Scott's African Adventure

It started a long time ago. I suppose the first time was when I finally got the nerve to take my first flying lesson at the ripe old age of 15. Boy things really changed after that.

Another little step that lead to a big change occurred I suppose when I took off for California to go after my first flying job. That crazy adventure kept me on the west coast.

Hmmmm, honey? Wanna live on a sailboat? We all know where that crazy voyage ended.....or has it? I think not.

Well, now I may be stepping into life's next adventure.

About a year ago, a good friend of mine went on an flight training safari to Africa. No it wasn't really a safari. He was going there to teach. And No, not in a class room. He was going to Mozambique to teach some locals how to fly! I thought he was everything from a hero to crazy. That was something I don't think I could have done. But, alas, it was an adventure and he sure did have some cool stories to tell and I know those pilots are better having flown with him.

Now, a year later and a similar opportunity has presented it's self. I sent a few inquiring e-mails to obtain more information.

The opportunity that I was interested in was a ground instructor position. “Nice and easy”, I thought. I would have to go to Africa, Addis Ababa Ethiopia to be exact.

I asked myself, “where in the heck is Ethiopia?”. Having pretty much given up geography for flying, in high school, I was going to have to do some more research.

There it was, land locked....and as all sailors know.....right there.....next to.......Somalia! Yup. Pirates!

Ok, so at first I wasn't sure what I had gotten myself into. I have never been abroad. This would prove to be a very new experience for this ole' boy from Wisconsin.

Shot's!!

I soon found that I would need some shots.
Yellow Fever $125
Hepatitis A $110(first of 2)
Hepatitis B $110(first of 3)
Typhoid $110
Tetanus $50

Doctor- “Well, Mr. Brosius, when was the last time you had any shots?”
Me-”Well....ahh.....its been at least.....ah.....15 years.” I begin to fear what might be coming.
Doctor-”Hmmm. I see....”
Doctor-”Well, when was the last time you saw a doctor?”
Smart Ass Me-”Hmmm, about.....NOW!!!”
Real Me-”Ah, I see a Dr. every 6 months for my flight physical......ummmm I got a Vasectomy a few years ago? Does that count?”

Apparently

I never go to the doctor. I am never sick! So I am sitting in the “Travel Clinic” doctors office listening to him rattle off the shots he recommends. Part of me was thinking about the cost, but more of me was thinking about all the holes he was going to be putting into some yet to be disclosed part of my body!

4 shots later and I was out the door. A little soarer and a lot poorer. No worries.

Visa.

This, I was a little more worried about. I was going to have to send my passport to the Embassy of Ethiopia to get my Visa. Duration of my stay.....2 years! Thats what I had to put on the paperwork so I could get a “multiple visit” business visa.

Hotel Hilton

I probably had the option all along to “negotiate” more pay, first class instead of coach, and a suite instead of a regular room. But I am a wuss! I admit it. It will be interesting to see what I end up with. Stay tuned.

So far though, I have been happy with the way things have progressed. Everyone has been helpful and professional. I am very excited about all of this.