2015 Trip – 10 July

Peter.

Whilst the flight to Amsterdam was fine, we had a cumulation of delays before we finally departed from Amsterdam to Nairobi – first of all they had to fix the cabin lights, and then the airbridge would not move, so we ended up departing 90 minutes late. Not really a problem, but everyone is quite tired after such an early rise this morning,, so getting to sleep later than expected in Nairobi does not help.

Sat next to Beccy Crandon, so ear plugs would have been a real bonus. However, she didn’t like the dessert and cheese & biscuits, and very kindly ofered them to me – so things have balanced out.

Although this is my sixth school trip to East Africa, and it is only nine days since I was in Tanzania with my wife, the excitement is still there. Each group is unique, and I am really looking forward to sharing time in Kenya and Tanzania with 22 young people from Teesside. There wil be ups and downs, I know, but we will share them together, and by the end of the three weeks we will know each other inside out, and will have shared some amazing times together.

Loking forward to keeping you all in touchwith how things develop!

 

Abigail

Although I felt a bit nervous when I first walked through the departures gate, I was put at ease knowing I was to be sitting next to david for both the flights! KLM was a pleasant surprise for a girl who is used to Jet2.com and I got a couple of hours kip on the flight to Nairobi. Although it has been a tiring day we are all very excited to land and get settled for the night in preparation for an early start!

 

Jake

With starting up the morning running into the airport trying to burn off my excess energy I find myself needing to go for a wander around to ease off my restless legs and mind. After a long couple of days and weeks of planning it feels surreal to be sat on the plane and even more surreal to be sat with people who have never played uno or Jacks 2’s and 8’s. I feel sorry for them but I feel enlightened to show them how to have fun with a pack of playing cards trying to put off the long haul journey that everybody is excited for touch down.

 

Kieran Potter

With an early start to the day feeling tired I thought that today was goi

ing to be very long, but I was wrong. Its been a really good day with flights that I cant complain at. The meal on the way to Nairobi was perfect and more than satisfying. And everyone is getting on like one big family, I couldn’t ask for a better start. I couldn’t be more excited to be landing in africa in just a few hours time. Once in a lifetime experience. Cant wait for tomorrow.

 

 

Josef Ramsay

Due to the early start the excitement hadnt fully kicked in untill I had reached the airport, as soon as I seen everyone though the excitement hit me and I could not wait. The first flight to Amsterdam wasn’t too bad as it was only around 50 minutes in total and I had good company within Jake and Jenny and they provided me with amusement throughout the flight. We were in the airport for a couple of hours before boarding for the flight to Nairobi, so we killed the time by getting ourselves some food and drink as well as having a little chat. On the second flight we were waiting around for a bit which was annoying because we wanted to get there as soon as possible, however as soon as we set off we turned the screens on in the back of the seat and it was all well and good. The meal was very pleasing and they offered a number of drinks which was good. The flight was for a long period of time but it was worth the wait knowing what we are in for.when we land in a couple hours time we will be meeting the driver and driving to the camp site where we will get an early night ready for a early start tomorrow.

 

 

 

 

Felicity Holden

We arived in Amsterdam all safe and sound and very excited. A delay when on the aeroplane of 50 minutes put a bit of a downer on things but  overall the flight hasn’t been to bad so far with only 4 hours to go… whoop!!  Whilst on the KLM flight we got a hot towel, blanket, pillow and very nice food, it’s the little things in life. I hope you all arent missing me too much already! I am having a great time, having met new people and playing card games on the plane journey. I’m looking forward to landing, going to sleep and seeing what kenya has instore for us for the next few days! Love you lots, kisses xxxx.

 

 

 

Jennifer Readshaw
The journey to amsterdam was easy and there was no problems but the plane from Amsterdam to Nairobi was delayed so there was quite a long wait until we were able to board. We managed to set off safely and we’ve got plenty of food and drinks so I don’t need to worry about getting hungry! I’m looking forward to arriving in Nairobi and at the campsite so I can finally get some sleep. I hope Grandad wasn’t too tired and tell nana not to rush everywhere and fall over. Only four more hours to go on the flight then we’re finally there!

 

Matthew Naylor

What a start to a trip!!!!! Called for a routine bag search and then stopped at security for a pack of playing cards! However its all part of a good experience, flight was quick and easy from Amsterdam, then got to a manic Amsterdam airport which was cool because id never seen so many people on the move was unbelievable. Sadly day was a little bit ruined with a lengthy delay for our flight. 4 hours in and still going strong just cant wait to have the experience of a life time 😀 

 

Lizzie Nicholson

Hiya! Today has been pretty long but we are all so excited! We are sat on the plane now 4 hours into our second journey and I can not wait! I am slightly nervous yet once we wake up tomorrow I am sure it will be amazing:) On the plane we have been practicing the card games we will play with the children. That is the part of the trip I am most excited for!

Not long to go now! Lizzie 🙂

 

Helen Roberts

We are in the second plane safely and have had a sufficence of nourishment, just watching Lizzie learn how to play jacks twos and eights with still over 5 hours to go. The nerves have calmed down now and I can fully start to embrace the excitement. The first flight was quick and full of jumpy moments but once we had stopped in Amsterdam the  jittering soon stopped. The stay in Amsterdam was long and made me realise just how tiring waking up at two in the morning to get on a plane can be and now I think I am going to spend the rest of the flight catching up on a few winks of sleep

   Helen

 

Rhys Williams

It was a very early rise and I was very tired throughout the first flight however I have had time to rest on the second flight. Amsterdam airport was quite the sight (the departure gate we were on was close to the size of Durham Teesvalley) and we spent about an hour and a half waiting and eating. Departure was a little bit dissapointing as we got on the plane only to find out the the gate had broken and we had to wait and extra fifty minuets till we could depart. The only thing left to do is get excited for arriving in Africa.

    Rhys

 

Jordy Mace

After a restless night and really early morning flight I felt really nervous at first about going on my first ever flight. I found that the flight wasn’t bad at all apart from when my ears were aching from the altitude change. When we arrived in Amsterdam I was so excited because I had finally left England for the first time. However, the mcdonalds in Amsterdam was a total let down and that’s the only negative thing that’s happened today.The full day has been very long and now I just can’t wait until we actually land in Kenya so I can have a good nights rest ready for tomorrows expriences.

 

Sophie Sidgwick

After only two hours sleep, I’ve slept for quite a while on the journey to Nairobi meaning I’m a lot less grouchy now which I’m sure people are appreciative of. The first flight passed really quickly as did our time in Amsterdam airport, although our second flight was delayed. I had to throw away most of my packed lunch because my fruit salad had leaked all over everything, oh well. I’m really excited to get to Nairobi and be back on truck and to see Grace and Jason again. Hopefully I’ll get some more sleep on this flight and have a good sleep tonight so that I can function normally tomorrow. I can’t wait for tomorrow, to properly start our African adventures. Buzzing that I’m in David’s team (he totally told me to write that btw).

   Sophie

 

Lorna Davison

So far so good! We are currently on the flight to Nairobi and it’s surprisingly comfortable, mainly because there is plenty if leg room and the food was really nice too! I am sat next to Becca and Sophie (they went last year so I have been asking many questions) and am one seat away from Mr Swan! Sorry, I mean Peter. I am looking forward to arriving and being able to get some sleep because even though I’m excited travelling is so tiring! I’ve slept on the flight a little which has probably made me a much nicer person to be around. The flight to Amsterdam was short and sweet thankfully! I’m sorry to admit this but I don’t miss you yet mum or dad because I have been too busy trying not to lose my passport, money and boarding pass etc, but so far I haven’t lost anything so I’ll try to keep that up. Me and Jess did have a bit of a ‘mare in Amsterdam airport though because we just popped to the loo and got a little bit lost (we did only have to walk in a straight line so I don’t know how we managed that!) but it was ok because we found the group again after a little bit of panic.

 

Jessica Taylor

All being well we arrived at Amsterdam airport safe and sound.  We are currently on our travels to Nairobi. Fortunately, the flight is really comfortable and there is lots of leg room. Which is always a bonus!  I’m really excited to be landing in Nairobi and looking forward to see what exciting and new experiences the trip brings!

 

Lewis Jefferson

It’s been a long day and not over yet! Haven’t wanted to sleep in the middle of nowhere so much in my life but I’m excited for everything to come and I still don’t know what to expect. Missing you all at home, I love you lots.

 

Daniel Appleton

I’m not surprised to find that tiredness and the rush of airports don’t go well together. The flight to Amsterdam was short and it felt like I was barely on it. This flight however, to Nairobi, is dragging a lot. I’ve never been a fan of traveling and this 8 hour flight is no exception. I am nervous and excited to arrive in Africa where I can start my holiday and take a break from all the flying. I have high hopes for the rest of the trip.

 

Elizabeth Huck

Travelling and lack of sleep don’t mix well. The first flight went so quickly, and I enjoyed being sat next to somebody new. The flight to Nairobi is dragging; I’m too tired to watch a film but not tired enough to sleep. I’m so excited to see what the rest of the trip brings.

 

Aaron Jardine

We arrived at Amsterdam as planned and was nice flight getting to know some new people. The flight out to Nairobi was delayed an hour and we are currently in the air almost half way there, I have not slept at all yet even though I have tried I just can’t seem to get comfortable. Looking forward to what the trip has to bring and experience Africa once again.

 

 

Josh Cooper

We touched down in Amsterdam in no time. It was a really quick flight that was also very comfortable. Whilst in Amsterdam airport, I was able to speak to new people along the way. The flight to Nairobi is a very long one and was delayed an hour, so we’re still in the skies. I’m really looking forward to the arrival and to get started with the journey. I also can’t wait to get a good night’s rest too!

 

Jacob Jardine

After landing in Amsterdam tiredness started to kick in. So as the flight to Nairobi still has somewhat of 4 hours left I think I am going to try and catch up on the lack of sleep this morning. Also KLM where kind enough to provide a soft blanket and pillow ready for my nap. Hopefully when I wake up we will be somewhere near Nairobi and then I can start to look forward to what the trip has to offer.

 

Joe Garrens

The flight from Durham Tees was quicker than I thought and we were in Amsterdam before I knew it, although I was still able to get some sleep on the flight. We had a little wait in Amsterdam airport where we were able to get some food and drink. However, the flight was delayed an hour which meant that we were sat around for longer than anticipated and the flight to Nairobi never seems to end we still have around 4 hours left. It wouldn’t be too bad if I was able to sleep for most of it. I just can’t wait to get to Nairobi and get into my tent for the night and see what the next day brings! Hope you are all okay at home try not to have too much fun without me.  Love you all.

 

Lisa

Jambo!

It is here! Yippeee!!! For anyone who has been in my company for the past two years will be so pleased that I can no longer say “Have I told you I am going to Africa in July 2015?” However, sorry folks, but I have already booked next year. Anyway, one trip at a time, eh!

 

It is always very interesting when any new group form for the first time, but already I have a very good feeling about the 2015 cohort. I have already witnessed some pretty impressive qualities and we haven’t even landed. I also wanted to write an entry the first moment I could to let all the parents, guardians, friends and family know that I promise I will do my absolute best to ensure your child has an amazing experience (and of course keeping them safe along the way.)

 

I know how lucky I am to be able to be part of the Africa Trip 2015 and so I wanted those who have made it possible for me to be here to know that I appreciate it. (You know who you are.)

 

Off for a cheeky little nana nap. (3 hours till landing)

Love lisa

Ps Have I told you I am going to Africa in August 2016?