Friday, March 14, 2008

Arusha, Tanzania: Arriving in Kilimanjaro International, Kilimanjaro Tanzania (JRO)

14MAR08 Kilimanjaro International, Kilimanjaro Tanzania (JRO)

We touched down at 8:30p local time softly, but screeched to a halt as the pilot slowed very quickly. There was a delayed clap from the front of the plane to the back. The flight attendant then welcomed us to Kilimanjaro. She also advised that the customers who are going to Dar es Salaam (DAR) should stay on board as the turn was in 45 minutes. She did advise that no pictures are allowed at the airport; bummer I thought.

Once at the hard stand, we were able to leave via the front and the back doors. It was neat to see everyone come off the plane it was like a mass exodus; you feel like you've flown...

Inside the terminal; O.K. the little terminal, there was a Visa line in addition to the normal lines to enter the country.

For U.S. citizens, there is a 100 USD charge for the visa and a 50 EUR charge for EU countries. The kicker is that if you are from the U.S. and have Euros, you have to pay 100 EURs or go get it changed at the exchange place just behind the visa office. I had a combination of USD, EUR, GBP and CAD. I got the EUR changed to USD and got exactly 100 USD which I used to pay my visa fee and got my multiple entry stamp.

Arusha, Tanzania: In Amsterdam Schipol International, Amsterdam Netherlands (AMS)

14MAR08 Amsterdam Schipol International, Amsterdam Netherlands (AMS)

It is March 14, 2008 now and I am awaiting my 10:20a flight to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (JRO). I was able to access the KLM Crown Lounge using my Presidents Club card as well as my boarding pass for the flight.

In the Crown Lounge, you can access the Internet for free 30 minutes at a time either by using your Ethernet cable or a public terminal. If you wish to have wireless access there is a 16 EUR charge for 24 hours.

An announcement was just made about a passenger who lost his book. The word "misses" was used instead; it is always interested to hear how the English language is translated when you are abroad.

I wil leave here in a bit as boarding is at 9:05a.