The day started out smoothly, I woke up before the alarm, was early to check-in and learned I had access to the airport lounge! Yay me. I spent 2 hours sipping cappuccinos and reading Facebook, then sauntered down to my gate for boarding. It took forever to get the passengers on board then there was delay getting cargo/luggage loaded. After 45 minutes they finished and closed the doors and we started backing up when a few passengers started throwing a fit. It turns out they prioritized cargo and left several bags on the tarmac. We returned to the gate, police were called, conversations ensued, and we waited. Another 45mins later the captain came on the PA to announce that it was the St. Helena government who prioritized their medical cargo over baggage, not the airline, and now negotiations are happening with the government as to which is more important. Finally, 2h35m after our scheduled departure, some cargo came off, all luggage went on and we finally took off.

2 long hours to Walvis Bay, Namibia for a 15 minute refueling stop then a mind-numbing 4 hours to St. Helena. The issue this morning is that they can only fly a smaller plane to HLE, as the runway is only so long. They flattened a mountaintop to make the airport but the mountain itself was only so big. As it was it seemed we used every inch of it to land today and it wasn’t even windy.

Marlene and Colin, my B&B hosts were at the airport to greet me and gave me a narrated island tour on the way down into Jamestown. They also made dinner tonight for myself and Jason, their missionary guest who is leaving tomorrow. A simple tuna casserole with salad and sides but very thoughtful and unexpected. They are a lovely older couple (he must be 80-odd), and descended from many generations of Saints. They’ve been running a guest house here for 7-8 years now.