They say the best part of life is the journey, not the destination. But, I have to admit, I’m en route to Nairobi, Kenya, and I’m pretty excited to get there!

My family dropped me off at Newark Liberty International Airport yesterday evening. After a manic packing session, and several last minute trips to CVS, I was ready to go. I hugged and kissed my mom and brothers ttfn and set of toward Gate 54. I was pretty nervous at first, anxious that I wouldn’t find my class mates, and would have to make the journey alone. I would be bored and totally out of the loop with the others when we finally met up. After a few minutes of heart palputations, I saw a group of college students, larger than I had imagined, sitting in a smooshed-shaped circle to the left. I sat down and, well, have never felt so welcome.

One boy walked around with a camcorder, taping introductions.

‘We haven’t met yet, so this is awkward, but say your name into the camera.’

I laughed. ‘I’m Kate.’

‘Something about yourself?’

‘I’m excited to be here!’

I sat in seat 45J in between two new friends Emily and Nicole. We have so much in common. Interests in food politics, international culturess, wildlife and exploring. My classsmates like National Geographic, people watching, and Michael Pollen. I’m in heaven!

After a somewhat cramped, but otherwise uneventful plane ride, we arrived at Heathrow. We’ve been camping out in the seats: napping, snacking and exploring thw duty-free shops. It’s a twelve hours lay-over (only four more to go!)

I’ve taken a break from practicing Swahili to purchase time on a computer and blog. But here’s a little sample of my recent lingual aquistions.

‘una taka nee-nee’- what do you want?

‘geena la-koh- na-nee’- what’s your name?

‘geena la-goo nee…’- my name is…

…darn. I learn more, but I guess I haven’t practiced enough to make it stick yet. Communication is so important. I want to be a part of this new culture, not a spectator. As Emily, Nicole and I all agreed, we ain’t gonna be no tourists!

Location: London, England