Ongaipi, ?

Before I dish out my adventurous gist, let me just say this...

Despite all the stress I went through to ensure I made it for the 4th edition of the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit (AYITS), I must honestly admit that it was so worth it *grateful smile*

See below evidence of my happy self *giggles*

Meet Ndeyapo (Meaning "Welcome" in Oshiwambo), the Program Director aka MC at AYITS 2022 *wink*

So let's get into the gist of how I missed my flight twice in one week *laughs hysterically*

I will do my best to make it as brief as possible.

#1 Missed Flight Story: From Nigeria to Namibia...

On the day of my departure to Namibia, I got to Muritala Mohammed Airport, at least three hours before my Rwanda Air take-off time.

That's how I went to do my check-in and the Passager Sevice Agent attending to me informed me that he could not check me in.

How? Why? My Vaccination Card was less than 14 days.

To show evidence, he brought out a huge "Covid-19 Rule Book" that had all the countries in the world's rules on Covid-19 guidelines.

Namibia only accepts Vaccination Cards that are above 14 days, mine was three days *smh*

So the plan was to do a Covid-19 test, which is usually required at least 2 days or 1 day before your departure date.

But at the last minute, I changed my mind and finally decided to get vaccinated. However, the week I planned to do it, I fell ill and was advised not to take the vaccine until I got better.

I finally got to do it three days before my departure date, but as you don read above, e no work *smh + laughs*

How did we solve the problem?

Unfortunately, I couldn't take an antigen-based rapid, which would have taken about 15 to 30 minutes to get the result, because Namibia and the other countries I would be transiting - Rwanda and South Africa - do not accept it.

The only solution was to get a PCR test. That's how I had to go do the test and missed my flight *sigh*

I was fortunate to have it rebooked for the next day which means I missed the first day of AYTIS 2022.

Here are the lessons from this 'amazing' experience...

1. If you are planning to travel anytime soon and don't want to do a Covid-19 test, biko...please go take your vaccine at least a month or 14 days earlier as most countries don't accept one that's less than that.

2. Always check the Covid-19 and Vaccination guidelines of the country you are visiting as they all have different rules and regulations.

3. Get to the airport on time, at least 3-4 hours before your departure so that if you need to sort out an issue you can do it on time and not miss your flight....if possible.

An exhausted Ajala Nene *giggles*

Next week, I will be sharing Part 2 of my missed flight gist *laughs*

Till then...

Life is short, live it to the fullest.

Oshili nawa *waves*

Your Wanderluster,

Ajala Nene