Monday December 15 - from Heathrow

So, Andrea and I boarded a plane for the first leg of our journet in Ottawa
at 10 pm last night. After a delay of about 1.5 hr due to icy runway
conditions and de-icing, we finally took off ... a fairly uneventful flight:
not bad food, reasonable leg room (tho never enough!), and seat-back tvs.
We were seriously covetous of the first class seats, which were like pods,
arranged obliquely, with foot stools, cool compartments, big tables etc.
Sigh.

I managed to doze, propped rather uncomfortably against the window,
struggling for a comfy leg position - the curse of tall people on planes.
Couldn't really concentrate enough read or watch TV - tho soldiered thru
most of an eposide of Mythbusters.

Arrived smoothly at Heathrow ... have had a very expensive breakfast in the
airport Brasserie restaurant (faux French) which was actually very good. We
both had scrambled eggs for ptn on toasted brioche, and I had cream of
broccoli soup while Andrea had Greek yogurt & fruit. We feel semi-human
again.

Can't check in for the Addis leg of our Journey until later this ever (about
6 pm - it's now 1:30 pm), so we plan to wander a bit and try to nap. Poor
Andrea can't sleep while flying or in an airport, so I fear for her good
humour.

Must thank all of you that have emailed with good wishes for the trip, and
esp those that have helped us immeasurably in getting prepared for this trip
on such short notice by fetching things for us, lending us things,
translating things, offering travel tips and the benefits of their
experiences in Addis.

More later!