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I have around 2 hours until my next flight to Nelspruit where someone from the Rissington will meet me. First though I have to collect my baggage, go through arrivals, get through immigration, check back in and then go through departures. There are people everywhere, but have found the lovely lady who I met in DOHA who helped me get through the airport.
First though I had to get through immigrant, which I was a bit scared of, but everything was fine. Everyone was really helpful throughout the airport, directing me in the right direction, and once I got to immigration I join an orderly queue. You have to stand in front of a camera, and then you can see the lady who gives your passport a stamp, which states the day you must leave the country. (You are given 3 months, but you can easily get this extended). There was nothing to worry about, she didn't smile, look at me or say a word, and she simply stamped my passport, and let me through.
Once at the baggage carousel I met back up with the lady who I had met in DOHA where we went to collect our luggage. I had not gotten a trolley, so she allowed me to put my stuff on hers. She helped explain how to get to departures and what I would have to do. She helped me all the way to where she was able and we said out good byes.
Once I had gone through the doors I was met by a row of men smiling at me. By this time I was actually confused of where I had to go, and I'm sure anyone could see I was lost. A man suddenly appeared and told me he would help me to my gate, I showed him where I wanted to go, and suddenly he was running off with my luggage. Slightly panicked I quickly follow him, telling him I'm grateful for his help, where he then returns to say 'You welcome, just give me R600, which is around £60. There was no way in hell I was going to give him £60 for carrying my luggage (that I didn't want him to do) up the stairs. I explained that I had no cash on me, and that I was fine from here, but he then informed me that 'No no I will take you to the cash point'. Not knowing what to do I explain that I don't have a card, and that the people I'm going to stay with has all my money. We get to where I need to be, where he then holds onto my luggage and explains I must pay for it. I get my purse out holding it rather close, and trying to make sure that he can't see the money I do have, and end up giving him around 5 English pound. The man really isn't happy about this, I tell him thats all hes getting and with his one eye rolling, he slumps away upset he didnt get more.
I finally check in, and head to the departure lounge. I have an hour and a half till my flight, and have a snooze remembering to tie my hand bag and luggage to my legs. However when I suddenly wake up because my flight is being called, I stand and trip forgetting I am tied up. Everyone looks at me like a complete idiot, and I probably look like one too.
I finally board my last flight on a small aircraft, and surprise, surprise I'm not sat on the wing, but under it. It freaks me out a little as when we are taking off, I can see all the mechanics working, and I have full sight of the engine which is fricking huge. The flight is really short and they serve a disgusting cheese filled croissant, which I hid in my bag and a fruit juice.
Nelspruit airport is the cutest airport I have seen in my life. I wanted to get a photo but didn't want to look weird to everyone else. I get my luggage and go through to arrivals, I do expect to see someone standing there waiting with a Rissington Sign, however this does not happen. A few people come up to me showing me there boards, on who they are looking for, but none are for me.
After around 15 minutes and a trip to the loo (trying to look like a loser) a man and a young girl start walking up towards arrivals swinging a 'Rissington Inn' sign. I am rather happy that 1 I have not been forgotten and 2 that there is a young girl walking with his man, and I believe she is another gapper.
Her name is Alice and she welcomes me with a hug, which is rather nice and welcoming making me feel rather better that I know there is a girl that works at the Rissington.
Alice explains that I will me sharing a house with her for a while which is nice, as it allows me to settle in, and I feel more than happy to bombard her with questions rather than someone else.
The drive to Rissington is rather bad due to the roads. I don't think I will ever complain about pot holes again. Seriously if any of you come out here and drove, you would never complain about the road conditions in the UK. The pot holes here are the size of the road and so deep I don't know how people drive. People driving here is also mad! The limit on the majority of roads is around 120mph, which is crazy to drive from my eyes.
We finally get to the Rissington and to be honest I am rather proud of myself that I have made it.
I have got this opportunity by myself. I have paid for this by myself. (OK mum paid for my bus tickets and hotel - ThanksJ). I have managed to get through 3 different airports and get on three different flights without difficulty. I have finally managed to arrive in my final destination without being kidnapped.
I have done it!oH
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