This was my second trip to Oisligi so I was travelling alone. Packing had been a challenge. I had gathered essential school resources that I wanted to take with me and I was also carrying some books, large ink cartridges and a chromebook for the charity. Although Emirates provide a generous 30kg luggage allowance – I had 58kgs to transport in three suitcases and a backpack! I was also really concerned that I would not be able to manage to haul all the cases through the airport in Nairobi.
After much agonising, and hoping that the removal of a packet of oatcakes would be (an unlikely) 28kgs, I came across a service which transported luggage anywhere in the world – Unibaggage.
A closer look revealed that for £180, I could have a 20kg suitcase collected from my house on Thursday and delivered to Kiserian, on Monday. I checked the excess baggage charge on Emirates – they wanted a whipping £480 for the same case!
I was a bit nervous – the case could not be locked as it would be subject to customs inspection. What were the chances of it arriving intact?
Well, truth be told, I no longer cared. I just didn’t want to have to worry about transporting it, losing it and breaking my back in the process. I clicked and ordered.
Next day, a man came to my house, in the middle of rural Aberdeenshire in Scotland and collected my case. So far so good. I put thoughts of that case aside and concentrated on the rest of the packing. On arrival at Glasgow airport I was 2kgs over the allowance. Emirates were having none of it and wanted to charge me a whooping £100. I don’t think so, Mate. I’m from Scotland!
Accompanied by my trusty friend Mary, I remove a few things, reweigh the cases and pass the check. I then hide behind the escalator to stuff some of the removed items back into my backpack. Margaret 1 – Emirates – 0
Flights are fine. I am to be met in Nairobi, by Bonface. I hope there have been no issues with the day or time of arrival. I see him as soon as I emerge from the airport. He is accompanied by Paul and Amos. It is lovely to see them all. It seems I need one person to mind the car, one to mind the luggage and one to mind me! We arrive at Osiligi a few hours later and I settle in.
The next day we get a message to say that the case has arrived in Kiserian. I have no idea what to expect but I cannot imagine that everything will still be in it. Shame on me! It is in perfect condition and completely intact. I am so happy to see all the school resources that I intend to introduce to staff to support the new curriculum and active learning. It was worth every penny!
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