Washington, Dulles

July 6th, Washington, Dulles

Our short two hour flight from Minneapolis to Washington, Dulles was uneventful. We had all of the kids grab a snack before we boarded the plane since it was close to dinner time. The only snag in the process is that my bag made it to Washington before I did, so it was the last one to be found.

Moving 25 people is not easy…especially 25 people with luggage! It took several shifts to get us to the hotel. We all arrived by 11:00. We checked into our rooms and freshened up a bit, then returned to the lobby for pizza. As we ate, we had a little briefing about helping each other as we go through this month. Africa is nothing else if unpredictable. Distances are just that, not to be judged in terms of time. Activities are the same: to be enjoyed and not fretted about.

We also had a safari etiquette lesson. If animals are to been seen, you must not be heard; if you smell good to other humans, the animals will be able to smell you, too and finally, you don’t want to be brighter than the landscape.

The Aloft Hotel is about style. Clean lines with minimalist sensibilities. All of the kids said they slept wee. I did. I also savored my last really good shower for the next month. I also relished brushing my teeth with running tap water. Ah, a comforts one leaves behind only to appreciate them more upon return…and I am sure that will apply to parents as well!