mercury rising in zanzibar

We sat in the cramped cabin of the twin turbo prop airplane prior to our delayed departure with subdued enthusiasm. Everyone was eager for a weekend of relaxation in a tropical paradise. Our collective mood was disrupted as we seemed to sit for an inordinate period of time at the terminal. As we sat captive, the cabin withheld its desperately needed supply of refreshing ventilation. The captain was unwittingly playing with our emotions. Not even a view of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro hidden behind the late afternoon cloud cover could alleviate our rising level of discomfort. Though it was just a few minutes, the warm air coursing through the cabin was quickly becoming unbearable. Just as quickly we were taxiing down the runway bound for our weekend getaway. Lift off. We rose steadily, if not comfortably, as cool air slowly blanketed us. Gentle tufts of pulled cotton floated aimlessly along beneath us. They contrasted vividly with parched earth tones and vegetation yearning for hydration farther below. Their relief was not forthcoming; however, ours was rapidly approaching.