The Trip That Almost Wasn't

We have discovered a nifty way to reduce waiting times in airport line ups: show up at the security gates 25 minutes before an international flight. It works like a charm ...especially if you have nerves of steel and have no problem enduring hateful (and fully justified) looks from other people patiently waiting their turn in line.

First, you have to drop off your bags way in advance so you earn your right to a boarding pass. Then you lollygag about in an unfamiliar city. Look at your watch and think to yourself "Gosh, I'm very late here. I may miss my flight." If you really want to make it more fun I suggest you do this for a trip for some exotic place like... ummm... let's go with Uganda.

I can tell you from personal experience that the flood of emotions that gush through your head can really get the old heart pumping! This prepares you for the 500 yard dash from the drop off point that is quite convenient for the shuttle bus and not so much for you. All the sweat and panting will only help your cause in your desperate attempt to convince the security guard to let you in at the front of the hour long wait line. Remember to have a flakey half truth ready such as "We got lost." (Actually, we got on the main highway that took us half way to Portland before we could get off) In those moments as the security guard considers your request, remember to savour the gut wrenching stress.

When it all works out and you get to cheerfully cut in front of about a thousand other travellers, I strongly advise that you don't turn back and look at the faces of the people who are now behind you. Just enjoy the feeling that you've just saved yourself the irritation of waiting your turn in the security line and you've won the little game.

I don't know WHAT we were thinking... It was wild. We got up early and checked in 5 hours early then decided to leave the airport and have breakfast and search around for the best park n ride spot. We had PLENTY of time. Leaving the airport, I didn't understand the sign and missed the exit. About 7 or 8 kilometers later, we found an exit and fought our way back to the airport on secondary roads. I got focussed on haggling with these guys and looking for better and better prices. I will proudly say that I saved us about $400 just by doing so. Once we found the place and went through the registration they told us the shuttle would be there "right away". Everything was great... and then we looked at our watch and the fun times began.

We got on the plane and I couldn't believe we made it. From there everything was great. All the flights were on time and very comfortable. We arrived in Entebbe and were met by our friend Barbara and she took us to Kampala where we stayed the night in what would be regarded as a nice hotel here which is about 2 notches below a one star in Canada. All night long we heard screaming and yelling like there was some kind of uprising but it was all just the standard thing for this city. I had never heard anything like it. The noise, however, didn't keep the tired travellers from getting a good night's sleep.