I had never loved the ticking of a clock more than I did that night. Because every tick signified I was nearly approaching the beautiful city of Mombasa. I could picture myself there—mingling with high-profile surgeons and doctors and others from other fields and learning a few things. The thoughts of the picturesque historical sites like the Vasco Da Gama pillars, the Fort Jesus, the beautiful beach, and Bombolulu were not really in my mind because I did not know whether I would get spare time for enjoyment. But if I did, that would make the visit to the coast as satisfying as a balanced puzzle.

One leg went over...