In Africa

Well folks I made it finally with much trouble. I left Salt lake city the night of the 8th. Overnighted in Houston. the morning of the 9th took off to Atl. to catch the Johannesburg flight from there. The agent in Houston said I needed 2 empty pages in my passport. I had the last 2 empty. When I got to Atlanta 30 min before departure they said I couldn't go because the 2 pages couldn't be the last 2. So I had to pack up back to Houston to try to get a new passport or more pages. Fortunatly I was able to get it the 10th but too late to get to Atl for my connection. Another day lost. Things went smoothly the 11th. I got first class all the way. 8h30m flight to Senegal, Dakar. Then another 8h30 flight to Joburg. I stayed in a dive the first night here because the flight got in too late to catch the flight to Kruger/Nelspruit. So far things here doesn't seem 3rd world at all. The only thing 3rd world is everyone wants to help you with either your bags or info but of course for a "tip". But all in all I haven't felt in danger or anything And people are very nice. I unfortunatly had no internet cafe available at the hotel last night so I had to spend the next 14 hours just hanging out watching mediocre tv (in English) I am now at the airport waiting for my next 1 hour flight. I only have a few minutes to finish up on this post. One unfortunate thing is that my phone is not working over here. I think maybe because I had to get a new sim card for my phone because it got wet on Passport day and had to get another one. I didn't re-register it. bummer. But I believe you can post replies to this blog but not personal ones...I think that the first week of my voyage will be sans internet because i will be in the jungle for most of the time. Although all the South Africans I've talked to all said that the lodge i am going to is one of the nicest ones in the world. So it is looking up.
I'm a little nervous about the driving because it is on the left side of the road. Thank goodness for insurance. I love you all. wish me luck now the real adventure is about to start.
TTFN