... South Africa

Vacations are nice. Vacations with friends are even better. Vacations with friends in remote safari locations under luxurious conditions are just a once in a lifetime thing.


In just a few short weeks, I will be toting my passport and malaria medication and heading to South Africa- with a quick dip through England to see Anne and Ryan. Shortly after arriving in Johannesburg and meeting Catherine, we board another plane for Cape Town, commonly regarded as one of the worlds most beautiful cities. We are fortunate in that Cathy's mother and aunt own properties locally that we'll be able to visit. And by properties I mean these. Mouth watering yet?

We then leave Cape Town for the bush. The family property is located near the Kruger National Park and from my understanding is pristine Safari land. I'm told sighting wild animals (yes Lions) will be a regular occurrence that I will learn to grow accustomed to. As the foreigner at the camp, giving Cathy her much anticipated home court advantage, I'm expecting to be pushed to see what I can withstand in terms of these sightings. I hear such stories of Cathy's father finding pleasure in rattling family and guests by putting them in dangerous situations that, I confess, even I am a little nervous.

As a surprise event, Cathy's brother has announced he will be getting married while we are there. I even get to experience an African Wedding.

I anticipate this to be a time of relaxation. I plan to read, photograph, laugh, and be constantly amazed at the new world I'm encountering. After living with a South African for four years in college, working for a South African company for five years after college, and having a South African as one of my close friends for who knows how long.... I've pretty much come to believe that this land is heaven on earth.

The trip will be from June 29th through July 17th. I don't anticipate being able to blog while I'm there, but will definitely update you as to my findings, and photographs, upon my return. Until then...