They run out of the international airport into the sunlight and heat. Racing to the nearest vehicle, they fling their bags into the trunk. One asks the driver, “Do you know how to get to 123 Old Yola Road?” The other talks right over the first, “Do you speak English?” They jump in the car,… Continue reading Taxis
Tag: intro
The 7 Necessities I Always Carry in Africa
Packing lists are a dime a dozen on travel websites. Most of them are pretty similar. We won’t repeat them here. There are, however, a handful of items that you should never be without when Visiting Friends. These are the seven things I take with me every time I leave the house in a developing… Continue reading The 7 Necessities I Always Carry in Africa
Malaria
Malaria Prophylaxis Last week, we saw that Malaria is the biggest risk for any traveler in Africa. Hundreds of millions of people get it each year. 627,000 people, mostly children or people with weakened immune systems, society’s most vulnerable, die of it. Asking an African traveler about anti-malarial prophylaxis is like asking a Frenchman about… Continue reading Malaria
Immunizations (Yellow Card)
The International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, or “Yellow Card”, is a folding yellow card containing a record of your vaccinations. It is the same size and shape as the passport and is generally stored with it. Each time that a medical professional provides a vaccination, it is noted and stamped. Thankfully, we have a… Continue reading Immunizations (Yellow Card)
Visa Services
Doing the paperwork for a visa can be error prone and a lot of work. There is, however, a better way. Or at least a way which provides a better chance of a result. There are businesses called visa services. For a fee (of course), they will shepherd your visa application through the bureaucratic maze.… Continue reading Visa Services
Visas
Your passport is issued by your government and provides proof of your identity and citizenship. A visa is issued by a foreign government and gives you permission to gain entry (or exit) to the country, usually for a specific period of time. There are many variations on visas. Most, but not all, countries require an… Continue reading Visas
Passports
To travel internationally, you will need a passport issued by your government. It is your proof of your citizenship. It is your most valuable possession when traveling. You will need to present it at most international border crossings, to various officials, and to hotels. A passport has your photo, name, birth date, and birth location… Continue reading Passports
Enjoying Friends
The Developing World. The Third World. The Global South. The Two-Thirds World. 10-40. The Emerging World. Africa Rising. Whatever you call them, most of the people on the planet Earth live outside of North America and Europe and enjoy (endure?) a lower standard of living than Americans. Most Americans only visit the better parts of… Continue reading Enjoying Friends
Introduction
This was originally posted 4 July, 2014. It was migrated to the new system on 14 July, 2016. Congratulations! If you are reading this, you’re probably considering a trip to visit some of the wonderful people who live in the two-thirds of the world not commonly referred to as “developed”. And you’re probably not intending… Continue reading Introduction
Visiting Friends 