Ongaipi, ?

In case you missed my 1st flight gist, you can catch up HERE *shines teeth*

Then before we get into today's gist, let me ask...have you seen my videos about my Namibian tour experience on social media?

One is about my desert hiking experience at Dune 7, the highest desert dune in Namibia.

And the other is my experience at the Sandwich Harbour, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Namib Desert.

Enjoying the Sandwich Habour Experience *happy child*

You can watch them HERE and HERE.

NB: My Namibian tour experience was organized by Rafiki Tours and Safari. If you are dreaming of having your own experience, do reach out to them. Tell them, Ajala Nene hooked you up *wink*

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

So Ajala Nene finally lands Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, Namibia...and guess what?

My checked-in luggage was missing! Sigh *laughs hysterically*

Because of the two layovers - Kigali (Rwanda) and Joburg (South Africa), my dear luggage was no where to be found.

I had to go to the baggage claiming desk to report my missing luggage and I was reassured that I'd either get it that day or early the next day. Thank God it was the former.

I need to give a special shout out to my Namibian brother, Joseph Kafunda aka Emeka and my Namibian sister, Helena Filippus.

They came through with my beautiful Oshiwambo outfits. Atleast I had something beautiful to wear to the conference when my luggage was missing. Sending them BIG e-hugs!

Rocking my beautiful Oshiwambo skirt and laced black top

So where was I? Ah yes, my 2nd missed flight *giggles*

The rest of the week was beautiful and eventful and all went well at the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit.

After the conference, I headed to Swakopmund, about 4 hours drive from Windhoek for my Namibian tour experience.

It was on the day of my departure from Swakopmund to Windhoek that I missed my flight heading to Joburg *smh + laughs*

What happened?

Apart from the fact my pickup didn't get to me on time due to some technical issues...

On our way to Windhoek, we were stopped by the Police because we were speeding.

By the time we got to the airport, the plane had taken off. I missed it by 30 minutes *sigh*

Once again, I had to re-book my flight for the next day.

What are the "great" lessons from this 2nd experience?

#1. If your flight is scheduled for the next day in another state, try and leave a day earlier, if you can. If you can't, have a Plan B for your transportation just incase Plan A doesn't come through.

#2. Make sure you make good friends with the locals. Thankfully, I had my Namibian brother, Emeka, who has been my virtual friend for almost a year. He made sure I was able to re-book my flight without stress and got me a guesthouse to stay in for that night. Grateful.

#3. Be alert and be grateful. See eh, one thing I kept telling myself when that happened was that "It could have been worse. Thank God I am not stranded". I have heard strories of how people get stranded when they miss their flight, some end up sleeping in the airport. Thank God that wasn't my case.

To wrap this up, let me say that from then on the journey back home was a smooth experience *smiles*

Not only did I get upgraded to Business class for my Joburg leg *shines teeth*

My luggage landed safely in Lagos without hassle.

Biko praise God with me, ! *laughs out loud*

An exhausted Ajala Nene landed safe and sound. Praise God *puts hands up in da air + laughs*

, this trip taught me the 3 Ps: Patience, Persistence and the Power of Prayer.

I truly hope you have learned a lesson or two on how to avoid missing your flight...not once but twice *laughs*

Till then...

Life is short, live it to the fullest.

Oshili nawa *waves*

Your Wanderluster,

Ajala Nene