6 weeks

Well, after 6 long weeks, I arrived in Lome.

The plane touched down on the remarkably smooth tarmac, and the passengers began cheering, clapping and some even burst into song. I suppose a good landing deserves some praise!

After gathering all my carryon, which I believe weighed close to 50 lbs, almost all passengers were ushered onto a bus and driven to the arrivals terminal.

I say almost all passengers, because apparently if you are a dignitary, you can walk off the plane, and hop into your fancy sedan that pulls right onto the tarmac!

The doors to the arrivals 'hall' opens directly into the customs control area, which becomes instant chaos.

One must first find the one poor customs official handing out visa forms, which are exactly the same as the customary customs card filled out on the plane. But you must fill this one out as well.

Then, you must find the 'line' for customs, which does not exist.

So you shove your way to the front of what may or may not be a line and wait for a customs official to gesture in your direction.

If you beat all the others who think the official gestured at them, then you get to hand over your passport, vaccination card, boarding pass and of course -- cash.

Then you try to claim your baggage, where you will be promptly asked to show your boarding pass.

Another security officer will ask you to produce your visa, as you wait for your visa.

Two hours later, as you vie for a position in front of the single miniscule air conditioner (which shows that it has cooled the dark arrivals hall to a chilly 28 degrees), a customs official calls your name.

Then, just when you think you can leave, the security officer who asked you for your visa earlier now needs to verify that your baggage is indeed yours.

You may then proceed to the exit, where your baggage is screened.

Here you will find that you are carrying 'tres cher' of something and I must pay duty. My guess it was the 100 pack of dvd-r's and 25 pack of CD-R's in one of my bags.

Thankfully, the school representative is able to convince them that I will not be selling them illegally.

A 25-pack of DVD's would sell for around $50 US.

After a quick 10 minute drive, I am -- home.

Now just last week, Natalie was asked to move to make room for some incoming staff, so it has been crazy busy for her as well.

So, without further delay, here's a few photos of our new place (and some others..)