We're here... minus a couple of snags

We arrived safely in Johannesburg yesterday after our 21 hour flights, which went by a lot faster than expected. Both Iain and I were able to get some sleep on the plane and the food was actually pretty good. It was my first time flying South African airways and I was pleased with both the service and the personalized TV touch screens on the back of each seat. The array of new to classic movies, TV shows, and video games made the flight go by a lot faster.

Unfortunately our first snag came in London Heathrow airport when Iain realized he left his wallet on the plane. We spent the first two hours trying to get the wallet back but by the time someone could actually help us the plane had taken off for Toronto. Not only did we both panic at first but we realized Iain's citizenship card, visa, bank card, drivers licence, social insurance card, care card and a wad of US cash we had taken out earlier that day were now all gone. On top of all that the only ID now that Iain now has is his passport. We're going to have to keep a close eye on my wallet because that's the only way we have access to money at this point.

That aside, we were both still excited to land in Africa and were looking forward to sunshine and 28 degree weather. Unfortunately it's been pouring rain since we got here and I'm sitting here with my hoody and blankets on because it's cold. To match Iain's misfortune I've had a stomach bug and have spent the entire first evening and night in bed sick. Luckily it's starting to pass.

On a good note we had some really great things happen our first day here. The biggest highlight is that Iain saw his two best friends from childhood for the first time in twelve years. It was so great to see the excitement on all three of their faces and watch them pick up where they left off twelve years ago. Two more highlights were that we got see the old boarding school where Iain attended with his friends and brother. All of us got goose bumps while walking around the grounds from the sense of history and memories that came out of that place.

We also got to do a driving tour around the city to see what it was like to live in Johannesburg. It's not what I expected because it's far more lush and tropical looking than I thought and it's also far more multicultural than I imagined.

Now we get to spend the next couple of days resting in the flat that Marco's parents have kindly allowing us to stay in for as long as we like at no extra cost. It comes with a kitchen, bathroom, living room space, tv, phone and internet access. We couldn't have done any better at a hotel if we tried.

This week we plan on going wake boarding (if I'm feeling better) having a traditional South African BBQ (which is called a Braai) and celebrating Iain's birthday out with his friends. I'll post some pictures soon (we haven't taken any yet) but they're coming soon.