In Route – Madagascar to Johannesburg

Peace. Confusion. Restless. Fulfilled. Eager.

Johannesburg Airport (9:24PM Madagascar. 8:24PM South Africa. 1:24PM EST)

Upon our decent, South Africa already felt like a different world. In 2hrs40min flight time I left behind the dirty, narrow streets of Antananarivo; the rolling highlands that speak majesty at every glimpse; and a people consciously fighting for something different today than they had yesterday. As soon as I walked into the airport, my senses were immediately bombarded. I tried to walk into a tourist shop and a bookstore only to survive a few minutes before making a hasty exit. It felt so unnatural grating my dormant western psyche - that combined with astronomical prices. Spending $20 on a book to appease my bored mind the next three flights seemed ludicrous compared to the 20cent kilo of apples I bought just a few days ago. Nevertheless, stepping into this other world also feels somewhat normal, like putting on an old, comfortable pair of shoes. More than the disgust I feel for this trivial, meaningless, wasteful consumerism, I am disturbed with my own ability to relate and easily know such a lifestyle. I am already coveting the simple life I left behind only a few hours ago. I would rather stare into (and consume) a bowl of rice for the thousandth time or the eyes of a Malaasy child than into the glittering windows filled with diamonds, i-phones, and Cosmopolitan magazines. Perhaps that is because the person staring back at me is a very different than the one who made this trans-Atlantic journey 6 months ago.

Paris Airport (9:28AM Madagascar. 7:28AM Paris. 1:28AM EST)

Is snow a result of sin? I think it is. Throughout the flight, I was freezing! I was the only one huddled under two blankets like I was sitting in an igloo. When we touched down in Paris the captain announced that it was 2°C. No matter how much I have tried to psychologically prepare for this climatic trauma, my body didn’t get the memo. I guess dreams or rather nightmares really do come true seeing as though mine from the last few weeks are currently coming to fruition. When I left Madagascar yesterday I planned to only check my one large suitcase and carry on my backpack with socks, sweaters, scarf’s, and other essential necessities. However, my large suitcase was over weight therefore I had to re-arrange everything checking my backpack too. I do have my jacket with me but when I entered a more modern world where things smell different, I realized wearing my jacket wouldn’t really be acceptable by those who are not familiar with under-developed world smells. And I must admit, I didn’t notice it until my own nasal passages were cleared of Malagasy sweat, exhaust, and other unpleasant aromas.

In Route to JFK, NY (4:30PM Madagascar. 2:30PM Paris. 8:30AM EST)

I have been traveling for over 24 hours now and it is boring. I spent most of my time sleeping and listening to music. For some reason the movies on the plane aren’t satisfying my tedium. Perhaps this is due to the fact that I am completely out of the loop of recent movies. In addition, over the last months I have lived without a T.V. and have found other ways to amuse myself aside from technological entertainment. Unfortunately none of those alternative activities are available aboard Air France flight 022.

JFK Airport (8:40PM Madagascar. 12:40 EST)

My first thought when I arrived back ‘home’ – I don’t fit in! Hopefully after a few days I will have a different perspective. Honestly, most of me doesn’t want to either. The only thing I missed while being away were those I love. I pray I still fit into those relationships and their worlds; but aside from that, not much else matters. I think now is the time to accept I am different and that is ok.