Arrival into Johannesburg
This is my first time on the African continent! And yes, I did sing Toto when I landed. (To myself, of course.)
I arrived in Johannesburg around 8pm today, September 27th, 2024, after traveling from Milwaukee via Atlanta. It didn’t help that both flights were delayed. My first flight from Milwaukee came in late from Atlanta, but fortunately, unlike another flight I took earlier this year to Detroit that was pushed back three times due to mechanical issues, there was nothing wrong with the plane itself.. Once on the ground in Atlanta, I sprinted across the airport, with the help of the shuttle, to my next gate. That, too, turned out to be delayed. So, maybe this whole series of events did work itself out for the best.
Because Delta flight 200 from Atlanta to Johannesburg is the longest non-stop route offered by the airline (according to the on-board napkin), I decided to upgrade to Delta One. What better way to begin a journey of a lifetime than to splurge on some nice first-class seating over at least 8,433 miles and nearly 16 hours? While awaiting take-off, I enjoyed some pre-flight beverages and began further in-depth research of the fauna of Madagascar by watching the eponymous animated movie. So informative! (Just kidding.)
After take off at approximately 10pm, dinner was served about 45 minutes later. I got the crab cake with shrimp. It was actually quite good!
Stuffed, I proceeded to go to sleep in surprisingly comfortable 180-degree lie-down beds for almost 10 hours! I woke up with three hours to go until touchdown in Johannesburg, feeling better refreshed and less tired. We’ll see how I respond to jetlag tomorrow morning.
I arrived in Johannesburg just before 8pm local time. Disembarkation was straightforward, and customs was short. I think our flight was the only one that evening. After picking up my checked bag (which was drenched from Hurricane Helene in Atlanta), I found my driver for the Sunrock Guesthouse, where I will be staying for these three nights in South Africa.
I also made quick friends with the locals.
Tomorrow will be an early start, as I will be heading to Zaagkuilsdrift, a local birding hotspot. I really tried to craft a checklist for birds, but since nearly every species is new to me, I’m going to try my best and enjoy the day. Hopefully, I’ll be able to stay awake.
