Day 5 Of Montana to South Africa Amid The Latest COVID Outbreak

I had planned a trip to South Africa all year long and booked my tickets in October for the trip. Shortly into December the announcement of the latest COVID Outbreak was announced. The Omicron, and it had apparently originated from South Africa.

So now the difficult decision making part was at the tips of my fingers. Do I cancel my trip or do I take precautions and head out on the adventure of a lifetime? I chose to go. I made sure I did my required testing no sooner than 72 hours before travel, watched any symptoms I may get, and watched the news. The news was the most difficult part. Just a wash of confusion every time i tuned in. So I stopped.

Photo by Belinda Fewings on Unsplash

The airports were pretty secure, everyone in masks and sanitizer everywhere. The biggest concerns were the long lines we were waiting in. I did the most logical thing and signed up for the "CLEAR" option for travel. It was free for two weeks and you can cut in line and get through security faster. Considering the Denver Airport was a nightmare for long lines, I was happy to just skip ahead and have less risk of people interaction.

Download Our Mobile App

Denver to Newark, NJ. I had a seven hour layover that turned into 9 hours and a 14 1/2 hour flight ahead of me. Newark was just as cautious as the other two airports I had been in. Masks, sanitizer, and social distancing (kind of).

Townsquare Media

The bars and restaurants at all the airports were packed. The only places that you could have your mask off and not get looked down upon. And people were definitely taking advantage of it.

My flight was long, not too crowded and felt sanitary so I was able to sleep for a majority of it. Lots of families and people going home for the holiday and a few of us looking to spend the holiday internationally.

The Johannesburg Airport upon arrival was empty. Our flight was the only one there and the precautions at that airport were much more strict than any of the US airports. No options for food or drinks, masks, and sanitizer, temperature checks, and social distancing was actually in place.

Townsquare Media

I had finally arrived, got through customs, and on with my vacation and holiday to meet some wonderful people. Merry Christmas from across the ocean.

[PHOTOS] Bozeman Lights Up the Holidays 2021

Bozeman's holiday spirit is high this year and these entries to our annual Light Up the Holidays contest are the best of the bunch.

Montana's Museum Of The Rockies Is For Everyone! Check It Out

Museum of the Rockies is nestled right next to Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman. The Museum is part of the American Alliance of Museums, which means that the Museum of the Rockies is one of the 1,095 museums to hold this distinction. With over 33,000 museums nationwide, this is quite an accomplishment.

The Museum of the Rockies is also part of the Montana Dinosaur Trail. What is that? It is a trail that runs through the state of Montana and has 14 locations. Each location will get you just a little closer to the history and knowledge of Dinosaurs.

Museum of the Rockies has current and rotating exhibits. Currently, (December 2021) here are some of my favorites that are on display: Siebel Dinosaur Complex, Welcome to Yellowstone Country, which digs into the history of Montana, Enduring Peoples Exhibit, highlighting the American Indians of Montana, and the Paugh Exhibit, illuminating the stories that connect us with the Northern Colorado Rockies. You can see all the exhibits here to make planning your trip easier.

Museum of the Rockies is an independent 501 Non-Profit here in Bozeman. With that being said, they hold some of the most exquisite benefits throughout the year. This gives the museum the opportunity to continue to be a highlight for the city of Bozeman. Another way to continue the success of the Museum of the Rockies is to become a member.

If you are considering donating to the Museum of the Rockies, you can check it out here and decide which program works best for you. Help Bozeman keep this amazing learning tool open and available to everyone. Enjoy your time at the Museum of the Rockies.

One Of A Kind 39 Million Dollar Montana Home Is For Sale. Check It Out

This home is at 295 Cobble Creek, Bozeman, MT. You can check out the listing on Zillow or Montanalifere.com. The property is listed by Mike Schlauch and Vivian Yoon, PureWest Christie's Bozeman.

Filed Under: Omicron in Montana, South Africa Covid, Traveling during the pandemic

Categories: Bozeman News, Entertainment News, Featured, Montana News, Newsletter