I have always dreamed of seeing Africa – maybe it’s because of the beautiful wide-open plains, or the amazing animals, or the vastly different culture. (I have also had a secret craving to wear that loose khaki and gauzy white safari style wardrobe…especially the hat with the turned-up brim!)

I’m sure the film “Out of Africa” helped to fuel my fire back in the 80’s. (Robert Redford and Meryl Streep could sell me on almost anything, though…)

At any rate, my husband and I bit the bullet this year. We really cannot afford either the time or the money that this trip will cost…but I figure we can’t afford not to, either! For years we’ve talked about it, always as “someday, maybe…”. Every year there was a reason not to go. But, because each of us had a big birthday this year, we decided that our “party” would just have to take place on those great plains!  I want to be young enough to enjoy this journey of a lifetime, so there’s no time like the present!

While I am painfully aware of the suffering in vast regions of this continent, our trip will keep us mostly in developed areas or national parks. The famine, extreme poverty, disease and unrest in much of Africa are unbelievably serious concerns. I am hoping I will become more aware of the needs of this part of the world and discover some ways in which we all may be able to help.

For many reasons, we chose South Africa as our destination. Because of our limited 2 week time frame, we couldn’t go to all of the places that interested us, but our South African expedition includes a bit of everything; cities, small towns, wineries, waterfalls, and, of course, great plains and game reserves!

We’ve both been so busy that we haven’t even really had time to think much about the trip, let alone pack – or, for goodness sakes, read any of the fine books recommended to help us prepare for the adventure…but once there, we will have no choice but to detach and immerse ourselves. The long flights will be taking us far enough away that we will have no other choice!

We hope to have internet connection a good bit of the time, and if so, I will try to send some photos.

Now, as we approach the date of our August 5th departure……I’m filled with a sense of wonder…
How will this trip change my outlook, my work, my life?

I guess you’ll just have to stay tuned to find that out………

p.s. – I REALLY hope I get to see a giraffe!!!