Day 2 of traveling found us back at the Dubai Airport to catch our flight to Addis Ababa. The German National volleyball team was on our shuttle from the hotel to the airport.
I was reminded how sports are truly international when it was easy to start a friendly conversation with the volleyball player sitting closest to me. Her English was excellent and made we wish I was able to speak more than one language.
She asked what team we were on. I said we all play different sports at the same university. We then asked the volleyball team to cheer ‘Go Beavers’ and recorded it on our FlipCam!
Julie Sattler (soccer) and Josh Andrews (football) passing time in the Dubai airport.
Many of us were in search of a wireless connection while at the airport. It was a bit of a struggle to successfully connect and we spent some time walking around the airport to find the best hotspot.
I was particularly anxious to get online to let family and friends know we had arrived safely in Dubai, check my email about a potential internship and post a blog update.
A couple of the student-athletes brought their phones with them, but I decided to leave mine at home. I’ve realized how reliant I am on my iPhone and the internet after only one day away from both.
I was happy to get a one hour internet fix using the free WiFi while we waited to board. Others who left all their electronics at home also used the iPad to check in with family and friends and look at their spring term grades.
We filled out the entry forms for Ethiopia including our personal information, visa number and type and final destination. I’m a bit anxious for customs once we arrive in Addis Ababa because we were given a letter to present explaining our situation if are questioned about our purpose.
When we boarded the plane the flight attendant asked, “Is it orange day?” I said, “Yes! Well actually, orange and black are the colors of our school.” But I do feel that pretty much everyday is orange day for student athletes because we get so much nice team apparel.
Here's volleyball player Martie Massey with her completed bracelet.
Gill (crew) had the great idea to bring bracelet making materials for the trip. Now we all have fun bracelets in different styles and colors that we made during the flight. The bracelets made me think of how it’s only been two days and already I feel so much closer with all the student-athletes on the trip. I can’t imagine what it will be like once we’re on the way back home ten days from now.
GO BEAVS!
So glad you are on this trip. I love Africa. I’ve been to Sierra Leone on the West coast and Tanzania and Kenya on the East. I know you will love the people and of course they will love you.
My wife and I adopted our daughter from Ethiopia last year and still have fond memories of our two trips there last year. I hope you have a wonderful trip! Please note that the country has new laws against using Skype in case anyone intends to use that tool to communicate with friends and family back home. Go Beavs!