Saturday, June 12

My journey begins about noon on day one as I board a bus from New Hampshire. I fly out of Boston Logan overnight to Amsterdam, spending a 12 hour layover in Europe before another overnight flight to Nairobi, connecting finally to Kigali in the afternoon on day 3. Here are a few ways I allow myself a bit of self-care to prepare for a journey to the field (and a few tips to other travelers):
• Yotel (www.yotel.com) is probably one of the most ingenious things that exist in Amsterdam’s airport. Rent a tiny cabin for a minimum 4 hours and get a cozy bed with feather pillow and duvet, free internet or tv, and a hot shower. A fabulous private, quiet place to nap and refresh while you wait for your next flight.
• If you don’t have quite so much time, there is a hotel on the second floor that will rent you a shower with a fresh towel and shampoo for 15 Euros.
• Throughout the airport, stations offering a seated chair massage will take out the kinks in your neck from the overnight flight for only a small fee.
• You can get sushi and noodle dishes as well as delightful sandwiches and juices. Take away a small healthy snack to get you through the tiny meals Kenya airways serves.
• Though I happen to be vegetarian, if you are traveling coach class and order any special meal, you get your meal first.
• Bose noise canceling speakers makes it possible to sleep next to any snoring, screaming or boisterous passenger.
• Java Lounge at the far corner of Nairobi’s airport has excellent coffee and free wireless internet.
• Grab coffee and water at the Bourbon coffee shop on your way through Kigali’s airport and you'll be ready to go the next morning without a hint of jet lag.