Billy put together a little video of our flights...enjoy!!

We've arrived at the airport - Newark - checked in and are waiting to board!

Jen says that is is proper flight etiquette NOT to eat Cool Ranch Doritos before a long flight...especially if sitting next to her!

Keep your fingers crossed that we make our connection to Jo'Burg!

Later - Hakuna Matata!

Well, we're off on our adventure in @7 hours! Just to make sure that a certain Parisian is very clear on one issue - we will miss you terribly! :( Of course, you could always meet us in Jozi, you know! :) It 's going to take some work breaking in a new guide!

...and to all of our past travelers - we will miss you all, as well! Please keep up with us as we explore South Africa. Leave us some comments, too! You will be with us in spirit! :)

Stay tuned!

:)

Well, we have less than 29 hours until we depart, but who's counting?! :) These are our luggage tags and the sentiment expressed is what I hope for the trip - No Worries! But, if there is a little diversion in our schedule, I also hope these words of flexibility will prevail! Life's too short to not take advantage of unplanned opportunities!

Johannesburg/Jo'Burg/Jozi - the population of the largest city in South Africa is almost 4 million and we plan on adding 21 to that for a few days, as least! I, for one, expect to experience as much of the culture as possible...possibly even tasting some chakalaka! When we arrive on Wednesday, the weather is expected to be partly sunny with temps running from a high of 60 degrees F and a low of...37 degrees! Layer, people! Thursday - sunny with temps about the same. Our hotel is in the Gauteng district, the shopping capital of Africa, offering lots of opportunities to separate one's self from one's money!

(Diamond Alert, Doug!) Gold was discovered in the 1800's catapulting this area from a dusty settlement to a major financial global force. I am certain that many of us will be adding to their financial status while dissipating our own! Hakuna matata! Stay tuned...we're almost there! Yea!

Capetown...Kaapstad (Afrikaans)...iKapa (Xhosa) ...any way you say it, it is totally awesome! Capetown represents a multitude of cultural influences, including Indonesian, French, Dutch, British and German settlers, the local Bushman and Hottentot tribes and the Bantu tribes from the north...and now our group from New Jersey will have the privilege of experiencing this range of cultures, too!

Our own photos will be posted upon our arrival later in our journey. Johannesburg is our first stop! A little bit about that tomorrow...

Below you will find the "posts" I thought I was making but, in actuality they were comments! What a riot! Good thing I have a highly developed sense of humor, huh?! ...and, before he comments, I will warn all followers, that my son-in-law (whom I adore, BTW!) will have something to add about this little mistake I have made! :) Either way - PLEASE click on the video below!

I'm already packing!
June 20, 2009 2:05 PM
Vernoy said...
Only 80 hours until we depart for our flight to London and we then have exactly 1 hour and 5 minutes to catch our flight to Johannesburg! Yikes! So...please hope for NO DELAYS in our flight out of Newark! I have visions of a "Home Alone" run through Heathrow Airport to catch that flight - the last one of the day! But, hey...hakuna matata - it'll all be good! It's an adventure, after all! Back to packing...
June 26, 2009 5:39 PM
Vernoy said...
Please listen to this amazing video...Thanks to Patti for sharing this link! Unbelievable and it managed to get me even more excited about our trip! Woo-hoo! http://videos.komando.com/2009/06/18/african-thunderstorm/

(Those of you "in the know" about these blogs may notice that I am posting comments on my own blog...pretty hilarious, huh?!) :) Life is good!

8 days...

I honestly thought I would get some serious packing done this weekend but it just didnt happen! Not to worry - I work best under pressure! :)

Meanwhile, check out Tina breaking in her new hiking boots in 95 degree weather!

8 days...

YEA!!!!!!!!!

10 Days and counting....

For over a year we have planned and discussed and shopped and waited for June 30, 2009 and now it is almost here! Our group of 21 leaves for South Africa next Tuesday, flying to London first and then on to Johannesburg for our adventures! We will be on safari in Kruger National Park (Edeni), visiting Soweto, Blyde River Canyon, Capetown and a whole myriad of things, all of which are very exciting! Stay tuned...