We’re back in the US! Overall, travel went incredibly smoothly. I faced one minor complication when I couldn’t get through customs in Dubai because I’m Canadian.
I had to acquire a visa and get my eyes scanned. This process didn’t take too long, but I suspect I contributed to the funding of the Rolex clocks found throughout the airport.
Luckily I travelled with more than enough cash so I could cover this unanticipated expense. The shower in the Dubai hotel was wonderful after the unpredictable showers in Ethiopia. Not only was it hot, it also had water pressure. It also felt good to brush my teeth using tap water again.
The 14 hour flight was surprisingly fast and rather uneventful. I read Cutting for Stone, watched We bought a Zoo and The Vow, listened to some old music, slept and enjoyed the curry dish that was served for dinner.
I’ve lost complete track of time. We’re on the van ride back to Corvallis now and its 3:30 pm here, but I think that’s 1:30 am Ethiopia time.
Our group is now all broken up since less than half of us will be spending the summer in Corvallis. I’m confident that we’ll reunite before school starts up again in September.
I was talking to Margo, who went to Guatemala with BWOB last year, about how I’m not sure I’ll be able to communicate to everyone back home about what happened on the trip because it was so incredible. She said that’s probably exactly what will happen. But she also said our unique shared experience is one of the reason those who go on BWOB trips remain close. I hope this is true.
We’re definitely on the home stretch now with only a few more hours of van riding to go. Obviously I’m excited to see everyone again and sleep in my own bed too.
GO BEAVS!
Limited Internet access prevented Stephanie from posting these blogs while she was in Ethiopia. The trip was completed in late June 2012.
