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ClimateNE & Climate Change Schools Project support the move to a low-carbon, resilient economy and help businesses avoid risk and realise commercial opportunities. Posts by Jen Atkinson, Krista McKinzey and Harriet Thew » I'm currently sitting under a tree in the middle of Swaziland (shading from the intense African sun) writing today's blog.
I am counting my blessings, as I feel truly privileged to be back in this amazing country, privileged to spend time with inspiring people that despite numerous setbacks and hardships put their all into their work and live life to its fullest.
Now first let me tell you about my journey here.
I said farewell to Gerard and Yvonne, who went out of their way to ensure I was safe, well fed, had adequate (however not too much!) sleep and company.
I was dropped off at the airport (at the domestic departures section - so had to make a run for the international section, which might as well have been at the other end of Johannesburg!) and made it just in time to board the tiny plane that was to take me to the Kingdom of Swaziland! I couldn't wait!
I boarded the flight and even I - at only 5'6 - had to duck to get in, so you can only imagine the trouble the rather large Nigerian guy behind me had in boarding!
We took off and soon after we were offered refreshments, which consisted of a glass of breakfast punch (non alcoholic) and a whole packet of custard creams!
I thought was rather odd, but I looked around to find everyone tucking in so decided to do the same.
In small propeller planes like these you feel every bump (it was like we were driving along a badly pot holed road - of which there are many in Africa - without any suspension in the car!)
I was extremely glad when we landed safely in the one and only airport (out of 18 in the country) that has a paved runway....That was until I remembered that I had hired a car and would soon be actually driving on those lovely pot holed roads!
Now I have to admit that I'm not the most confident of drivers. It took me four - yes four - attempts at passing my driving test before I finally succeeded. However, I do stick to the belief that it makes you a better driver - honest!
So I landed at the car hire centre in Matsapha airport and picked up the keys. I listened intently to the lady who was giving me directions to my next B&B, although this didn't get off to the best of starts as she was getting her left and right muddled up! Arhhh!
I kindly asked for her mobile phone number just in case I got lost along the way! She laughed as she wrote it down and said that she wasn't sure how much help she would be (which that was kind of obvious already) but would be happy to chat with me!
I packed up the car, had the map on the seat next to me and was ready to roll.
After 15 minutes in the car park I still couldn't get the car to start, and being a slightly stubborn Aries I refused to go back into ask. I could figure this out - right? After another five minutes or so had passed I eventually figured it out and was off!
After the dubious start I was really enjoying driving. The public transport system in Swaziland is a little dodgy to say the least. They have been having regular strikes recently over salaries so driving seemed like a more reliable way to get around.
I made my way from the airport to the B&B without having to call the car rental lady once and I have to say was rather proud of myself.
And here I am sitting under a tree getting ready for a busy week of meetings, producer visits and dancing ahead.
But no rest for the wicked! I'm off to get ready for tomorrow's meeting and to find some internet access to post this live so will write again soon.
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