Whew! We made it and our luggage did too!

 Newark airport didn't seem too busy for a Friday night UNTIL they called for our flight 1122 to Capetown.  People came from out of the woodwork lining up to board.  I was struck by the number of young people (and kids) boarding the flight.  The plane was a 787--it seemed HUGE!  I'm not sure how many passengers there were, but it was A LOT!   

  

The flight was full, and we had to wonder what all of these people were doing going to Capetown?   We later found out that 13 passengers were actually from our RV group, (but we didn't find them until after we checked into the hotel).  Jim and I were seated in aisle seats across from each other.  Jim's seatmate was originally from South Africa, returning for a wedding; my seatmate was from California, going to celebrate her cousin's 40th birthday.  

We were in the economy seats...9 seats spread widthwise across this widebody plane.   They had a pillow and blanket waiting for everyone in their seat, and the inflight entertainment was great!  I watched two movies--with a 14 hour flight, there was plenty of time for that.  Also was able to get some sleep in between the serving of meals.

Dinner was served about 10pm..it was pretty good--chicken or pasta.  Then at 4am they served a "snack" which was a sandwich I declined.  About 8:30 am they served breakfast, and we finally got a cup of coffee.   

I exchanged chocolates for a cup of coffee with the stewardesses--I told them it was a happy valentines day surprise for working so hard.  They seemed to really enjoy and appreciate it.  (Should have done it last night and asked for an extra glass of wine!)

After 14 hours, we landed in Capetown!!   It was 11 am at home, but 6pm in Capetown.  Although we just had breakfast, it is dinnertime here...not sure how this time adjustment will work!  

We were greeted with warm and clear weather as we left the plane.   ;

The Capetown airport was busy, but very efficient getting through baggage claims and customs.  I forgot to try out the Mobile Passport Control app... that line was much shorter than the regular customs line, so we'll have to try it when we return to the US.

We are staying at the Southern Sun Waterfront Hotel.  When we reached the hotel, we found several from the RV group also checking in.   We met for a drink and how ironic that 3 of us have a twin sister!  It came up because there is a set of twins in our group!  I can tell this is going to be fun!

Now, off to get a good night sleep...wonder what time we'll wake up in the morning???