The airport is small but more efficient than I had anticipated. There was a moment of panic when the customs agent, after inspecting our passports, informed us that despite our three-month visas he would give us only two months. We questioned him until he asked us if we would prefer a one-month. We acceded and were to learn that the switch to two month is standard, though no one was able to explain why the consulate in the U.S. continues to issue the three-month variety. We were also briefly tested:
Agent: Who are you voting for for president?
Us: In the United States?
Agent: Yes, who are you voting for?
Us: Um, well, uh…
Agent: Barack Obama?
Us: Well, we…
Agent: You must vote for Barack Obama. He has a vision!
Us: Yes, we totally agree.
Agent: (stamps passport) OK. Have a good stay.
The bags were easy to spot on the conveyer, but a little harder to drive on the smallish, errant-wheeled cart. Imagine a drunken man transporting three drunken friends in a shopping cart. Exiting the airport we were greeted by two long rows of touts and hotel reps, and among them one white face. This would be Renae Adam, our contact, and one of the principals of Global Mamas/Women in Progress.
We couldn’t have asked for a better, warmer greeting. She helped us navigate the cart across the street, past a cast of characters looking to help us carry the bags and finally to a parking lot where her SUV was parked.
Renae: Are you guys tired or are you interested in a cold drink somewhere?
Us: Cold drink, cold drink.
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