Long Ago and Far Away

A year ago, I had just arrived in South Africa and was on a tour of Soweto. This photo was taken inside Nelson Mandela's home.

We also visited the monument commemorating the 1976 Student Uprising:

We had lunch at the Sakhumzi Restaurant:

This is a popular place and was quite crowded. The food is served buffet style and the line was long. The closer we got to the food, the more people cut in front of me in line. Eventually, most of my group had filled their plates and were on their way back to the table. One of the last of my tour group, who was about seven or eight people ahead of me, reached through to take my arm and pull me up to where he was. I'd probably still be there... in line... had he not come to my aid.

This was my first full day in South Africa and I think my body was still adjusting to the time difference and the long flight.

Best/Worst?

I have been asked what was the highlight of my trip and wow! is that hard to answer. I saw so much natural beauty, so many incredible animals, met so many wonderful people - I am still in awe of South Africa. But if I had to choose just one experience, it would be the early morning walk with the lions on the Masuwe Estate near Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. We walked alongside three young males, ranging in age from 3 - 16 months... no leashes. We watched as the two in the photo above spotted a wart hog and encircled it - the warthog escaped... I don't think the lions were hungry, but were just doing what lions do. Later, we were allowed to hold the smallest cub for a few minutes. He weighed about 25 lbs and it was an amazing experience!

The level of crime in South Africa was probably the most surprising to me, even though I was expecting it somewhat. The security measures protecting virtually every home reminded me of Caracas, Venezuela when I was there in the early '90's. I know I could not live in such a constant state of fear/apprehension. I was fortunate to see South Africa through rose colored glasses, so to speak.... being on a carefully planned and guided tour, staying at the very best accommodations and generally being watched over the entire time I was there.

Would I go back? Yes! Would I recommend a tour of SA? Yes!

an amazing journey

I am back at home after spending a month in South Africa.... it was an unforgettable experience and I feel so fortunate to have traveled there and to have met so many wonderful people - fellow travelers and Safricans - they all are very special to me.

postcard from South Africa

I am having an amazing time in Africa/South Africa.... been to Botswana, Zimbabwe and am now back in South Africa - in Cape Town. More later...

zoom, zoom, zoom

Feeling listless and uninspired... and also as though I am standing on the tracks, just watching the train that is South Africa bearing down on me. Am I ready? I have no clue. I keep making lists and seem to be crossing things off as completed... but I have no confidence that, as the date of departure gets closer, I am prepared.

Summer

The first day of summer... and before this season ends, I will travel thousands of miles. Adventures await and I am anxious to begin.

One is a destination I have visited several times, although never alone.

Paradise... alone... on my birthday... sigh.

It's all about touching that flame in order to get the worst behind us, I suppose.

The next destination is vast, beautiful and mysterious... somewhere I have never been. I have several photography books on South Africa, but now I will see it with my own eyes... and my camera. I am as excited as I am nervous. What will I see, hear and feel?

Ah, summer - bring it on!