We join Scott Griffin near the beginning of his flight, as he guides his plane out of Canadian airspace, and into the danger zone that is the Atlantic Ocean. If something goes wrong on a ship in the Mid-Atlantic, it's not good, but on an airplane, especially a small Cessna, mistakes, miscalculations, and mechanical failures are unquestionably fatal. Fortunately, Griffin only experiences diabolical weather conditions, radio failure, and a bad case of exhaustion after multiple consecutive long-haul flights, which add to the story without taking his life. His arrival at his destination brings us to the end of the second chapter. Tired and hungry, he swoops over the N'gong Hills, makes an instrument approach and landing to Nairobi's Wilson Airport, and taxis up to the Flying Doctors Service hangar.
Griffin already sees a change in local lifestyles in these first chapters. While resting and refueling in the Azores before continuing on to Europe and Africa, he is invited for a drink by the captain on duty at Santa Maria airport. Surprised by the act of generosity, he agrees, and learns a little bit about the islands' aviation history and lore. "We don't see many planes coming through here any more," says the captain, Helder Fernando da Silva Borges Pimental. He clearly remembers a time when the islands were the crucifix of transatlantic air travel. But things have changed with the introduction of jet-engines and non-stop flights, and the islands are losing their importance. The people and their distinct Portuguese/international culture, however, still remain.
This first act of kindness is the beginning of Griffin's experience with a way of life vastly different and more fulfilling to him than his previous life in Toronto.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment