. And my showers will consist of me and a bucket of water.
I have had time now to prepare myself for these challenges, and I expect that they will be the least of what I will face while living in a rural community. But I am looking forward to what new and unexpected hurdles this experience has to offer. If the past month has taught me anything, it is the strength this is born of any struggle. And I am ready. Or at least ready to try. To accept whatever Swedru has to offer me.
I will likely have limited access to internet while I am there, but will hope to continue my updates at least on a weekly basis. In the meantime, I have posted some recent pictures to facebook, links included below.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=129236&id=505995946
http://www.facebook.com/photos.php?id=505995946#/album.php?aid=129042&id=505995946
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/album.php?aid=129045&id=505995946&ref=mf
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/album.php?aid=128900&id=505995946
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
warthogs and antelope and monkeys...oh my
No lions, nor tigers, nor bears (although we weren't expecting those anyways)...but sadly, no elephants either.
On Thursday morning we left on a 16 hour trip to get to Mole National Park. When we arrived, it was raining, and the rain persisted for the duration of our stay. This is the reason we were given for the fact that we didn't see any elephants. Our guesthouse was perched over the elephant watering hole, and they are frequently spotted drinking and bathing there. However, because of the rain, they were wet enough, and didn't pay us a visit!
Despite the lack of elephants, we still had a great weekend away. Road trips are always a source of good bonding for our volunteer group, and this one was extra long! We also saw a few other species of animals. We also saw many antelope and tons of monkeys! And when we checked into our guesthouse we found warthogs grazing in front of our hotel rooms (picture of me looking frightened to come soon!). And of course, there are always lots of creepy crawly insects for our enjoyment! On our way home, we broke up the long journey with a stop at Kintampo Falls to see the beautiful waterfalls, and cool off from the heat.
Our next weekend trip is not for a couple of weeks, when the group will head to Cape Coast. By that time, I will be living in Swedru, and will meet them there on the Friday night. For now, I am spending this week enjoying running water and toilets...two things I will be sad to say goodbye to when I depart on Sunday!
On Thursday morning we left on a 16 hour trip to get to Mole National Park. When we arrived, it was raining, and the rain persisted for the duration of our stay. This is the reason we were given for the fact that we didn't see any elephants. Our guesthouse was perched over the elephant watering hole, and they are frequently spotted drinking and bathing there. However, because of the rain, they were wet enough, and didn't pay us a visit!
Despite the lack of elephants, we still had a great weekend away. Road trips are always a source of good bonding for our volunteer group, and this one was extra long! We also saw a few other species of animals. We also saw many antelope and tons of monkeys! And when we checked into our guesthouse we found warthogs grazing in front of our hotel rooms (picture of me looking frightened to come soon!). And of course, there are always lots of creepy crawly insects for our enjoyment! On our way home, we broke up the long journey with a stop at Kintampo Falls to see the beautiful waterfalls, and cool off from the heat.
Our next weekend trip is not for a couple of weeks, when the group will head to Cape Coast. By that time, I will be living in Swedru, and will meet them there on the Friday night. For now, I am spending this week enjoying running water and toilets...two things I will be sad to say goodbye to when I depart on Sunday!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Teaching and unlearning
I spent the last two days teaching classes on HIV and STIs. This is a subject of critical relevance in Ghana, and it felt amazing to participate in the progress that is being made here. I absolutely love teaching. The children in my classes are amazing. Many of them have learned about hardship early in life, but they continue show up for themselves each and every day. I have been deeply moved by these children and their stories. And although I am their teacher, they have taught me so much (corny? maybe...but true nonetheless). I am learning so much...or rather, unlearning. I am unlearning what I thought were the ways of the world; I am unlearning what I thought a long day looked like; I am unlearning what I thought it meant to work hard. And for this I am grateful.
And in the spirit of my unlearning, I have decided to embark on a new adventure. Beginning the week after next, I will be moving to a new teaching placement, in rural Ghana. I will be leaving the basecamp and heading to Swedru, a small town a couple of hours away from Accra. In Swedru, I will be living with a family, and teaching at the FrankEve Human Development Foundation http://www.frankevefoundation.org/. I will be there for three weeks, and I am ready for the new challenges that this opportunity will bring.
In the meantime, there is lots going on before I go. Tomorrow I will make my way to northern Ghana for a walking safari in Mole National Park. We are likely to see elephants, crocodiles and monkeys, among other wildlife species! Details to follow once I'm back next week.
And in the spirit of my unlearning, I have decided to embark on a new adventure. Beginning the week after next, I will be moving to a new teaching placement, in rural Ghana. I will be leaving the basecamp and heading to Swedru, a small town a couple of hours away from Accra. In Swedru, I will be living with a family, and teaching at the FrankEve Human Development Foundation http://www.frankevefoundation.org/. I will be there for three weeks, and I am ready for the new challenges that this opportunity will bring.
In the meantime, there is lots going on before I go. Tomorrow I will make my way to northern Ghana for a walking safari in Mole National Park. We are likely to see elephants, crocodiles and monkeys, among other wildlife species! Details to follow once I'm back next week.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
"young woman's bladder ruptures after tarantula spotting"
Okay...so my bladder didn't actually rupture, and the spider wasn't really a tarantula, but if the small village in which I found myself on Thursday night had a local newspaper, the headline would have read something like that!
This weekend I found my inner arachnophobia (read: princess), while roughing it in the African countryside. This 'phobia' had been so well suppressed for the past two weeks, that I almost thought I had been cured of it...but apparently if the spider is big enough, it can cause a relapse! On Thursday evening, as I was heading into the washroom ('washroom' is a generous word for what was a small room with a floor and a drain), I spotted an enormous spider on the wall. It was basically a tarantula, except that it wasn't. It was terrifying. I insisted on holding my bladder and proceeding to panic...for a little (read: long) while. I did eventually pee in the bushes, which were probably more spider ridden, but I am now a firm believer that what you don't know (or see) can't hurt you!
Other than the spider 'incident', the weekend was incredible. That first night, the local children of the village put on a drumming and dancing show for us - what talent! Afterwards, we went to sleep - eight of us in one room, on the floor (on bamboo mats). It was definitely a bonding experience! The next day, we visited the local school - it is being assessed for the possibility of future teaching placements. The challenges of getting volunteers there and overcoming the language barrier were very evident.
We spent the second night on the beach staying in small huts - a beach camp called Maranatha! It was a piece of paradise so remote, untouched, and beautiful...it is the most serene place I have ever been, and I'm definitely going back there before I leave. The white sand beach was surrounded by water - a river on one side, and the ocean on the other. If you walked far enough on the island, you could see the estuary where they meet. It was an absolute dream. Pictures to come shortly...
This weekend I found my inner arachnophobia (read: princess), while roughing it in the African countryside. This 'phobia' had been so well suppressed for the past two weeks, that I almost thought I had been cured of it...but apparently if the spider is big enough, it can cause a relapse! On Thursday evening, as I was heading into the washroom ('washroom' is a generous word for what was a small room with a floor and a drain), I spotted an enormous spider on the wall. It was basically a tarantula, except that it wasn't. It was terrifying. I insisted on holding my bladder and proceeding to panic...for a little (read: long) while. I did eventually pee in the bushes, which were probably more spider ridden, but I am now a firm believer that what you don't know (or see) can't hurt you!
Other than the spider 'incident', the weekend was incredible. That first night, the local children of the village put on a drumming and dancing show for us - what talent! Afterwards, we went to sleep - eight of us in one room, on the floor (on bamboo mats). It was definitely a bonding experience! The next day, we visited the local school - it is being assessed for the possibility of future teaching placements. The challenges of getting volunteers there and overcoming the language barrier were very evident.
We spent the second night on the beach staying in small huts - a beach camp called Maranatha! It was a piece of paradise so remote, untouched, and beautiful...it is the most serene place I have ever been, and I'm definitely going back there before I leave. The white sand beach was surrounded by water - a river on one side, and the ocean on the other. If you walked far enough on the island, you could see the estuary where they meet. It was an absolute dream. Pictures to come shortly...
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Madame Danielle
That is what my students call me: "Madame Danielle". Well actually, it sounds more like Madame Janelle, Madam Tania...and most of the time it's Madame Daniel. I am experiencing slight resentment towards my parents for this name that is apparently impossible to pronounce if you have a Ghanaian accent! But never mind...what's more important, is that I taught my first class yesterday! It was very basic, and it was my opportunity to survey the skills of the students. I asked them to write me an essay about their favourite food. Wow, these kids are creative. My favourite essay was written by a little boy who told me that rice and stew makes him feel like a hero! I am starting to realize that teachers must find endless entertainment in their students. I sure am, and I have only taught one class. So far, so good!
Getting to school is, unfortunately, not nearly as fun as being at school. It takes two hours! It's only 30 minutes away by car (without traffic). So that should tell you about the kind of traffic we have here, not to mention the high probability that the car in which you start your journey will break down along the way! This is one of the reasons why I'm really looking forward to my upcoming trip to the country. We leave this afternoon for four days in a place called Adah Foa. It is a small fishing village about three hours from here. It will be my first look at rural Africa. I am looking forward to getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city (so much, that I am voluntarily sleeping on the floor tonight in a lodge). I am hoping not to get eaten by a tarantula (that's not meant as a joke - it's really my only fear about being here!).
Getting to school is, unfortunately, not nearly as fun as being at school. It takes two hours! It's only 30 minutes away by car (without traffic). So that should tell you about the kind of traffic we have here, not to mention the high probability that the car in which you start your journey will break down along the way! This is one of the reasons why I'm really looking forward to my upcoming trip to the country. We leave this afternoon for four days in a place called Adah Foa. It is a small fishing village about three hours from here. It will be my first look at rural Africa. I am looking forward to getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city (so much, that I am voluntarily sleeping on the floor tonight in a lodge). I am hoping not to get eaten by a tarantula (that's not meant as a joke - it's really my only fear about being here!).
Monday, October 12, 2009
what a wonderful weekend
I had a fantastic weekend. Not only because my beautiful nephew was born (although that's a big part of it), but also because I am finally starting to feel settled. The amazing race really showed us how independent we are in this daunting city, and I have finally started moving around on my own!
Saturday night we were invited to the birthday party of a friend of someone that works for our volunteer organization. It was in a beautiful home in a very affluent part of the city - it was immaculate. There was great food, music, and dancing. It was an awesome party (and I was secretly celebrating Jack's birthday!).
Yesterday was very low key. We spent time lounging around the basecamp, relaxing and getting ready for our first day of school, which was today. I had a great time meeting the teachers today and the students are vibrant and very welcoming. We were introduced to the 9 classes that are at the school where we will be teaching, and we spent the afternoon grading some essays about why cheating is bad. They were very entertaining, and it was a great way to ease into the teaching role. Real classroom time begins tomorrow, and I'm really looking forward to it.
Other than that, life here is starting to present itself as normal for me. I am past most of the culture shock I experienced last week, and am really able to enjoy Ghana for what it has to offer.
Saturday night we were invited to the birthday party of a friend of someone that works for our volunteer organization. It was in a beautiful home in a very affluent part of the city - it was immaculate. There was great food, music, and dancing. It was an awesome party (and I was secretly celebrating Jack's birthday!).
Yesterday was very low key. We spent time lounging around the basecamp, relaxing and getting ready for our first day of school, which was today. I had a great time meeting the teachers today and the students are vibrant and very welcoming. We were introduced to the 9 classes that are at the school where we will be teaching, and we spent the afternoon grading some essays about why cheating is bad. They were very entertaining, and it was a great way to ease into the teaching role. Real classroom time begins tomorrow, and I'm really looking forward to it.
Other than that, life here is starting to present itself as normal for me. I am past most of the culture shock I experienced last week, and am really able to enjoy Ghana for what it has to offer.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
I am an auntie...
I don't have much time to write today, but I wanted to share with you all that my sister had a baby boy this morning and I am now an auntie. My nephew's name is Jack (AND he is so cute!).
I am really missing home today. I can't wait to meet Jack.
p.s. I have brown rasta extensions in my hair...!
I am really missing home today. I can't wait to meet Jack.
p.s. I have brown rasta extensions in my hair...!
Friday, October 9, 2009
what an amazing race...
We just finished the amazing race!!! We were the first team to finish, but we were also the first team to start, so we have not yet found out who won. I was on a great team - I was with two girls, Tessa and Sydney, and we had a blast. We had to race around the city by tro tro and buy different pieces of art/jewellery, send a post-card, buy some soap (at the post office - random, I know!), and then we finished in Osu. So much fun!
This afternoon, I'm heading to my placement to get a tour and meet the head of the school district. His name is Honourable...how awesome is that? I will hopefully get details on my teaching schedule and curriculum. I know that I am teaching math and business at a junior secondary school, but that's all the information I have so far.
Last night, the group headed out to a bar for Obruni Night. It was mostly foreigners, but some locals too. There was a live band, lots of beer, and of course, meat on a stick. We had a great time. We stayed out fairly late and then came back to the house where a few of us decided to practice our African drumming on the roof. We have an amazing rooftop, which has served as our common area because the rest of the house is still under construction. It's where we eat, and take all of our Twi lessons. It's great to be outside so much and because we're high up there's a nice breeze. Don't worry, mom; there's a tent to shade us from the sun! Anyhow, a few of us grabbed some drums last night and headed up there for a rhythm session...amazing!
This morning I was up fairly early, and went out on my own for a walk. It was my first time going out on my own. It was a beautiful morning, and the church next door to us was bustling with some great gospel. I popped down the street to pick up a doughnut (here it's literally bread dough in a ball; it's not like the doughnuts at home). It cost me 20 peswas (~ $0.15). Shortly thereafter the very amazing race began.
Tomorrow I am getting my hair braided. It has been quite a struggle to keep it under control here with all of the heat and humidity. I am also hoping to get a few skirts made with the fabric I bought earlier this week. I will begin posting pictures soon, but am waiting for the internet to be set up at the basecamp.
This afternoon, I'm heading to my placement to get a tour and meet the head of the school district. His name is Honourable...how awesome is that? I will hopefully get details on my teaching schedule and curriculum. I know that I am teaching math and business at a junior secondary school, but that's all the information I have so far.
Last night, the group headed out to a bar for Obruni Night. It was mostly foreigners, but some locals too. There was a live band, lots of beer, and of course, meat on a stick. We had a great time. We stayed out fairly late and then came back to the house where a few of us decided to practice our African drumming on the roof. We have an amazing rooftop, which has served as our common area because the rest of the house is still under construction. It's where we eat, and take all of our Twi lessons. It's great to be outside so much and because we're high up there's a nice breeze. Don't worry, mom; there's a tent to shade us from the sun! Anyhow, a few of us grabbed some drums last night and headed up there for a rhythm session...amazing!
This morning I was up fairly early, and went out on my own for a walk. It was my first time going out on my own. It was a beautiful morning, and the church next door to us was bustling with some great gospel. I popped down the street to pick up a doughnut (here it's literally bread dough in a ball; it's not like the doughnuts at home). It cost me 20 peswas (~ $0.15). Shortly thereafter the very amazing race began.
Tomorrow I am getting my hair braided. It has been quite a struggle to keep it under control here with all of the heat and humidity. I am also hoping to get a few skirts made with the fabric I bought earlier this week. I will begin posting pictures soon, but am waiting for the internet to be set up at the basecamp.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Day 6 and some new adventures in Twi
Yesterday we got toilet seats, lights, AND we went to the beach. Still waiting on internet, but I am overall very pleased. And I stand corrected. In some cases, 'tomorrow' does in fact mean 'the day after today'.
We headed to the beach yesterday after more Twi lessons. It was beautiful, warm, and sunny! We had a great time listening to music and drinking beer. We all went swimming in the very warm and wavy ocean, and then ordered some meat on a stick (Ghana's version of street meat). It is delicious! It's either a beef-kebab or a sausage-kebab with onions and peppers - mmmm!
My Twi vocabulary is growing quickly, and it came in very handy yesterday when a random man tried to charge me 50 peswas (~ $0.35) to use the washroom at the beach restaurant. He clearly thought he had spotted a stupid Obruni (foreigner). He was shocked when I retorted with "ne boo ye den. te so. te so." Translation: "It's too expensive. Lower the price. Lower the price." It wasn't entirely what I had wanted to communicate. Ideally, I would have gone with something like "Do you think I'm an idiot? I know that I don't have to pay to use this washroom, and besides, you don't even work here!" Unfortunately, we haven't gotten to that part of our Twi lessons yet, so I went with the next best thing...my bartering skills. Trust me. He was impressed anyways!
By the way, for those of you who asked (and there were many), Twi is not a 'clicking' language. Those that asked will know what I mean. :)
Today we are spending the afternoon in Osu, which is a more developed expat part of the city. Here lies the internet cafe and several western food options. I personally plan to visit the capuccino bar today - the closest I will come to my dear old starbucks over the next two months. This evening we're going to Obruni night (foreigner night) at a local bar, and tomorrow will be the final day of orientation. We will have an Amazing Race around the city. Like in the actual Amazing Race, we will be given clues and have to visit different pit stops around the city (on our own - yikes)! We will have to use everything we have learned in orientation, and those of you who know me well know that I plan to win! I will be sure to report back on this front.
We headed to the beach yesterday after more Twi lessons. It was beautiful, warm, and sunny! We had a great time listening to music and drinking beer. We all went swimming in the very warm and wavy ocean, and then ordered some meat on a stick (Ghana's version of street meat). It is delicious! It's either a beef-kebab or a sausage-kebab with onions and peppers - mmmm!
My Twi vocabulary is growing quickly, and it came in very handy yesterday when a random man tried to charge me 50 peswas (~ $0.35) to use the washroom at the beach restaurant. He clearly thought he had spotted a stupid Obruni (foreigner). He was shocked when I retorted with "ne boo ye den. te so. te so." Translation: "It's too expensive. Lower the price. Lower the price." It wasn't entirely what I had wanted to communicate. Ideally, I would have gone with something like "Do you think I'm an idiot? I know that I don't have to pay to use this washroom, and besides, you don't even work here!" Unfortunately, we haven't gotten to that part of our Twi lessons yet, so I went with the next best thing...my bartering skills. Trust me. He was impressed anyways!
By the way, for those of you who asked (and there were many), Twi is not a 'clicking' language. Those that asked will know what I mean. :)
Today we are spending the afternoon in Osu, which is a more developed expat part of the city. Here lies the internet cafe and several western food options. I personally plan to visit the capuccino bar today - the closest I will come to my dear old starbucks over the next two months. This evening we're going to Obruni night (foreigner night) at a local bar, and tomorrow will be the final day of orientation. We will have an Amazing Race around the city. Like in the actual Amazing Race, we will be given clues and have to visit different pit stops around the city (on our own - yikes)! We will have to use everything we have learned in orientation, and those of you who know me well know that I plan to win! I will be sure to report back on this front.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow
Today I got to the internet cafe alone! A real feat (see previous blog entry). This was my first time taking a tro-tro (mini-buses running throughout the city) without one of the volunteer program leaders coming along. Of course, I am here with other members of my group, but we are really just the blind leading the blind. The leaning curve is steep, but I'm climbing it fast!
Yesterday we spent the afternoon taking African dancing and drumming lessons. It was an absolute blast, not to mention a fantastic workout. Afterwards, we watched the dance troop that gave us our lessons rehearse their material for an upcoming competition. They were amazing (will post video soon). Today we were at the local market where I bought some beautiful fabrics to have made into dresses.
I have learned from experience that 'tomorrow' in Ghana doesn't mean tomorrow. It means some day in the future. Not today, and likely not the day after today (i.e. 'tomorrow' where I come from). This has helped to moderate my expectations going forward. I was told that I could expect functioning internet, lights, and toilet seats to be installed 'tomorrow', on the evening that I arrived. That was 5 nights ago. Still waiting...
I have been told we are going to the beach tomorrow. Needless to say, I'm not holding my breath!
Yesterday we spent the afternoon taking African dancing and drumming lessons. It was an absolute blast, not to mention a fantastic workout. Afterwards, we watched the dance troop that gave us our lessons rehearse their material for an upcoming competition. They were amazing (will post video soon). Today we were at the local market where I bought some beautiful fabrics to have made into dresses.
I have learned from experience that 'tomorrow' in Ghana doesn't mean tomorrow. It means some day in the future. Not today, and likely not the day after today (i.e. 'tomorrow' where I come from). This has helped to moderate my expectations going forward. I was told that I could expect functioning internet, lights, and toilet seats to be installed 'tomorrow', on the evening that I arrived. That was 5 nights ago. Still waiting...
I have been told we are going to the beach tomorrow. Needless to say, I'm not holding my breath!
Monday, October 5, 2009
My Name Is Ama
Day 3. This place is amazing. The people are so friendly and the children are adorable. As I walk through the streets I hear "Oboruni!" being yelled from all directions. It means 'foreigner', and I am reminded that I am one wherever I go. I suppose it's pretty obvious!
Key learnings to date -
- I know how to drink water out of a plastic bag/sachet that I rip open with my teeth;
- I know how to speak some basic Twi (the local Ghanaian language) - in it, my name is Ama. My name is based on the day of the week that I was born 26 years ago. It was a Saturday, which means my name is Ama.
- I know how to get to the internet cafe (this is key!). Although I am yet to attempt to get here on my own. Knowing how to do something and actually doing it are two very different things around here!
Key learnings to date -
- I know how to drink water out of a plastic bag/sachet that I rip open with my teeth;
- I know how to speak some basic Twi (the local Ghanaian language) - in it, my name is Ama. My name is based on the day of the week that I was born 26 years ago. It was a Saturday, which means my name is Ama.
- I know how to get to the internet cafe (this is key!). Although I am yet to attempt to get here on my own. Knowing how to do something and actually doing it are two very different things around here!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
In Ghana
I am here. It is all that I expected, but nothing like I had imagined.
I have a lot of adjusting to do, and a lot to learn. I haven't even been here for 24 hours, so the fact that I am here is still just beginning to sink in. It's a lot to take in at once.
I will write more as my experience unfolds. Right now I'm at a bit of a loss for words. But I am here, and I am safe, and I am looking forward to what the next 58 days have to hold.
I have a lot of adjusting to do, and a lot to learn. I haven't even been here for 24 hours, so the fact that I am here is still just beginning to sink in. It's a lot to take in at once.
I will write more as my experience unfolds. Right now I'm at a bit of a loss for words. But I am here, and I am safe, and I am looking forward to what the next 58 days have to hold.
Arriving in Amsterdam
Upon checking in at YYZ, I realized that I hadn’t pre-selected a seat. So of course, I had been seated in the middle of the middle. Sigh. I had to get the KLM lady to work her magic, and I was promptly switched to a window seat, the optimal seat for red-eye flight comfort...or so I thought.
As I approached my seat, I realized that I was seated next to a tall Dutch (redundant, I know) man. Upon sighting him, I immediately recalled my big sister’s strict safety instructions: “do not speak to anyone, especially men” (in fairness to her, she is 9 months pregnant, so her maternal instinct is in high gear!).
Well this was a problem. My neighbour was quite chatty, and I had no intention of missing the safety mark only 10 minutes into my trip. So, I took advantage of my window seat, smiled at the Dutch man, propped my pillow against the window, and went to sleep.
And then I woke up. Time to visit the restroom. This is when I discovered that there is no nice way to wake up the kind sleeping man after rudely ignoring him only hours before. After unsuccessfully trying to will him awake (you know, when you stare at someone while they’re sleeping in the hopes that your ‘vibes’ will wake them), I faked a loud sneeze, turned my light on, and off, and on again. No luck. Thankfully, we were only an hour away from landing; so I just waited.
Options going forward were: a) forfeit the window seat, or b) disregard my sister’s instructions.
I immediately changed my seat for the next flight to an aisle.
Lex - We may have to renegotiate some of the terms we agreed on. And Ilia, you were right about your theory. There were lots of Dutch people on the flight into Amsterdam!
As I approached my seat, I realized that I was seated next to a tall Dutch (redundant, I know) man. Upon sighting him, I immediately recalled my big sister’s strict safety instructions: “do not speak to anyone, especially men” (in fairness to her, she is 9 months pregnant, so her maternal instinct is in high gear!).
Well this was a problem. My neighbour was quite chatty, and I had no intention of missing the safety mark only 10 minutes into my trip. So, I took advantage of my window seat, smiled at the Dutch man, propped my pillow against the window, and went to sleep.
And then I woke up. Time to visit the restroom. This is when I discovered that there is no nice way to wake up the kind sleeping man after rudely ignoring him only hours before. After unsuccessfully trying to will him awake (you know, when you stare at someone while they’re sleeping in the hopes that your ‘vibes’ will wake them), I faked a loud sneeze, turned my light on, and off, and on again. No luck. Thankfully, we were only an hour away from landing; so I just waited.
Options going forward were: a) forfeit the window seat, or b) disregard my sister’s instructions.
I immediately changed my seat for the next flight to an aisle.
Lex - We may have to renegotiate some of the terms we agreed on. And Ilia, you were right about your theory. There were lots of Dutch people on the flight into Amsterdam!
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