Archive for May, 2009

Just heard from Tim

Saturday, May 9th, 2009

He’s still in Amsterdam. The airline gave him a credit for a 5-minute call so we actually spoke. They did miss their original flight to Nairobi, but there is another 12 hours later instead of 24. They’ll be taking that (another red-eye, the second in a row) in just a few hours, then will have to go straight from the airport to the set. Filming has already started without them. He won’t get to his hotel for another 24 hours or more.

Pray that they’ll all get some sleep on the flight, that all the baggage will arrive with them, and for safe travels in air and on land.

Edited to add: just found some flight details. He leaves Amsterdam at 9:00pm Saturday (3:00pm Eastern), arrives in Nairobi at 6:35am Sunday (11:35pm Eastern).

Update from Tim

Friday, May 8th, 2009

Tim’s flight from Minneapolis to Amsterdam has been delayed by more than 4 hours, which means he’s probably going to miss his connection from Amsterdam to Nairobi. The next flight to Nairobi isn’t for another 24 hours. He’s traveling in a group of five, so he’s not all on his own. If he does end up in Amsterdam for 24 hours he should have access to internet and will be able to post an update from there.

Edited to add: the flight was delayed due to mechanical problems. They made repairs, loaded the passengers, pushed back from the gate, and had the problem again. So they had to deplane and wait for more repairs. As of right now (7:30 EDT) the estimated departure is 6:45 pm CDT, with an estimated arrival in Amsterdam at 9:51 am. The flight from Amsterdam to Nairobi is scheduled for 10:15 am. Unless they get off on time or early and have some wicked strong tailwinds it doesn’t look good for them making the connection.

Edit #2: According to NWA’s website, the plane left the gate at 7:34 pm CDT but has not taken off yet (at 8:40 EDT), estimated arrival in Amsterdam of 10:40 am. Looks like they’ll be spending some time in the Netherlands.

On my way to Africa

Friday, May 8th, 2009

I’m out of here and will update if I can get internet once I’m in Kenya.