We're back! In almost perfect timing with the elections we took a trip to New Zealand where Toni Lyn chaired a symposium at the 25th annual Society for Conservation Biology conference. I say almost because we were encouraged to change our flight and leave earlier than expected, and then to do the same on the return (more on that later). To avoid election fraud and violence the DRC borders were to be closed the day before and the day of the election (Dec. 27 and 28) and possibly longer. Our flight was scheduled to leave on Dec. 30th. After a day (really, it took almost a whole day) of rapid logistical coordination and trips to the airline offices (and the ATM) to pay for the tickets in cash (of course), we managed to get a flight to Johannesburg on the 25th. On the 26th someone was shot at the Kinshasa airport. We are glad that flight was booked.
After a 4 day layover in Johannesburg to connect with the previously scheduled flight to New Zealand we were back on track. Ten time-zones later we were in Auckland having not slept for nearly 30 hours to avoid jet lag. We were a few days early for the start of the conference so we jumped in the rental car and decided to do some "site"-seeing (it's a film pun...get it?!...wait for it...) -- what else do you do when you are sleep deprived? One of our several stops was Hobbiton. Yes, Tolkien fans, Hobbiton is a real place in New Zealand. We didn't tour the set (NOW you get it!) due to time constraints but confirming the reality of Middle Earth and having second breakfast at the guest shop was good enough for us.
Near the end of our trip and the conference, we received word that we should delay the flight back to Kinshasa a few days due to political tension and civil unrest. After some more logistical gymnastics we were laid over in Johannesburg again with no flight home due to airline incompetence. Fortunately, Toni Lyn (the lioness) prevailed in a 36-hour telethon with South African Airways and secured two tickets home for a modest transaction fee (as opposed to the ~$3500 that was their original offer).
For better or for worse, we are home hoping the water will turn on soon so we can bath, do laundry and flush away the mysterious surprise found in one of our toilets. Oh and Toni Lyn was so tired she accidentally slept on the mosquito net and got chemical burns on her eyelids. Home Sweet Home?!?
After a 4 day layover in Johannesburg to connect with the previously scheduled flight to New Zealand we were back on track. Ten time-zones later we were in Auckland having not slept for nearly 30 hours to avoid jet lag. We were a few days early for the start of the conference so we jumped in the rental car and decided to do some "site"-seeing (it's a film pun...get it?!...wait for it...) -- what else do you do when you are sleep deprived? One of our several stops was Hobbiton. Yes, Tolkien fans, Hobbiton is a real place in New Zealand. We didn't tour the set (NOW you get it!) due to time constraints but confirming the reality of Middle Earth and having second breakfast at the guest shop was good enough for us.
For better or for worse, we are home hoping the water will turn on soon so we can bath, do laundry and flush away the mysterious surprise found in one of our toilets. Oh and Toni Lyn was so tired she accidentally slept on the mosquito net and got chemical burns on her eyelids. Home Sweet Home?!?
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