SA 2015 - AMS to Cape Town

I got to the airport in plenty of time for my flight at 10.00 which departed on time.  I was a bit grumpy at first because they moved my seat to the back of the aircraft . Bit they changed the seats for several people because they put on a bigger plane, so I got a whole row to myself.  Who cares if I'm a bit later getting off the aircraft.

The flight over North Africa has been incredible. The bleakness, and lack of signs of natural life seems harsh, though no doubt if you were to stop anywhere in the desert, a local would suddenly appear and try to sell you something. Gradually, as we reached northern Nigeria and the Sahel, you could see field structure appear. 

The Chott el-Gharsa in Tunisia

Nothingness of the Libyan desert

Nothingness gives way to low
intensity farming in Nigerian Sahel

I had a chat with Jared Wilson (Marine Scotland) during the flight who is going to the same conference. We arrived some 10 1/2 hours later in Cape Town - all a bit gruelling, but it could have been worse. I saw LEIF NILSSON and his wife and Steve Votier at passport control.  My pre-booked shuttle into town wasn't waiting for me. I gave them 15 minutes, but considering I hadn't pre-paid, I didn't feel too concerned about using one of the local shuttle companies.  That was an advert on behalf of Way 2 Go (not!).

I shared with a local medic and a woman from New York. The latter was being dropped off in Long Street right in the heart of all the bars.  Probably safe enough, but not likely to get too much sleep.

My apartment, which I will be sharing with Kerstin Kober when she arrives, is in Lower Long street and is nice and spacious with what should be good views over the harbour.

Sleep! Unpacking can wait until tomorrow.