Day 5 -- Dubai to Jo'Berg

Day 5 - 2.13.08 - Dubai to Johannesburg -- Africa at last!!

Oh, as I came in I could see the Palms from the sky (the crazy islands they are building out in the desert.) The Dubai airport is surreal. I guess especially since I am there in the middle of the night. First of all, it is huge and pretty amazing. A towering glass cylinder laying on its side, full of unreal sights. I don't know if I should call it garish or splendid. They like the color gold and blue is all I can say. Lots of fake gold palm trees as well. It has a bit of a Vegas feel to it. But cleaner. Very, very clean. Went to McDonalds and its of course very interesting to see lots of people in traditional arab dress, all white robes and headclothes. I order a McArabia meal, kind of like a gyro. Ok. Then, I am not tired so I roam the airport which is mainly a giant duty free shop. The interesting thing is, there are people sleeping everywhere! They are practically covering the airport. I am not sure why Emirates does this, but lots of planes came in and have a nice 7 hour layover like mine I guess. Finally, our Johannesburg (Jo'Berg from now on -- thats what they call it!) flight boards. It is packed, with people from every race and color. Slept a little, then woke up to see a little of Mozambique from the air. Then, came over South Africa. Seems to be lots of farms from the air. Also, I am surprised at how big Jo'Berg is. Land and get through immigration, then into the airport which is a bit disorganized. Catch cab to the Fly Inn where I will be meeting my overland tour (more on this later) the next morning. Checked into small hotel and then off to dinner. Met and English family that had just finished an overland tour and were raving about it. They had done the Namibia, Botswanna, Victoria Falls loop. Highlights are the Okavango Delta, Chobe River, Namibian Dunes, and of course, Vic Falls. They are so excited about the trip and our company that I can't help get excited as well. Also met German girl, Anna, who had been with their trek and would be on my leg of the journey, which is from Jo'Berg to Durban via Kruger National Park and Swaziland. Had a few beers with the English blokes, then checked my email while, guess what: Napoleon Dynamite played on a tv in the background!