Rita speaks......

As with all of our trips, quite a bit of preparation time is required, for this one we needed some immunisation shots. Updating our Tetanus, Hep A&B, Typhoid and a supply of Malaria pills. Our GP also recommended a little Fist Aid kit and I was on it. Antibacterial wipes, bandages, cold & flue stuff etc. Who would have thought it would be needed the very first day of our being at the Safari Lodge. Our Ranger had told us that most of the trees and bushes have thorns so don't touch them and keep your arms inside of the jeep. After our first morning tour, Geoff wondered around the garden to take pictures of the Zebra grazing on the lawn as well as the Croc's in the pond and came back with a scratch on his upper arm with blood running down to his fingers. Out came the first air kit. Same day in the afternoon, Geoff stubbed his big toe on the bed post running to get to the phone, yes there was blood! During the afternoon safari, pretty sure he had already forgotten about the "do not lean out of the jeep" warning because he must have scratched the top of his head on a branch, there was blood ....but by the time we made it to our room, it was nicely dried and no need for the first aid kit anymore. We felt very secure and safe during our stay at both lodges. Only the signs about watching out for snakes and scorpions and what to do when being bitten made me nervous. I never left the room without my little flashlight at night, just wanted to know what I might be stepping on, luckily there were only frogs around, phew! The staff were extremely helpful and always smiling.  When Geoff spotted a flat tire on our rental car, the lodge mechanic guys fixed it in no time and were very happy with the tip he gave them. The food was good, nothing too fancy but always tasty and it choices changed every day. We had three full meals every day which was great, but with no exercise or even walking much I was starting to worry. I had totally underestimated the temperatures during the safari and disregarded my friend Susan's tip to bring a rain jacket (instead I packed another pair of shoes...!!) I was wearing layers every day and my $20 Costco fleece became my new best friend - my mistake. The whole experience of the safari was amazing. Our Ranger Mark was not only very knowledgeable but also had a great sense of humor and we enjoyed our two safari rides a day. Seeing the animals so close up and personal, I had not imagined it to be so vivid and was in awe. Every day we discovered something new and wild, Geoff was in his element taking many pictures and creating his blog. That part was a bit of a drama due to the limited internet availability, after all, we were in the middle of nowhere. It stressed Geoff that he could not "report" and download pictures every day and "Blogger-Boy" took hold of my husband. After six wonderful days and nights at the lodge we were ready for our next adventure and were looking forward to going to Knysna. The missing luggage part was a bit stressful for me, luckily not for long and I could change out of the pair of jeans that I stained with coffee that morning. Today, we have finished our first week in Cape Town, a beautiful city with great suburbs, lined with white sandy beaches AND a perfect internet connection in our fantastic apartment. We really enjoy this place, its spacious, has a great deck and after a long day of exploring we often find ourselves too tired to go out for dinner. So we enjoy some pasta or a salad along with a great bottle of South African wine out on the deck. Although I have to say, the restaurants are great, fantastic seafood and really affordable. Two starters, two mains, a bottle of water, a bottle of wine all for $80 including a 15% tip. Hopefully we will discover some more great restaurants over the next week. Very sad, Mandela died last week and we are right in the middle of it, as Cape Town was where he was released from Robben Island in 1990.  Its big news around the world, its HUGE here in South Africa. Everywhere people are dancing, singing, hugging and crying in the streets to celebrate their beloved Madiba's life. Books of condolences are available in many public places for people to pay their respects. I am sure we will continue to witness emotional times over the next days, it's very moving. We still have some sights to see, some places to visit and are excited about it. Both, Geoff and I are very happy we came to South Africa, it's a wonderful place, has lots to offer and much safer than we were made to believe. In about a week we will fly to Denmark to meet with my very excited parents for Christmas. We are looking forward to my Mom's Stollen, Christmas cookies and the Christmas Goose. We are committed to start our exercise regime right there!