Starting To Say Good Bye

                                    

Yesterday we spent the day watching the Royal Wedding of William & Kate.  Barbara & David invited several people to their suite at 10:00 in the morning to watch everyone arrive followed by the ceremony at 11:00.  Being British, and staunch Royalists, they were very excited about the marriage and wanted to share the experience.  We stayed for 2 hours then went to the “most traveled passengers” luncheon hosted by the captain.  At our table were Lance & Bill, Mark & Andrea and Michele…great table. When we got back they were just repeating what everyone had already seen.  That evening Barbara had a “farwell” party and invited about 20 people.  The choir had their final performance at 8:00 and sang "we'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when," there wasn’t a dry eye in the place.

Exactly 1 week from today we will be home...can't believe it.  Atmosphere on the ship has changed everyone is exchanging addresses, phone numbers & e-mail addresses.  Only one sea day left (Monday) then we will be in port every day until we leave in Rome.   I have packed 3/4 of one suitcase and Gary the same.  This isn't the fun part, especially trying to fit in 4 months of  souveniers.

Casablanca, Morocco

“You must remember this, a kiss is just a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh…”  Casablanca today is not the quaint provincial oasis of Bogart and Bacall.  It is a vigorous commercial giant and manufacturing center that has grown into one of Africa’s great cities; only Cairo is bigger.  And yet much of the old charm is still there if you know where to look.

The French government established a protectorate over all of Morocco in 1912, which lasted until 1956.  During that period, they greatly expanded education, communications and public welfare.  France was defeated in 1940 by Hitler’s Germany, and their colonies were administered by the Vichy regime; though officially neutral, Vichy was under Germany’s strong influence. The Casablanca conference between Churchill and Roosevelt took place here in January of 1943.  They planned the invasion of Sicily and southern Europe, and decided that the unconditional surrender of Germany was a basic condition of peace.  When the French withdrew from Morocco in 1956, they restored full control to the monarchy, and promised strong economic and diplomatic support.  Since that time the kingdom has become a strong force in arbitrating disputes for the international community.  Old and new seem to live as good neighbors in Casablanca. 

Because of the bombing in Marrakech we received a letter informing us that we maight not stop in Casablanca.  There are 150 people scheduled to take a tour to Marrakech which would be cancelled even if we do stop.  However, they have now said that we are going to dock there and have been warned to go in groups and to stay on the main streets in open areas.  Originally we were going to get a car and go to Rabat, but now we have decided to stay in Casablanca and go to the Medina (Kasbah).  The last time Gary & I were here we were very uncomfortable and felt threatened.  A few months later 9/11 happened.

We took the shuttle to town and went to the Medina.  They sell everything here, mainly caftans and artifacts of every kind.  Small wood carvings, silver bracelets, shoes (tons of shoes) and scarves.  We spent about 4 hours walking around then Gary & I headed back to the boat.  As you can see, we are back in Africa.

“Here’s looking at you , kid.”

Funchal, Madeira

Madeira and its little companion island, Purto Santo, were mentioned by the ancient Roman Author Pliny.  He know about the “Fortunate Isles,” which is what the Romans called the Canaries, and then described his mysterious “Purple Islands” as being about the right position for Madeira.  Madeira was largely left alone until more recent centuries.  Sailors from Genoa noted its position and moved on, but it was the Portuguese who reaped the reward of discovery. Prince Henry the Navigator sent many expeditions into the Atlantic in the early 15^th century and Madeira was one of his first prizes.

Grape vines were imported from Crete and Cyprus, and sugar cane from Sicily.  Many exotic plants were also introduced from ships returning from every corner of the globe.  Madeira grew into a semi-tropical paradise known as the “floating garden”.  The early colonists developed a complex irrigation system of water channels called “levadas,” which are still in use.  They carry water from the mountain tops through the terraced farms, to fields and villages further downhill.  These ingenious aqueducts assured that the local wine and sugar industries would be second to none.

We took the shuttle to town and what a breath of fresh air from the Ivory Coast.  The 6 of us walked all day and thoroughly enjoyed the island.  There were flowers everywhere and not a piece of paper on the ground.  We strolled along the marina, of course, looking at the sailboats.  The last time Gary and I were here, we met a couple that had a boat in the harbor.  They had a small kiosk on the dock selling pictures they had drawn.  The one we bought now hangs in our aft cabin on the boat.  We had lunch at a local restaurant and all had fresh fish along with wine from Madeira.  It rained for quite a while, which is common here, but most of the rain came while we were eating.  There were a lot of embroidery shops selling tablecloths, bed linens and place mats & napkins, all with beautiful patterns. Tonight we sail for Casablanca.   

Dakar, Senegal

The modern port of Dakar lies in one of the world’s most strategic locations.  It is the most westerly point in Africa, and commands the shipping lanes between Western Europe and Brazil or South Africa.  This part of West Africa is lush and green, with several important rivers in a small area.  In this land so close to the Sahara, everything of significance happens along the riverbanks.

The trade in slaves was the most lucrative part of their commerce.  More than 40 million people were eventually shipped to the Americas (mostly South America) from Goree and other ports.  The Ile de Goree, just off Dakar, was the site of one of the first French settlements in Africa and a slaving center from the early 19^th century.  The administrative capital of France’s West African colonial empire, Dakar was a trading site for gold, ivory & leather.

Goree is an attractive place today, with multi color houses from the 18^th century, set off by brightly painted doors and window frames.  Balconies and terraces are blanketed with lovely flowers of every color.  No motor vehicles are allowed on the island.  It is also possible to visit the Slave’s House, as well as the Fortress.  The Historical Museum does an impressive job of recalling the repugnant facts of the slave trade.

Not only were Gary & I here before and experienced the “Door of no Return” on Ile de Goree, but during my working days, my company did an entire program for school age children on the “Middle Passage.” Bill Pinkney, who was the captain of the sailboat that made the trip from Ile De Goree to Brazil, was also the captain of the replica of the Amistad, the infamous slave ship.

Eight of us took the shuttle to the market which is the drop-off place.  We walked around and found it less than endearing.  It is a very dangerous place and already we heard of one couple that had their camera stolen.  We took 2 taxi’s to a village close by and stayed there for about 1 ½ hours.  There was an abundance of leather goods, jewelry and, of course, wood carvings.  There were so many photo opportunities, but they wouldn’t let us take pictures and got very angry if we did.  We left at 9:00 and got back just after 1.  We went to the dining room, had lunch and Barbara, Tess and I went off the ship to look at the crafts set up next to the ship.  Found much of the same we had already seen and I came back after a few minutes. 

The ship leaves Dakar at 5:00 and will pass Ile de Goree on our starboard side.  Once we clear the Bay of Goree, we will alter course to a northerly heading. Tomorrow we will be parallel to the Mauritania coast on our way to Madeira.  Madeira will be very welcome after the Ivory Coast.

Along The Way

We have only 2 weeks before our voyage comes to an end.  Our trip has taken us to some of the most interesting and exotic ports and we have seen many fascinating sights on this journey around the world. We have often said that it’s not the places you have visited but the people you meet along the way.  We have made some great friends since leaving Florida in January, some we met in 2008 and those we met on this cruise.

We met Anna and Joaquin (above) through Barbara & David.  They met last year on the Aurora and became friends.  We took to them immediately and have enjoyed their company immensely.  Joaquim is Spanish and Anna is from the Netherlands. They live in Barcelona and promised that, when we dock, they will take us to the best restaurant for Paella (sp). They leave the ship in Barcelona.

Andrea & Mark (above) are from Scottsdale, Arizona.  They were both in the medical profession but are now retired. They are a great couple and a lot of fun.  Their cabin is a few doors down from ours.  It would be nice to continue our friendship.  My cousin also has a home in Scottsdale, maybe we will visit. 

Barbara and David (above) are from England but live in Cypress for 6 months each year.  David still works but is trying to sell his business.  They did a world cruise last year although on another ship, The Aurora. She is a darling lady and we have enjoyed their company.

Carol (above) is a terrific lady that grew up a block from Gary.  She’s a Chicagoan and has a daughter in Highland Park.  She was kind enough to lend us her overnight case to take on safari.  It will be nice to have to have dinner when we are home and reminisce about this glorious trip.

Sonia (below) is another wonderful lady that was born in Casablanca but now resides in Canada.  She hasn’t been back to Morocco in 35 years and, on this trip, we will be in Morocco in less than a week. We exercise at the same time and see each other every morning.  I hope we will see her again.

We met Lance and Bill (below) on our trip in 2008.  We only spoke once during that entire cruise and only said “hello” when passing in town or on the ship.  We got to know each other on this trip and found that we missed a lot 3 years ago.  They have become great friends and Lance even loaned us his camera when we went on safari.  They live in Southern Illinois very near St. Louis.

Michele (below) is the Hotel Manager on the ship.  We met him during our stop in Equador and have been close since then.  Both he and Gary are motorcycle enthusiasts and Gary took to him immediately. He is has been a wonderful friend and we will miss him very much.

Tema, Ghana

Before 1961 Tema was just a small fishing village but then the powers that be decreed that it would become Ghana’s principal economic harbor, putting the most modern facilities within reach of Accra, the capital. Nearly everything about Ghana is spectacular.  It is one of those places in Africa where people have always wanted to live.  The oldest pottery in the area dates from as early as 4000 B.C.  From the earliest times, life here has seen the extremes of good and bad in human experience. For a relatively small place, Ghana has made a huge impact on the outside world.  From floods of gold, to appeals for freedom and harmony, the people of Ghana have contributed to a more vigorous cosmos.  It’s no accident that they are proud to show their land to others.

Eight of us hired a car to take us to Accra.  It is 20 miles from the ship and took us 2 hours in a van with no air conditioning.  The temperature was about 100 and we were all wringing wet and frustrated by the time we got there.  Barbara wanted to go shopping, but Gary & couldn't bear the thought of standing in those kiosks for 3 hours, after that awful drive, looking for African shirts & wood carvings.  The roads are dirt and in disrepair and the people we saw were living in abject poverty. There is also a big presence of Yellow Fever both here and in Togo.

We saw a casket maker that makes caskets in various shapes & sizes.  For instance, if someone had always wanted to fly, the casket would be in the shape of an airplane.  We saw a cow, a coke bottle, a fish, a lobster, a pineapple & a truck – all caskets. Very strange! We decided to go back to the ship but stopped at a lovely hotel en route to get a coke. We now have 2 days at sea before reaching Dakar, Senegal.  This evening we head westerly and will parallel The Ivory Coast.

Lome, Togo

Lome is the capital and largest city of Togo.  It is located on the Gulf of Guinea and is the country’s administrative and industrial center and its chief port.  The city exports coffee, cocoa, copra and palm kernels.  It also contains an oil refinery. Some of the most popular tourist attractions are the Grand Market and the Voodoo (Fetish) Market.

Eight of us took the shuttle to town and walked around the market.  We had no desire to see the voodoo ceremony where they cut the head off a chicken.  The Fetish Market specializes in the traditional ingredients used by sorcerers, including porcupine skin, wart hog teeth and bird skulls. I found out later from someone who went to the Voodoo village, that it was very put-on and no chicken had his head cut off.   It was about 100 degrees in the shade and we couldn’t wait to get back to the ship.  I did buy another mask and now have one from Indonesia & one from Africa.

At Sea

Tonight (Saturday) we have the “Chef’s Dinner.”  It will be an elegant dining experience with Master chef, Alfredo Marzi and 12 other passengers.  He is a graduate of “L’Ecole Culinaire Francaise August Escoffier,” the most respected Culinary Academy in Paris and has supervised official banquets honoring Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, King Umberto of Italy, President George Bush, Sr., Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi and Princess Ubolratana of Thailand.  The evening begins with appetizers and champagne in the Galley with dinner being served in the Steak House Restaurant.  I'm sure I will gain another 5 pounds. Can't believe we will be home exactly 3 weeks from today. 

Walvis Bay, Namibia

Walvis Bay is a city in Namibia and is also the name of the bay on which it lies.  It is in the Kuiseb River delta and lies at the end of the TransNamib Railway to Windhoek.  The coastline was home to small groups of Khoikhoi (Topnarars) and the Aoni for thousands of years.  It was discovered by the western world in 1487 when the Portuguese navigator, Bartholomeu Dias, anchored here while searching for a sea route to the East.  It was three centuries after Dias dropped anchor in the bay that North American and European whalers, in the 1780s, began utilizing Walvis Bay as a hunting ground for whales.  Walvis Bay, with its large bay and sand dunes, is also the tourism activity center of Namibia.  Tourist attractions include the artificial Bird Island, the salt works, the birdlife and a small historical museum.

Walking through the town we found very little to attract tourists.  The wood carvings are in some of the shops, but the shops are scarce and lack quality.  We went in with both David & Barbara & but separated along the way.   I had my nails polished ($3.00) and David had a haircut.  Gary and I hired a taxi to take us to a lagoon that attracted flamingos & pelicans.  Took some pictures and then found a restaurant called “The Raft,” that was built in the water.  We had fish for lunch then headed back to the ship. The last two haven’t been our most interesting ports.  We now have a welcome 4 days at sea.  Check out the safari pictures I have just imported.  Have I mentioned that I took those photos?  

Luderitz, Namibia

Set along the foggy desert coast of Namibia, the picturesque town of Luderitz looks like something right out of Bavaria or the Rhineland. Yet it is truly an African port, and the German style of the local architecture has much to say about its origins.  Before the Europeans came, the southern part of Namibia was inhabited largely be the Namas people.  The Namas are still very resourceful at finding and producing food in a land which lacks everything.  They had no interest in ocean travel, and little contact with outsiders, especially from the sea.  Dangerous rocks and poor visibility along the beach have given the grim title “Skeleton Coast” to a long part of this shoreline. The peak of excitement for Luderitz came in 1908 when diamonds were discovered on the outskirts of the city. Many of the most sumptuous buildings in the city date from this period, when easy wealth demanded showy display.  Pretty churches were built alongside half-timbered houses, with gingerbread decorations. It all came to an end when geologists discovered that most diamonds were actually much further south. The attractive buildings remained in a short of cultural limbo until the recent development of tourism.

There were 9 of us this morning and we all walked into town after breakfast at about 8:30.  It is a lovely town though not much to see or do.  The most impressive sights are the beautifully colored buildings and the architecture.  The street are all dirt and very hilly.  We walked around for 3 hours and stopped for coffee/tea.  Our ship was leaving at 1:30 so we had to be back early.  By 11:30 we were ready to come back & have lunch.  Tomorrow we are in Walvis Bay which is similar in interest but larger. The picture from left to right: David D., me, Anna, Joaquim, Barbara, Tess, David & John (Gary took the picture).  

Cape Town

People call Cape Town one of the world’s most beautiful and most livable cities.  It is also a microcosm of South African history, and a unique world unto itself.   The city of Cape Town remains the cradle city of the nation, and one of the most scenic places on the globe.  Table Mountain is a stunning landmark, which has become a symbol of the whole region.  Views from there reward the visitor with an appreciation of the city, the shoreline and the pounding Atlantic.  The Castle of Good Hope was built between 1666 and 1679, making it the country’s oldest monument.  The original mud-walled enclosure was replaced by the stone fortress seen today.  Greenmarket Square is a picturesque part of the central city.  Cobblestones and narrow streets create the feeling of an old world village.  The city park known as the Gardens actually grew out of the “Company’s Gardens” – the old farming zone for the Dutch East India Company.  Today it is managed by the National Botanical Institute.  Wherever you look in Cape Town, you see the very diverse roots of a fascinating cultural mix. 

In the morning we went  with friends, Andrea & Mark, and spent the day walking around and having the  traditional South African dish, Bumbund, for lunch.  This time it was served correctly and was absolutely delicious. This is our third time here and we already experienced Table Mountain (one of the oldest in the world) and went to Cape Point at Cape Horn (where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic).  I believe one of the pictures earlier on this blog has a picture of Gary & I at Cape Point (under the “some pictures” heading). Our Friends from Barcelona, Anna & Joaquim, invited us for drinks during the sailaway along with Andrea & Mark and a few others.  How different it is to be back on the ship after being in the bush with wild animals for 5 days. 

There were three stops the ship made on the east coast before docking in Cape Town.  After Mozambique, it went to Durban, Richards Bay and East London.  Unfortunately, the weather was very rough and they had to pass up Richards Bay.  Hated to miss Durban & Mozambique as we have friends there that we met in 2008. 

Safari - Day 6, Monday

We were able to do the 6 am drive as our ride to the airport won’t arrive until 9:25.  Service found more leopard tracks and thinks she had a kill.  We tracked it for about ½ hour and found the kill.  It was an impala that has been killed by the leopard but was now being eaten by a Hyena.  Apparently, when dragging it up the tree, the leopard dropped it and the Hyena got there first.  There must have been a struggle as the Hyena was badly scratched.  However, it was able to steal the dead impala.  It was a young male.  We drove a short distance when we came upon 2 giraffes, a mother with her daughter, they were really beautiful.  After a while, we went back to look for the leopard and found him.  It was a young male and was just gorgeous.  Got some great pictures.  While heading back we came across a Rock Monitor Lizard, it was huge.  He slithered into the water before we could get a good picture, but I did get his head popping up.

From what we’ve been told, Leopards are very elusive and therefore extremely hard to find.  We have been very fortunate to have seen one every day.

Our ride was on time and have about a 3 hour ride back to Kruger International for our flight to Cape Town where we will meet the ship.  It’s a fabulous city and one of our favorites.  We landed around 4:00 and got to the ship between 5:30 & 6:00. The ship stays there overnight then leaves at 6:00 pm on the 12^th.  By the time we got to the ship we were totally exhausted and decided not to go out to dinner.  We have been at Simbambili for 4 full days and it seems like only 1.  Time has really flown and it will seem strange being back on the ship after such an adventure.  We have seen the most incredible things and have had the most wonderful time.  Our accommodations far surpassed our expectations and seeing the animals was a dream come true.  The entire trip has been like living National Geographic.  Did I mention that I took these pictures? 

We have one day at sea before reaching Luderitz and the next day Walvis Bay, Namibia.  After that a welcome 4 days at sea.

Safari - Day 5, Sunday

Got our wake-up knock at 5:15 and were in the Land Cruiser at by 5:50.  It was very cold this morning and we all used the blankets.  We saw about 4 Rhinos but they were all lying down.  We told them to stand so we could get a decent picture, but they refused.  Never argue with a tired Rhino.  Service found some male lion tracks but we never found him.  The males were very elusive.   On each drive, in the morning we stopped the vehicle and had hot coffee, tea or cocoa along with a snack.  On the evening drives we would have drinks & snacks.  We saw several young male elephants, a Rhino, Antelope a hyena and various birds. 

 After breakfast Gary took a dip in our, very cold, pool and I packed as tomorrow we will leave after the morning run. We have had the time of our lives and hate to see our time at Simbambili come to an end.  We still have our 4:00 drive this afternoon.

We came across a single Rhino and this time were very close.  Service said that there was another leopard kill and we went to find it.  After a few minutes we found it, it was a male Kudu (like an Antelope) drapped over a tree limb.  After waiting several minutes the leopard never came.  Imagine the strength it takes to pull an impala or Kudu  all the way up a tree.  We also saw some Zebra while stopped for a drink, but it was after dark. 

 Our dinner was in the smaller Bama.  This time the tables were in a semi-circle with the fire in the center.  Dinner was a choice of Kudu or chicken with Butternut soup and for dessert, vanilla cream Brule or ice cream. We had already packed between drives in the afternoon so all we have to do after the morning drive is pay, tip and pack our cameras & jackets.

Got our wake-up knock at 5:15 and were in the On our night drive we went to the pond behind the lodge where there were a herd of African Water Buffalo.  Liam said the lion pride was very close and they would probably come after the baby buffalo.  I really didn’t want to see that but we waited there for a while then went on. 

Did I mention that I took these pictures?

Safari - Day 4, Saturday

For some reason I woke up at 4:00 am for our 5:40 morning coffee/tea. We left promptly at 6:00 and didn’t get more than 1 city block from the lodge when we found an impala that had just been killed hanging from a tree.  After a few minutes, the leopard that had killed her came back. It was what we came to see and we weren’t disappointed. It was the most amazing thing I had ever experienced.  We sat there for about 45 minutes taking tons of pictures.  Hyenas came for their share but had no luck. 

We left the leopard after a while and camp upon a pride of female lions along with one with cubs.  They were about 2 years old and absolutely gorgeous.  Also stayed there for about 45 minutes taking pictures.  Its amazing that we can pull up right next to these magnificent creatures and they just ignore us.  

 

We saw another leopard walking down the road in front of us.  During breakfast, upon our return, a monkey came into the lodge and stole an orange.  She was carrying a baby and we were able to get pictures once she settled on a wall close by.  After breakfast we went for a walk with Liam & Service through the brush.  they identified various trees, leaves, flowers & insects.  We even saw red mistletoe.  Afterwards, we relaxed on our daybed outside and watched the monkeys & birds in the trees off our deck.  A couple of Vervet monkeys even jumped on the deck while we were there.  What a day!  

On the 4:00 drive, we were able to get more leopard pictures and apparently the female we saw earlier had moved her kill.  It was there when we left but when we came back it was gone.  We saw 3 Zebras farther out that wouldn’t come too close and went into the brush. After dark, Liam turned off the motor in the middle of a clearing and identified some of the constellations. We saw the Southern Cross tonight and learned how to locate due south.  We saw practically every star in the sky, it was awesome. Did I mention that I took these pictures?

Safari - Day 3, Friday

Just as they said, our wake-up knock was at 5:15.  We had to be at the main building by 5:40 for coffee/tea, fruit or biscotti.  Our ranger’s name is Liam and our Tracker is named “service.”  We drove through the brush and found an elephant, a chameleon, several giraffes a vulture, a wildebeast and many impalas.  In fact, there was a female impala right outside our front door that stayed the entire morning,  She was beautiful.  I have wanted to see the animals almost my entire life and can’t believe where I am and what I saw.

 It has been very cool here in the evening and early morning.  I have been layered with, t-shirt, thin sweater, UV protected shirt & a North Face fleece.  Also my Tilley hat has been just wonderful.  There are blankets and ponchos always in the vehicle.  We had breakfast upon our return, at 9:00 and the rest of the time we could relax until lunch at 2:00.  We are not allowed to walk out of our cottage alone in the early morning or the evening – the animals are all around.  Afternoons we can walk unescorted.  During the day we would charge our batteries, check our pictures and relax on our deck.  Our deck is high enough where we can see monkeys preening each other in a tree just in front of us.  They’re little thieves, though, and all the doors, glass doors to the deck in our room and the bathroom, along with the front door, must be locked at all times.  The monkeys outside of our room were white with black faces and are called “Vervet.”  On our 4:00 drive we saw a leopard but could not get a good picture.  Also saw some water buffalo but it was too dark to photograph. Came back with just enough time to put our things away & have dinner.  We ate outside at the big “Bama” (an outdoor barbecue).  Our tables were in a single line in front of a huge bonfire inside a wooden fence.  Dinner was buffet style consisting of chicken, lamb stew, roasted vegetables, corn on the cob & the best sweet potatoes.  It was really wonderful.  Did I mention that I took these pictures?

Safari - Day 2, Thursday

We had breakfast at 7:00 and were picked up around 7:45 for our drive to The Simbambili Game Reserve.  The drive would take about 3 hours but we had a wonderful tour while en route.  We drove from 8 in the morning until 3 in the afternoon.  We were on the top of a Mountain viewing from “God’s Window,” and afterwards we went to Blyde Canyon (3^rd largest in the world).  From there we went to two waterfalls, Lisbon & Berlin.   

 We went through small villages and stopped at Harries Pancakes to have lunch.  Everything there was wrapped in a pancake and we wanted to try a traditional South African dish.   We ordered Bumbund (pronounced Bumbundi), but it came in a pancake which is not the traditional way it’s served.  It’s kind of a hamburger mixture with curry added and is supposed to have an egg on top and served with rice.  Anyway, we continued on our sightseeing drive and made a couple of more stops.  It was a great tour, we saw a lot.

We arrived at Simbambili around 3 and were promptly served lunch.  We only had time to drop off our bags and sit down to eat.  Simbambili is located at the far northern edge of Kruger in Sabi Sands.  We will stay 4 nights .  There were only accommodations for 8 couples and everyone had their own cottage, which, I might add were spectacular.  We had a king-size bed (complete with mosquito netting), a wardrobe, a desk and a chaise and a long waist size bench at the entrance in one room.  The bathroom had a huge oval bathtub, a separate shower (with no walls), a vanity, two sinks and a separate room for the toilet.  All in stone, including the floor & walls.  We had a deck the length of the room complete with a queen size day bed, a small pool and two lounge chairs.  All in the open overlooking the brush and a small clearing where we could see the animals.  The main building was all open, also all in stone, and overlooked a large pond, which was lit at night, that attracted the animals.  We were in awe!

 After our 3:00 lunch we went on our first drive.  The vehicle was a Toyota Land Cruiser that had been custom equipped for the bush.  We could have gone up the side of a mountain and almost did a couple of times.  It sat 11 including the ranger/driver.  In the very front of the vehicle sat our tracker perched on a single fold-down seat.  There were 3 rows of seats in the vehicle that graduated from low to high.  We never had more than 6 people with us at any drive with
Gary & I being 2 and 2 other couples making up the 6.  We were lucky, on our first drive, which was upon our arrival at 4:00, we saw an elephant with her newborn baby, a warthog, a giraffe and a rhino.  We couldn’t believe how close we were able to get to them.  It was so exciting!

We got back at 7:10 and tried to unpack before dinner at 7:45.  Everyone eats together so we can’t be late for any meal.  Dinner was a choice of impala or chicken and we tried both.  The impala was very gamey and we didn’t care for it.  During dinner, at the watering hole in front of the main building, we saw a Rhinoceros.  Too bad it was too dark to get a picture We got to bed after 10 and were told that they would knock on our door at 5:15 am. 

We were exhausted, but at the same time exhilarated.  What an experience!