Journal Archive
January 2002
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More of Africa | 01.27.02 @ 11:13 AM EST |
I guess since we don’t have jobs, I can’t say we’ve been too busy to post an update. Let’s just say we’ve been a little distracted. We got back from safari about a week ago and have been enjoying the comforts of civilization for the last week. First things first-the safari exceeded our wildest expectations, and has truly been a highlight of our trip so far.
We started in Botswana where we visited three different camps, then moved on to Zimbabwe for a water camp, and ended in a game lodge in Kruger Park in South Africa. Botswana blew us away with its peaceful beauty out in the wilderness. The tented camps had every comfort we could wish for including hot and cold running water, complimented by the tranquility of literally being in the middle of nowhere, living among wild animals. Hopefully, the photos that Jim will eventually post will help describe the awe we felt getting so close to lion, elephant, buffalo, cheetah, leopard, hippo, and rhino-just to mention a few.
The first three camps could only be reached by small aircraft which landed on a dirt airstrips where we were met by our guides and delivered to camp by range rover. Once there we immediately succumbed to the slow pace necessary to enjoy life in the heat of the bush. A 5:00am wake up call was needed so that we would all be ready to go before 6:00. We returned daily by late morning for brunch, lounging in a plunge pool, chatting with other guests, reading, and/or siesta. After a good rest and shower, we would head out again around 4:30 for our afternoon activity. As a ritual each evening before heading back to camp, we would find a beautiful place to park, watch the sunset, and drink our “sundowner” which was carefully packed by our guides. Some evenings we parked near a river of hippos. Other evenings we listened to the low rumbling of lion calls in the distance, or watched grazing elephants as we sipped our gin and tonics. Game viewing was offered by mokoro, motorboat, range rover, pontoon, or on foot, depending on the camp, and we took advantage of all. Our stories are abundant and memorable, and we can’t wait to share them.
People everywhere have been great. Most of the camps were able to make us feel at home. In Cape Town we have had the good fortune to meet and spend time with people who have gone out of their way to make our experience a memorable one. We have been taken to a family beach picnic, invited into homes, and had a private tour of Parliament by a member. This kind hospitality has helped us experience their sense of pride in Southern Africa.
We are packing up now to leave Cape Town tomorrow morning to spend the next ten days driving along the “Garden Route”, the southern coast of South Africa. It is known for its beauty, surf breaks, and quaint B&Bs. The itinerary after that remains a bit sketchy as we try to decide on places that hold the right balance of adventure and safety.
All our best, Laura and Jim |
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We're in Africa!! | 01.4.02 @ 3:08 PM EST |
We made it to the next continent, and Cape town has turned out to be a good first stop. It is a beautiful, clean city surrounded by mountains. The weather is clear, crisp, and comfortably warm. All around us are opportunities to visit beaches, wine country, hike mountains, and drive around scenic towns. Everything seems well run and organized which feels like a big contrast from Peru and Ecuador. We've already been here a week and are now packing for a two week Safari beginning in Botswana, and then going through Zambia and Zimbabwe. We leave tomorrow morning at 4:30am in order to catch a 6:00am flight-the first of four,to arrive at our first camp. We suspect that this is where the adventure really begins...
We will be out of touch for the two weeks, but don't hesitate to send us an email while we're away. We look forward to getting them when we get back! In the meanwhile, many new photos have been posted by Jim, as well as a surf movie taken by Laura in Mancora, Peru. So enjoy them. Happy New Year!! All our Best, Laura and Jim |
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