Several power failures due to the storms plunged Douala airport into darkness before emergency backup provided some light. Numerous checks to get out of the country--police/passport check followed by a baggage check; then a lengthy checkin where they checked my passport again(didn't know how to ship my suitcase all the way to Canada--finally figured it out) and still no seat assignment; then a $25 CAD departure fee; then a police/passport control/departure fee check; then a baggage check and pass through security/metal detector (even though it wasn't functioning). I thought great now I am home free (but I was wrong).

We were herded into a small stuffy, smoky lounge with no fresh air circulation, even though we were in the tropics, you couldn't open the windows! I observed what was happening with yet another security check on the Swissair flight in the adjacent departure lounge and escaped into the open air corridor to get some fresh air and parked myself in front of the other lounge. As soon as the Air France flight arrived, their own security people got off the plane and set up a table in the lounge I was waiting outside of. This involved another passport check, baggage check and security (waved electric wand or "frisked" you). Glad I had observed the Swissair flight as I was the first one through and it took the people at the back of the line almost 1 hour to pass through these checks!

Unlike the inbound flight, AF food was bad--pate with unnatural growth on it; partly heated beef tortellini which would have been OK if properly heated, rotten grapes etc. Slept most of the flight in cramped economy again. Fortunately I found a fairly empty row and snagged two seats for myself.

Culture shock again--had to prepare myself for developed world conditions.

Breezed through CDG customs and immigration (no lineup, no wait, no baggage check etc.).

Outside the "Arrivals by Martel" greeting service was waiting patiently (our flight was an hour late). It was a great and welcome surprise to see Rudi who I expected might still be in bed at the Hyatt resting up for tennis. The Hyatt bus came soon and after several stops arrived at the Airport Hyatt.

Rudi kindly let me have his room to have my first hot shower in over a week--I felt like a new person. While I missed the flocks of hornbills and other birds as well as the incredible tropical flowers in the rain forest of Cameroon, I was also appreciative of my new environs along with Rudi's excellent company. We enjoyed cafe au lait and croissants and talked about the latest happenings at Flyer Talk, world affairs and tennis. Gave some photos to Rudi from my trip to Switzerland (maybe they will appear on David's page soon).

Not even the offer of free tickets to the French Tennis Open could dissuade me from my next flight though--had to get home for my daughter's high school graduation the next day. Thanks for the offer Rudi (hope you found a replacement Mrs. Martel for the occasion)

Rudi and I hopped on the Hyatt bus and Rudi was off to tennis and I was off to Canada. Long line-ups at AC check in but not for Star Alliance gold. Got my invitation to the Salon L'Espace and briefly got on the one internet terminal they have before my flight left. The AF lounge is fairly small but comfortable and just a bit smoky. AC says they are in the process of setting up their own.

AC food seemed better this time. There was a nice selection of hors d'oeuvres sandwiches, fresh crisp salad and excellent fresh European rolls (not the warmed over stuff) and good wine selection. Blackberry chocolate cake flavors seemed to clash (should have had the fresh fruit and cream). Finished watching "At First Sight" with Val Kilmer and saw "Message in a Bottle" with Kevin Costner, Paul Newman and Robin Wright.

Plane was late into Toronto due to take off delay and headwinds so I only had about 40 minutes connect time including going through customs and immigration. Fortunately, my AC Priority tag worked and the bag was one of the first off. I whipped through Customs (no line up yet) and put my bag back on the conveyor for Calgary and hoofed it clear across AC's Pearson terminal (the two planes couldn't have been further apart). Got to my Calgary flight OK and boarded. I didn't eat or drink much on this flight as I was still stuffed from the overseas flight.

Got into Calgary on time-- home at last (had been travelling for about 48 hours without being in a proper bed). Glad I made it back (even though I missed the French Open with Rudi) as my daughter had a surprise--she was featured for the opening of the graduation ceremonies playing a flute solo "Carnival of Venice". And she looked great in her grad party outfit. Wouldn't have missed it!

Welcome back to civilization BB. Another fine trip report filled with color and wit.

BTW -- our youngest daughter graduated on Wednesday. Congrats to you and yours...

Thanks for the story.

It reminds me of some of the free trips my Uncle Sam used to give me during the Viet Nam Era. Wonderful experiences in retrospect, but not necessarily comfortable to live through.

Glad you made it home on time for the really important stuff.

Excellent report as always BlondeBomber and I'm glad you got home for your daughter's graduation.

And how many of us have had hornbills and other birds in the area where we shower?

All I have is Eddie going into the shower... teh only cat who LOVES WATER! He must have Tiger in him!

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MEOW! MEOW! MEOW!!!

and let s add a secret. Those who know BlondeBomber(and his bird-protection-engagement): he did give me an absolution for my next foie-gras (stuffed goose liver) in writing (we did send that written permission by postcard to Merry), so you may ask Merry for confirmation.

[This message has been edited by Rudi (edited 05-29-99).]

Glad to hear you are home!

Thanks everyone--I am now nursing an elbow infection with penicillin intravenously (got rubbed raw on one of those 14 hour return trips from Nguti to Buea in cattle class--back seat of a Toyota Tercel crammed with 3 people on hellishly potholed and bumpy roads). Definite advantages to travelling business class.

PS. Congrats also to onefreeman on your daughter's graduation. It is good to recognize the important things in our lives.

[This message has been edited by BlondeBomber (edited 05-30-99).]

Will you send the appropiate ones to DJDavid, you have my and Gisela's permission or are you asking me to do it?

Unless you have access to a scanner Rudi, I will send some scans as soon as I have a free minute back home. I am travelling until Wednesday every day.

yes - please do so BlondeBomber (I have no scanner at home). thank you.