At the Amsterdam (Schipol) airport, we had to go through a security stop after exiting our plane. Why go through security upon arrival? I’m thinking its because they don’t trust the security at other places. Last July, I left Tanzania after a hasty repacking. I remembered to remove the liquids from Anya and my carry-on luggage, but I forgot to remove the Gerber multi-purpose tool. It got through two (!) security checks at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, but the entry security check at Amsterdam found it right away. They confiscated the multipurpose tool, which was Eric’s, as they did not have an option of sending it home.
After the security check, I bid farewell to Mark and Linda. I made a quick stop for a duty free chocolate purchase. One of my favorite chocolates is Leonidas’ Gianduja. However, I have only been able to buy them alone when in the Schengen area (passing customs to the European Union plus Norway region). I had to buy a sampler box.
I was off to my designated gate. Well actually, it was the security check gate. I had to be interviewed and then go to another line to have the computer updated. Security is especially rigorous when going to the USA.
My seat-mate from Amsterdam to Seattle–a 9.5 hour flight–was an 8-year-old boy, Simon, who was flying as an unaccompanied minor. His dad and step-mom lived in Belgium, who he visited for spring break. He lives with his mom in Spokane. He was a delightful, conversational, and creative guy. We talked about many things, including the fort that he and his friends are making in the woods. He enjoyed looking at the mountains coming over southern British Columbia and Mount Rainier.
We spent more time waiting for the plane to clear out of the bay so we could move in than I spent in clearing customs. My bag was put through a security check in Tanzania. Note that it was close to some heat source, as the nylon webbing on a handle melted.
Neighbor Kristi picked me up from the airport. I gave a little gift of Tanzanian coffee, which also filled her mini-van with a nice coffee aroma. This kind of served as a coffee air freshener, and she didn’t have to smell me! She dropped me off home, but I zipped off to church for the Tanzanian Mission Team monthly meeting.
I brought the box of Leonidas chocolates to the Tanzanian Mission Team meeting to share. We also worked on the silk banners that Anya and Annaliese (Kristi’s daughter) had been working on all week.
The team members gave a hand at painting the silk.
After our meeting, I began my unpacking. Time for my Malarone malaria prophylaxis, which I have to take for 7 days after returning.
I gave Anya the gifts I brought back for her.
To fend of the jet lag, I went for a walk in the sunshine. It was a beautiful day and the lilacs are blooming.
I also viewed some of our wildlife along the greenbelt in our neighborhood.
I made it until 8:00 pm and then had to go to sleep. My brain and body were exhausted.
With blessings,
Beth