Welcome to Burundi!

Economy became business class as the plane was largely empty, so 2-3 seats per person made for a very relaxing trip in a pretty new (interior at least) Brussels Airlines 747.  The 8 hours flight time "flew" and suddenly we were landed safely in Bujumbura.  It is dark here at 6pm, but the humidity was greeting enough. The airport is small here and we crossed the Tarmac to get to "arrivals" where after 30 minutes I was able to buy a visa for $90.  9 of us riders were on the flight and lo and behold, 9 bikes arrived!   4 of those made 3 connections from the US, from as far as Alaska, so a big Whew!

That is my view as I lie here at 6:15am.  My night was not comfortable on a 6 foot bed with both headboard and footboards👎.  That and my malaria anxiety made for some on and off sleep over 9 hours.  It seems that most are taking malaria tablets, something I would like to get today somehow and put my mind at ease.  Today we will be off at 8:30 to visit the "cow man" and see their new solar milk processing equipment about an hour outside Bujumbura.  We'll return late afternoon and head this evening to a midweek worship service with about 2,000 people!  Mark, a pastor from the UK that is riding with us will lead the service. Coincidentally the Drapers (friends from my BCN church that moved back to the UK) now attend his church in the UK!

Home sweet home for a few nights!