Uganda, KLM Style

I’m feeling a tad sheepish.

Yesterday I arrived in Uganda to discover that my baggage had not. I was somewhat prepared for this possibility – but KLM messed up plans. You see, online, I’m allowed a carry-on luggage and a personal item, like a computer bag or purse. But at the terminal, they changed their minds about this – at least for some of us. They forced several people to check bags, while others walked on with much large and more awkward luggage. I should have protested more, but admittedly I was anxious about the trip. I also should have maybe stuck with my original plan of two backpacks. Or maybe should have tried to just take one carry-on. Or maybe I should have taken a few minutes and completely repacked my carry-ons. But, I was anxious, and I was going to get my carry-on checked for free, and didn’t want to annoy the KLM workers too much. I should have annoyed them.

As it happened, from Nairobi to Entebbe, half of the passenger’s luggage that was supposed to be on the plane was not sent. This made for some confusion, and upset travellers, and a very chaotic line of distressed people trying to get service. When it was my turn, I asked what to expect. Tonight, I was told. I inquired what happens if it doesn’t arrive tonight. “It will!” And that was that. To put the whole thing into context for me, while talking to the customer support people, the power in the airport was going out!

So last night, Erica spent a good deal of time on the phone talking to the luggage delivery people, who had decided to not deliver the luggage after all. Thankfully, this is a society where a bribe goes a long way, so we paid the delivery person 25,000 Ugandan Shillings (approx. $11-12 Cdn) to deliver my bags … two of them, anyhow. The two checked pieces of luggage arrived. And, to my delight, they arrived with everything they left home with.

My checked carry-on, well, I don’t even know where it is. I’ve tried tracking it online to no avail. The people at Entebbe airport don’t know where it is. I’ve now requested Leia to call KLM and pressure them while I sleep. Hopefully that is not to no avail.

What is frustrating about it all is the fact that I packed my clothing and other essential items in a carry-on to avoid this problem. I hummed and hawed on what bags, and clearly made the wrong choice. Had I taken two backpacks, or a backpack and a small duffle bag, I’d likely have everything right now. I do not like that the airline staff arbitrarily cornered people at the gate, and forced them to pay for their bags or to not have their stuff.

Not having everything has made me feel vulnerable. Perhaps it is foolish, but if they can’t keep track of my bags, what does that mean about keeping me safe? Today at one of the more Western stores that Isaac and Erica took me too, I was shopping on my own, when I realized I wasn’t with either of them any longer. That short moment made me aware of the potentials – as I didn’t have my bankcard or credit card, ID, any idea of where I was, limited cash, and no knowledge. Sheesh. I won’t let that happen again. It wasn't at all a big deal, but in a country where the equivalent individual to a Walmart greeter is holding a very large gun (I'm sure she was perfectly nice!) as you enter the store, one cannot help but feel vulnerable.

I feel sheepish in part because I’m not really all that put out by losing my luggage. I can simply go out and buy whatever I want. Sure, it won’t be sweet gear, like the Arcteryx or Patagonia base layers I brought, but I can replace those if I want when I return to Kitchener. I’m in a good spot, especially when compared to the people around me. Yet, I’m still annoyed and frustrated by the lost luggage.

I’ll put up a proper post about Uganda soon enough. For now, I’m spending more time than I expected calling airlines and washing the two pair of boxers I do have!

The great news is that the picture of the family that Jordan insisted I pack came in one of the two pieces of luggage I did receive. I'm glad she made me pack it. Today, I really missed my girls.