on an internet Kiosk at Heathrow now, so I apologize for the brevity...
a quick update:
Kinshasa closed down completely Sunday at release of election results. Apparently Candidate JP Bemba's military (MLC) surrouded and sieged electoral commission HQ right prior to release of provisional results. FARDC (Congo military) responded, exchaged fire, at least six dead. MONUC (UN) showed up, rescued electoral commission staff and escorted them to TV station to release reults 3 hrs late. later, President Kabila's presidentia guard besieged Bemba's house with heavy cannon fire and automatic weapons. At leas half a dozen foreign diplomats inside. Later, cease-fire agreed between both men.
Both Kabila and Bemba will continue to a secnd-round elction, Oct 29, as neither gained th 50% needed to avoid a runoff.
All of kinshasa remained CLOSED monday and tuesday as pockets of fighting reported in the streets. Airport closed Tues, so I missed my flight. A later flight Wed, delayed till late in the day. Arrived in Nairobi late, and tried to get on connecting flight to London, but was told it was full. did some pleading,but told to come back tomorrow. Went to the gate anyways and begged for a seat, was told no. Stayed there till the plane was about to leave, then suddenly they found one seat. Ran for the plane, and got on just before they shut the door... the only seat left was in business class - First Class. Oh Yeah, struck gold. Great food, free drinks, and a huge seat that laid back all the way to become a full bed. What a comfortable flight!
I'm in Lndon now, trying to get on a flight to T.O., might catch a corresponding flight back to WPG, and be home by Friday, if I'm lucky. that would mean I started travelling Tues night (WPG time) and will be in transit till Friday. Ouch.
I'm safe and healthy, though, having avoided all the violence (met a woman who got hit in the leg by a stray bullet while in her house!). Be home soon!

-joel