Thursday, April 12, 2007

WE HAVE ARRIVED

WOW - What a crazy few days - Long Airplane rides, swollen feet, walking in Paris, drinking Pepsi MAX, Seeing the Mona Lisa, Riding the Subway, Cancelled flight to Johannesburg, then delayed flight by 2 hours, Renting a car, Finding our way around Johannesburg, business meeting, and if the exhaustion wasn't enough, we managed to see the night life. We now can say we have witnessed the crazy driving here. Not only are you driving on the wrong side of the road, people go 80 and then stop (or try to stop at the last minute). We witnessed a car being rear ended and then pushed into the car in front of him. And we were the next car in line!!! It was amazing we were not involved.

PARIS - What can I say, but what a beautiful city. The buildings are awesome. Here is some of the highlights of our 5 hour stay.



ARC DE TRIUMPHE


THE STREETS


THE EIFFEL TOWER
EATING AT A CAFE'





THE LOUVRE: We were able to see the MONA LISA, but we could not take pictures of the painting. This Museum was amazing. I only wished we had more time to see the whole thing.



AND WE SAW THESE - PAY TO USE THE TOILETTE!!!

When we rushed back to the airport to catch our flight to Johannesburg-they stated that our flight was canceled, then later stated it would only be delayed by an hour, I think it was more like 2 hours. We arrived here at about 9:30 am Thursday. We then were able to go to a business meeting, and find our way to this cute B&B:

And if we were not tired enough, we traveled to some grocery store, malls etc. I was very surprised on how much it is like just any other big city. Curious to see more outside the city.
ANYWAY - Tomorrow we are planning on going to visit some houses to live in, maybe schools, churches (that is if the realtor can meet us). Scott and Darin have a meeting, so I get to go shopping (ROUGH HUH?). Then we will be traveling to Temba to meet some more contacts (Scott is hoping to build some homes south of there). We will also have the opportunity to visit the orphanage there on Saturday.
MORE TO COME when I have a chance to use the Internet.
MADDIE AND ALEX WE MISS YOU TONS - LOVE YOU ALL

5 comments:

Katie said...

Sounds like you guys had a packed couple of days. How great you got to see all those things in such a short time. It is so strange that we already get to see some of the details of your trip. Hope you're having a great time!

Heather said...

So glad you arrived safely. Paris looks good on you! Enjoying the pictures and looking forward to the next installment. I'll hug Maddie for you tomorrow. Have so much fun!

Marva's "Marvalous" Memories said...

Wow - it sounds like you're making the most of it so far! Beautiful pictures!! Thanks for keeping us posted! It's great to follow you on this adventure! I know your kids are in good hands!!! Hope you get a lot accomplished tomorrow! Love ya!

Amy said...

hey guys...glad you arrived safely. it looks and sounds like your having an amazing time, can't wait to hear more about it. love you...xoxo

denise said...

You seem to have seen alot in you whirlwind visit to Paris! The pictures brought back lots of memories for me. Maddie loved the pic of Daddy by the potty! She couldn't believe you actually had to pay to pee!
Glad you arrived safely in SA and it sounds like you've been busy.
The kids are doing great! Sleeping well and being really good.
Anxious to see more pics and hear more news.
Love you, be safe and have FUN!
Mom