Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
aries. He welcomed me and asked how my journey was. I spared him the details and gave
him a watered-down version. He also asked if I needed any assistance which I said yes. I
asked him for letters of introduction for obtaining entry visas for the Congo (Brazzaville)
and Gabon and also…quite bluntly…for a place to stay. He left to speak with the ambas-
sador and shortly returned to say that I could stay with him and his family. He gave me
directions and I returned to my bike to cycle over to his home.
Iarrived within 15minutes and the guard and maid met me at the gate. She showed
me to my room and gave me a snack (cookies and a Coke). I met Joe's wife and daughter
Arianne and we chatted until dinner time. Since I was feeling a little ill, I didn't eat too
much and after a bit of TV, I went to bed.
The next day I accompanied Joe to the office to get my letters of introduction typed
up. As I waited, I met the ambassador who had staff arrange my transportation to the em-
bassies of Gabon and the Congo. I quickly left and was driven to the Embassy of Gabon.
They suggested that I get the Congolese visa first for then they could give me a cheaper
in-transit visa for Gabon. I thanked them for the suggestion and then went to the Embassy
of the Congo.
Iwashopingthat Iwouldgetavisa atareduced rate. However,theCongolese staff
said that the cost was 25,000 CFA (over $100 US). I didn't have enough money on me for
I didn't expect it to be so high and told them that I would return the next day. I was driven
backtotheCanadianEmbassyandwentwithJoebackhometohavelunchwithhisfamily.
I had an omelette, potatoes, and dessert (doughnuts, ice cream and maple syrup)…I almost
diedandwenttoheaven!Istayedbackatthehousetotakeanapandwatchedamoviewith
the nanny and Arianne.
When Joe returned, he told me that I would be staying at the ambassador's secret-
ary's home for the next couple of nights. So I left my bicycle at Joe's and after removing
some essentials, I waited for Rosa to come pick me up. She quickly arrived and took me
to her home. Rosa was quite a dynamic and kind woman who I thoroughly enjoyed talk-
ing to. She had been working for Canada's external affairs for over 20 years and her home
reflected it. There were artefacts from all over the world that lined the hallways and gave
me the impression that I entered a museum. That evening, we went across the hall to have
dinner with some other embassy staff. The conversation at the table was in French and, to
my amazement, I held my own. When I returned to my room, I had one fleeting thought
before I passed out…24 days until Christmas!
I woke up later than usual and ate some cereal and washed up. Rosa woke up and
prepared a lunch for me to take. We then both went to the embassy and I sat around and
waited for the ambassador. When he arrived we chatted for a few minutes and then he in-
vited me for lunch. So I quickly ate my paper bag lunch convincing myself that it was a
late breakfast.
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