I don’t even know if I can remember everything we did today. We started out with a traditional Parisian breakfast at a sidewalk cafe. (Lots of bread!) Then we went to Notre Dame Cathedral and the Palace of Justice. Then we stopped for a cappuccino at another sidewalk café. Then we went to the Flower Market. It was so peaceful. Then we went to the Louvre. (Although, we didn’t go through it; only inside of it.) One of the things we learned on our boat tour yesterday was that if you took one minute to view each piece of art in the Louvre, it would take four months to see everything!!! There was a little mall/arcade attached. We went to the Fossil store and Jennifer bought a charm bracelet and some charms. I bought a cappuccino charm to commemorate our trip.

From there we walked through the Tuileries. This is about 16 kilometers of green lawns, flowers, ancient trees, fountains and marble statues. It was our favorite part of the whole trip. For starters, we sat beside a huge fountain and had quite the Zen moment. It was overcast. There were birds landing in the water. There was a cool breeze and it caught the spray from the fountain and gently sprinkled our faces. Children were giggling beside us. We could have stayed there all day.

The second best moment of the day was when we had lunch in the middle of the Tuileries beside a pond. To be honest, the Tuileries is the only reason I can see that people would adore Paris so much. Everything else is just stinky and dirty. I just don’t get it. But, this place made it all worthwhile.

From there, we went to a Parfum Museum and took a tour. It was really fascinating and we learned everything we would ever want to know about perfume. (Then they tried to sell us a bunch of perfume.) After that, we went to a place called “St. Paul Village,” which is a three-block radius of antique shops. Unfortunately, most of them were already closed and the ones that weren’t, were exorbitantly expensive.

By this time is was 7:00 at night and we needed to make our way back toward home via a few more Metro connections. I wish I could describe how disgusting the Metro stations are. Let me just say, and again, I’m not exaggerating, there are narrow trough-like channels alongside the walkways and stairs. And, people urinate and defecate in them. And, you can actually see it!!! Poor Jennifer, with her finely-tuned sense of smell.

We got back to the hotel room and I took a hot bath and then a cold shower. My body was dripping with sweat but my feet and legs were aching. I couldn’t decide which one I wanted, so I did both.

Tomorrow, we will catch a morning cab to the Paris train station. Then, we will take the Eurostar train to St. Pancras train station in London. Then, we will go beneath the station and catch a 60-minute subway ride to Heathrow airport. We will arrive below the airport and make our way to our terminal. Our plane leaves at 3:15 and arrives DFW at 7:20.

It will be beyond words wonderful to get home. I have missed my children so much and I never want to leave again. I will be home tomorrow. Wow, that feels good to be able to type. I’m already home in my heart.

To view photos from this trip, visit my Facebook Page.

We found a sidewalk café and Jennifer had a delicious toasted ham and cheese sandwich and a chocolate/banana crepe. It looked and smelled divine. From there, we took a boat tour along the Seine River. It was very relaxing and gave us a nice overview. After that, we walked along the Seine until it started sprinkling.

We hopped in a cab and went to the Arc de Triumphe. What a massive piece of architecture. We headed out from there down the Champs Elysees. It is kind of like the Rodeo Drive of Paris so we didn’t actually do any shopping. But, we did stop for juice and tea. By that time it was already dusk so we headed back to the hotel via the Metro. Oh my goodness, who knew rush hour was at 8:00 at night?! It was so crowded that the doors of the subway closed and my backpack was stuck, hanging out of the train. I had to take it off in case it caught on something and ripped my arms off. Thankfully, some Parisian knew how to manually open the doors.

But, he wasn’t nice about it. We only got disgusting looks from all around. I’ll have to say, most of the people have not been particularly nice. I mean, who can cut off a blind woman just to get in a door first?! And, the stations all reek of urine! And, the streets are stinky. And, the city is dirty. And the buildings are dreary. I love England sooooo much better. I just don’t see the attraction for Paris. Maybe it is the food. Or the museums. I surely don’t know.

To view photos from this trip, visit my Facebook Page.

After the session, Jennifer finally had Fish and Chips. She’s been talking about doing that since we arrived. Her verdict...they were good but not worth the fried part. (She’s obviously not been raised in the South.)

Next, we went to our afternoon sessions. My teacher choreographs words like dance movements. Beautiful. But, I can’t say that his content is what it was billed to be. He has yet to talk about how the character “Ungit” in “Till We Have Faces” represents the unconditional love of God. Which is the reason I signed up for this class.

Since, I wanted to see if I could get to that point, I asked if I could have 20 minutes to talk with him after class. He said he was having dinner with Larry Crabb and I could join them because he was going to talk about “Ungit” with him. I thoroughly enjoyed the dinner conversation but, again, he never got around to the representation of the unconditional love of God part. Bummer.

I quickly rushed from dinner to a Dance performance called, “The Bread of Life.” It was a cross between ballet and modern dance. It was stirring but I don’t think I understood much of the symbolism. My guess is, about 75% of it went over my head. (Or, perhaps, it went into my head, which was the actual problem.)

I spent much of the day attempting to get on a flight home tomorrow. I’ve had enough deep thinking and intellectual discussion. I’m ready to come home and just be with my kids. Alas, it just wasn’t possible. Too few seats. Too late. And too costly. So...I came up with Plan B. Believe it or not, for less than $400 a person, Jennifer and I can go and stay in Paris until our regularly scheduled flight on Thursday afternoon! How cool is that? Not as cool as coming home...but a close second.

To view photos from this trip, visit my Facebook Page.

The remainder of the day was spent in Ely. We bussed over to the little village then had lunch outside Ely Cathedral. Unfortunately, most of the shops were closed. But, it was the prettiest day, yet, so we enjoyed the outdoor café and walking around. We attended the Evensong service. It was very High Church. I enjoyed the unique experience but the content put me to sleep.

To view photos from this trip, visit my Facebook Page

After the tour, we found a place for dinner/high tea. (It really is a full meal.) We had some time to stall before the evening session so we walked around some more and sat at another sidewalk café.

In tonight’s session, the producer of the movie, “Amazing Grace” spoke and showed Behind-the-Scenes footage of the movie. It is about William Wilberforce who is the man behind the abolition of slavery in Britain. I can’t wait to rent to movie. It was fascinating!

To view photos from this trip, visit my Facebook Page.

Immediately following the morning session, we took a cab to The Kilns, which is where C.S. Lewis lived. We sat in the common room with a man named, Kim, who knows anything and everything you would ever want to know about all things Lewis. The more I hear about him, the smaller I feel. His writings were truly just the beginnings of his greatness. He inspires me. Humbles me. And gives me new heights and depths to pray for.

After our tour, we went punting. Which means we got in a little both, similar to a canoe, and a young man took a gigantic pole and stuck it in the bottom of the river and pushed us along. Peaceful is the best word to describe the experience. We even came within touching distance of swans.

Tonight we went to the Sheldonian Theater, which is stunningly gorgeous, and heard the Oxford Chamber Orchestra. It was magnificent. They even played my all-time favorite piece, “Gabriel’s Oboe.” It made me cry it was so beautiful. London’s premiere oboe player played the piece.

Tomorrow, we catch a bus for Cambridge. I’m going to bed now so I can get up early to pack. I am going to miss this city but I do hope to come back someday. I have always felt a special connection to England in my bones. This trip has only reinforced that feeling a million times over.

To view photos from this trip, visit my Facebook Page.

Then, we went to our separate workshops. I am learning a lot from mine. Today a gentlemen spoke on “C.S. Lewis as a Communicator.” I really want to apply some of the principles to my speaking and writing. After our workshops, we came back to Keble College for an earlier dinner in the grand dining hall.

Jennifer and I decided to skip the evening program, which was an English Country Dance. She spent the evening in her room and I spent the next three hours walking by myself. So far, it has been the highlight of my trip. First, I walked down to the town hall because Steve wanted me to see where the dance was being held. It really was exquisite inside. Then, I walked to the Oxford Botanic Gardens. Then, I walked all around Addison’s Walk. Personally, this is the single most beautiful site I’ve ever seen on earth. All along this gorgeous trail are overhanging trees with a river on my left and a meadow with romping deer on my right. There are cathedrals on the horizon and English gardens at eye level. I took a million pictures. But, they will not be able to capture the beauty. I could go there everyday and never get tired of it.

By this time the sun was going down as I walked back into town toward St. Ebbe’s Church. This is the church where the couple from the book, “A Severe Mercy,” attended. Unfortunately, it was closed by the time I got there. I took back roads and passages home and by the time I arrived back at the room, it was dark.

To view photos from this trip, visit my Facebook Page.

Last night was the opening session of the conference. It was very High Church. Lots of liturgy and repetitive standing and sitting. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Today was the first full day. The first speaker was Os Guinness. I have NEVER heard a more brilliant man. Oh my goodness. He will be a legend (more than he is already.)

Jennifer and I skipped out on the second session (it sounded too pedantic) for more shopping! We went to a covered market and then to a really cool store called, “Lush.”

We both enjoyed our afternoon sessions. Hers was at The Kilns where C.S. Lewis lived) and was called, “Remembering Lewis.” There will be speakers who actually knew “Jack” who will come and share personal stories. She is in Heaven. Mine was called, “Unveiling Ungit” and it is a discourse on his book, “Till We Have Faces.” The teacher is very impressed with himself and super confident (to put it lightly) but that is also what makes him a very interesting speaker. It feels like I am learning a foreign language but it is also opening up a whole new world. I am also in Heaven.

Tonight was incredible. It was a “Reader’s Theater” version of the off-broadway play, “Freud’s Last Session.” It is an imaginary meeting between Sigmund Freud and C.S. Lewis. I learned so much about both of them and was captivated. I LOVED it!!!!

To view photos from this trip, visit my Facebook Page.

We stopped in little shops along the way. We found a millenary shop that had hats like the one in the Royal Wedding. And, we found a tea shop where I bought some tea and some raw sugar with ginger. Then, we stopped and had tea again. (And Jennifer had scones.)

Then, we did something really fun...we had a fish pedicure! I saw it on Amazing Race last year. It is a salon where you sit in chairs and hang your feet into an aquarium and the feet swim around and eat the dead skin off your feet! It felt like tickly bubbles but our feet were really soft afterwards!

Then, we went to Whole Foods Market and got Jennifer some fresh fruit on our way back to the Tube and then the long bus ride home again and then jaunt back to Keble College, where we are staying. We didn’t get back in our rooms until 10:00. It is now after midnight. (I am still on States time.)

To view photos from this trip, visit my Facebook Page.

Safari Day Three

It has been a very long 29-hour day of traveling. I woke up at 5:00. Coffee at 6:15. Dawn game drive at 6:30. Back at 10:00. Scarfed down a croissant and cheese, checked out and on the road for the 90-minute drive to the Hoedspruit airport. Waited at the tiny airport for 2 hours before boarding my 60-minute flight to Johannesburg. Landed and had a 4-hour layover. Boarded for the 11-hour flight to London. Had another 4-hour layover before my 10-hour flight to DFW. 60 minutes in customs, 30 minutes to Lantana and now 5 minutes away from a long, hot shower!

Allow me to fill in a few details. After rising early to pack, I put on my morning “safari costume,” which consisted of a turtleneck, Haven’s Northface coat and windbreaker, Jennifer’s wool socks, and Ney’s safari vest and hat. I met my four new Australian friends for coffee and we were snuggled up in the Land Rover with our hot water bottles and blankets by daybreak.

Within minutes we were greeted by a handful of elephants. Apparently, one of them woke up on the wrong side of the road because he was very grumpy about us interrupting his breakfast. As we tried to pass, he kept trumpeting his trunk until we finally had to stop the Jeep, turn off the Jeep, and assure him by our stillness that we were not threatening him, his family, or his food. He eventually turned his back on us and we were able to resume our engine and our drive. I can still hear the sound of the trumpet blast. Just like on the Animal Channel only I could feel it vibrate throughout my body.

Next, Lazarus spotted a cheetah camouflaged in the bush. I don’t know how in the world he caught him out of his peripheral vision as we were chugging along down the road. I could barely see him once he pointed him out! We were able to take a quick picture before he jetted off back into the bush as fast as lightning.

Then, we came upon a family of baboons. Maybe it is just me, but they all had an expression on their faces that made me think they were up to no good. Seriously, they kept looking back over their shoulders at us to see if we were still watching. Rams did not stick around to find out what kind of trouble they were getting into; he was on a mission. As we passed by the usual zebras, wildebeests, warthogs and impalas, he informed the new arrivals that they would have many opportunities to photograph them later. He was determined that I would see all of the Big Five before I went home.

He and Lazarus spent the next two hours tracking down the water buffalo for me. It was absolutely fascinating to watch the two of them in action. Seriously, they did everything but sniff the wind and put their ears to the ground. Every bent piece of grass was a clue to which direction they were heading. Each lump of dung informed them how long ago they had been nearby. The tracks told them how many there were and even if they were male or female!

It was like searching for clues to hidden treasure. Admiring their commitment and obvious experience, the scripture came to my mind, “If you seek me, you will find me, if you seek me with all your heart.” I wondered how many clues the Lord leaves all around us to find Him if we will only take the time to pay attention. Their tenacity paid off, we eventually found two extraordinary water buffalo hidden behind tall grass and bushes. The female was lying on the ground and the male was rubbing his head back and forth on her back to scratch an itch. It was so sweet to witness this little glimpse of undomesticated domestic life.

Rams told us that we needed to head back to camp but he would take us by another watering hole in hopes of seeing a hippo before I had to leave. I was not disappointed. There was a whole family of hippos taking a morning bath. Rams told us that the hippos pose the most danger to the camp guests. Because they only eat grass, they come to the camp at night where the grass is plenty and is not cluttered by thorny bushes. They never attack for food but if a guest were to accidentally come upon a hungry, hungry hippo eating his vegetarian dinner, they could be “snapped in two” with one bite as a defense.

He told us a similar fact about the giraffes we watched as they ate the leaves from the trees. They would never attack man for food but, if they felt threatened, they could kill with one swift kick of their front legs. They can even kill a lion by a well-placed kick to the jawbone. I saw a giraffe kick out with his front legs like that when the Jeep got too close for his comfort.

Because of this morning’s extra-long drive, upon returning to camp, I had to rush to change clothes, eat on the run and check out so the driver could pick up some arriving guests at the airport. On the short, 15-minute drive from the camp to the main road, I had the sweetest kiss from the Lord. Just passed the camp sign, there was a herd of grazing impalas. Within seconds I saw a family of baboons. Then a yellow-billed hornbill (the African Flying Banana) landed on a bush right as we were passing by. Just around the next corner were two giraffes and a couple of zebra. I thought to myself, Wow. I’m seeing as much on this brief drive out as on a three-hour game drive. I said to the driver, “They’re all coming out to say goodbye to me.”

Just about the time I got the words out of my mouth, we saw a long, long line of wildebeests paralleling the road ahead. I thought, I can’t believe I packed my camera and I’m missing all of these perfect photo opportunities! I felt the Lord whisper to me, these moments are not to capture, they are simply to receive as my little gifts to you. I smiled out loud, and He still had a warthog and a jackal waiting for me before I got to the exit gate.

He wasn’t through “kissing” me, yet.  While waiting in the tiny airport, I opened up my laptop to write about the morning events. The sun was shining through the window behind me, creating a glare on the screen and heating up the back of my neck. I thought about moving but decided to simply make a few quick notes and then write more details on the plane when it was cooler. I started jotting down an “African Blessing” I had found earlier in the airport gift shop. I couldn’t believe it as I began typing out the words…

“May the African sun always shine on you.
May the rhythm of its drums beat deeply in your heart.
May the vision of all its glory fill you with joy, and may the memory of Africa be with you, always.”

There are no words. But “yes” and “thank you” come the closest.

Safari Day Two

It was rise and shine early this morning with a 6:00 wake up call and 20 minutes to meet for tea and coffee before our dawn game drive. I was so excited, I was there at 15 after. The coffee was surprisingly delicious and piping hot. I filled my tumbler, grabbed a biscotti and headed straight out for the Land Cruiser so I could get the best seat behind the driver. I was greeted by a delightful surprise, a hot water bottle on my seat. And, believe me, it was much needed and appreciated. It was very cold for the first two hours of the drive. The Americans went home so it was just me and the German couple who don’t speak English. Perfect. I loved taking in the still of the morning.

Rams showed us the paw prints within yards of my hut at the camp. He also told us that the sounds we’d been hearing all night were lions. (I truly thought it was a honeymoon couple in the next hut over. It sounded the same.) So, we set out tracking the lions. Along the way we saw wildebeests, giraffes, zebras, elephants, impalas and an iguana, but no lions. I didn’t mind. Simply the drive in the bush as the sun rose was more than enough for me. Just as the chill was breaking, we stopped at a beautiful opening in a plain and had hot chocolate. It was a magical moment.

Immediately, upon returning, we had breakfast and then I headed to the gift shop where I bought some more souvenirs. I was especially excited to find the little “Mandisa” figurine I saw in Joburg that was sold out. Next, I was met in my cabana on my deck by Constance, for a massage. (By the way, the names of the staff here are wonderful. So far, I’ve met Rams, Lazarus, Bishop, Wise, Surprise and his brother, Computer, Shunamite, and January.)

Surprise set up the table outside and I had the most amazing massage. It was so ironic, you know how most massage therapists play a “New Age” CD with waves crashing and birds singing and crickets chirping? I had the real thing! There is a rushing river just below my hut, the birds were singing, the bush insects were chattering and the leaves were rustling. It was a three-dimensional experience of sound, smell and touch. The best ever.

The best best part was when she was finished and I didn’t have to get up right away. She told me to lie there as long as I wished and she and Surprise would come back later to fetch the table. I stayed there for almost an hour, dozing and being. Then I got up and took a shower outside. Yep, you read correctly. The shower is outside, overlooking the bush, in front of God and everybody. Well, nobody can actually see, thankfully, but the monkeys sure got an eyeful.

I forgot to tell you about the Velvet monkeys. When I got back from the gift shop, they were hanging out all around my hut and in the trees. Surprise assured me that he would clean up any mess they made since I didn’t know any better and I left my “walls” open while I was away. I also passed a Water Buck on the path back to my hut.

After lunch, I sat under my cabana and listened to my Drum lesson CD and played the little drum I packed. I felt so tribal and native (although, I did have clothes on!) It was indescribably relaxing. At one point, I was playing a simple beat and I looked past my toes and saw a male and female impala eating the leaves mere yards from me.

Another funny thing happened. I was learning how to play the beat that is called “Playful” and I noticed a constant clicking sound. I thought it was on the CD but it didn’t seem to be keeping tempo. I stopped playing and the sound stopped. I resumed and it resumed. It wasn’t on the CD. Some kind of insect was singing along with my drum beat!

At afternoon tea, I met four women from Germany who were traveling together. They reminded me so much of Mary, Luci, Ney and Marilyn. They were having a jolly old time. It was now time for the evening game drive. Again, Rams was intent on tracking and seeing the lions. Along the way, we passed all the usual: elephants, giraffes, zebras, impalas, kudus, plus a mongoose and a jackal. But no lion. So, we stopped at sunset and had wine and snacks. I must have had less snacks than wine because, although, I threw out half the glass, my head was spinning. Thankfully, we were heading back to camp.

Trust me, I sobered up very quickly about fifteen minutes later. We stumbled upon two lionesses (one of them was pregnant) walking in the middle of the road. We stopped and they doubled back behind us and then walked right beside us. One of them was less than six feet from me. But, it gets even better. Further down the road we came upon another female AND a male! It was dark by now. As I was busy snapping photographs of the lion on the side of the road, Rams whispered to me, “Don’t make any sudden moves. Another lioness has come up from behind the truck and she is right beside you.” I slowly slid down off of my seat and into the floorboard of the Jeep. I kept hearing her low, gutteral purr. (I could also hear my heartbeat pulsing in my ear.)

The evening dinner was so entertaining. There were people from Germany, Switzerland, Australia and Africa. They were all world travelers and the whole meal was spent sharing our most dangerous and exciting adventures. The general manager of the camp sat across the table from me and he shared some stories of being stampeded by elephants and stalked by a pride of lions and rescuing foolish tourists from their stupidity. It was a once-in-a-lifetime meal.

I’m now in my bed, surrounded my beautiful mosquito drape, the fire is dying and I can hear a cold front blowing in. I can’t believe I have to leave tomorrow. Thankfully, I have one more dawn drive. I’ve seen four of the Big Five: lions, rhinos, elephants, and a leopard. I’m only missing the Water Buffalo. But there’s always tomorrow…

Safari Day One

I arrived Hoedspruit airport and drove 90 minutes to Makalali Game Reserve by a man named, Wise. Makalali means “Place of Rest” in Shangaan. I was greeted at the lodge by a woman holding a tray with iced mango and lemon juice and a cold, wet cloth. The place is breathtakingly lovely. So deeply peaceful and beautiful. I was escorted to my hut and immediately fell in love. The “walls” open up so you can sit in bed and feel like you are outside. Everything is so open and unique. There is even an outdoor shower attached.

I quickly dropped off my luggage and joined the others for lunch. There are three people here from Germany who don’t speak any English. And there are three Americans who don’t stop speaking English…a mother and her grown, college-age children. We ate a truly delicious meal. It is the first time I’ve eaten meat since I arrived in Africa, (other than a few bites of Ostrich in Joburg.)

I finished lunch and walked on the trail to my room, only to be blocked by a warthog. I went back to the lodge and found the Game Ranger, David, and he walked back with me and shooed the warthog off the path, although, he was not easily dismissed. He immediately came back to the path and I could see him out my bedroom window.

I had no sooner unpacked my luggage and it was time to meet back in the lodge for afternoon tea. It was very special. I sat on the deck with my Earl Gray and Carrot Cake muffin with whipped cream and strawberries. I ate my treat while watching a young female impala eating leaves right over my shoulder.

I ran back to my room (past the warthog) and changed into a short-sleeved shirt because it is much warmer here during the day than in Joburg. It was now time for my first Game Drive. There truly are no words to describe the experience. I will try but you need to take all my words and multiply them by 10. First of all, it was a gorgeous day. Warm, with a cool breeze. We were riding in a Safari Land Rover. It felt like I was on a ride at Disney World.

In actuality, it felt exactly like the Animal Kingdom ride. The bumpy road, the shock absorber seats, the warm breeze, crossing the river. And the sounds were the same: the sound of the diesel vehicle, the walkie-talkies, the guide’s accent. And it looked like Disney set designers created everything: the roads, the trees, the watering holes. But it was all real! I am really in the Bush. And these animals and tracks and adventures and dangers are real!

We were almost immediately stopped in our tracks by a bull elephant who had knocked down a tree that landed right in the middle of the road. He was within yards of us, just eating away. I assumed we would have to turn around and take another road, but no, our driver, Rams, plowed down trees with the Land Rover and went around behind the elephant. He started urinating on his back legs. Our tracker, Lazarus, said that was a sign not to come any closer or he would stampede us. We sat there and watched from a very close distance for a long time.

Then we drove on and came upon two male impala bucking horns, fighting for the rights to the female impala we had just passed at a watering hole. The sound was so loud as their horns connected. During the course of our 3-hour game ride, we saw a baboon, a lilac-breasted roller (bird), a flock of guinea fowl, a golden web spider, a sevet cat, a crocodile and zebras. Along the way, we passed many termite towers (like the ones at Disney World. :-) We also saw a Pongolin, (a scaly anteater.) Apparently, it is very rare to see one of these. David, our game ranger, was very envious when we told him.

About this time, a leopard crossed the road in front of us. Rams went off road and we followed the leopard extremely closely for about 20 minutes. It was such a beautiful animal and moved like a ballerina. While we were driving off road, my hat was knocked off by a low-hanging branch so I took it off. But, then my headband was even knocked off! Not to mention the thorny bushes that slapped my on the arms and legs. Plus, Rams kept pointing out bushes coming our way and into the vehicle while yelling, “Don’t touch!”

But that wasn’t the most dangerous point in the ride. That was yet to come. We headed to the watering hole where the rhinos go at dusk. When we arrived, there was another jeep there from a neighboring lodge. The driver told us to “Go ahead.” We later discovered why he was such a polite gentleman. As we passed by the group of rhinos, the male charged us! I was sitting in the middle of the jeep and his tusk came within 2 feet of my shin! We were all terrified. I was shaking all over. Although, later on, as we were all rehearsing what happened, someone commented on how calm I had been. (I wasn’t calm on the inside.)

Lazarus assured us that he was only showing off for the female and protecting the young rhinos and he wasn’t actually going to attack us. I don’t know if I believe him. The two drivers started talking over the walkie-talkie and we heard the driver from the other lodge laughing hysterically.

Within 20 yards of the rhinos we came upon another elephant. He was magnificent. He was flapping his ears and breaking off tree branches and eating them. We saw huge trees all over that had been knocked over by these behemoths for their roots and branches. Rams assured us that, should they choose, they could easily knock over our Land Rover.

It was now getting dark quickly and turning cold even more quickly. Rams passed out blankets and drove us to an overlook right in time to watch the sun set over the valley. Ineffable. He and Lazarus then set out a spread of wines, beers, sodas, popcorn, dried fruit and biltong (African beef jerky.) We all stood around and talked about our wild adventure until the sun went below the horizon and a million stars dotted the blackest of skies. I’ve never seen anything like it in the Northern Hemisphere. It was then time to bundle up and head home.

Upon arriving, we all went straight to the dinner gathering place which is surrounded by a boma, a natural barrier, because the animals roam freely and more frequently at night. We are not allowed to walk anywhere at night alone. David said that there were fresh lion tracks this morning in the camp! Before dinner, we stood around a fire pit and were served drinks while the cooks prepared our meal on an outdoor grill and wood-fire oven. It was another delicious meal (with obnoxious Americans.)

I dismissed myself immediately after we were served fried bananas “through with” chocolate sauce and a plate of cheese and biscuits (crackers.) I was escorted back to my room to discover that my bed had been turned down, a wood fire roaring in the fireplace and a lovely draped mosquito net surrounding my bed. It was so romantic. (What a waste.)

As visually stunning as everything has been today, the sounds, smells and air have been equally as moving. There have been numerous times when I have felt like crying because there were no words to describe the experience. I wishI knew what all the different sounds were that I heard today. Or the smells! There was a sweetish smell in the air, full of herbs and trees. And it felt like we were swimming in the ocean. Within a short stretch, the air could feel crispy cold one minute, then humidly hot, then breezy cool. I’m going to bed now with the smell of a slowly dying fire, mosquito spray on my body and whatever a cool, African night smells like. I may dream but it won’t be as good as when I wake up for another magical day on Safari.

For pictures from My Safari click here

It is almost midnight here and I just got back to the room. I am beyond exhausted. The conference was from 8:00 to 5:00. We came back to the hotel long enough to put a cold washcloth on my face, brush my teeth and then off to a 4-hour dinner. It was a traditional African meal complete with tribal drums and face painting. It was a wonderful experience but I can’t remember I time when I have felt more wiped out. I am going to bed now but I will write all about my day and upload pictures when I wake up in the morning. I just wanted to touch base with you now so you would know that I’m still alive (haven’t been raptured) and I’m missing you very much.

I love you so much,

Mom Me

For pictures from our African Dinner click here
For pictures for our Soweto Tour click here

Good morning, all,

Sorry this is the first time you’ve heard from me since I left on Tuesday. I feel like I’ve lost an entire week. Weird. I’ll fill you in on everything, although, it feels like I should have much more to share given the amount of time I’ve been away.

I slept 8 of the 9-hour-flight from Dallas to London. Then I had a 6-hour layover. I walked around, ate some breakfast, watched a DVD about being a better speaker, and read my book. Then, it was time to board my next flight. I slept 8 of the 10-hour-flight to Johannesburg. The girl in the seat next to me got airsick and threw up in her little bag a few times. Yummy. I arrived on Thursday morning.

Aldyth (the main conference lady) picked me up and we ate breakfast in the airport. (So far, the food isn’t very good. So grateful for nuts and protein bars.) She took me to the lodge where we’re staying. It is lovely. There are only ten rooms and it is more like a guest lodge than a hotel. I have a very pretty view of a deck and trees and grass. (Unfortunately, it is the home of a family of geese who like to throw parties in the middle of the night and in the early morning hours.)

Jennifer arrived the night before I got here so I had coffee with her and her traveling companion, Angela, as soon as I checked in. She got a new haircut and she looks adorable. After I took a very quick shower, we drove an hour to the elephant sanctuary. We spent five hours there, learning anything and everything you’d ever want to know about elephants. It was truly a hands-on experience. We got to feed them and then we got to touch them all over their bodies and then they held our hand (with their trunks) while we walked them around the park and then we got to ride them. It was a surprisingly smooth and comfortable ride. It was a wonderful experience and I took tons of pictures.

Alas, I got back to the lodge and discovered I left my camera battery charger at home!!!! So, now my camera is dead and my pictures are trapped inside and I have no way of taking any more pictures. I’m hoping to find a solution of some kind today. Please pray.

It was all I could do to stay awake on the drive back to the lodge. Thankfully, we didn’t have time for a nap once we arrived. It was off to dinner. (Again, not yummy.) Jennifer wanted to stay up and talk but I couldn’t keep my eyes open. I came back to the room, dressed in my jammies and layered with a sweatshirt (it is cold here) and crawled in bed and slept 10 hours. I am now up and it is after midnight to you on Thursday night and it is Friday morning to me. Even though I got plenty of sleep, my body feels like it should still be in bed for another 6 or 8 hours.

I love you and miss you so much,

Mom Me

P.S. For pictures from today’s visit to the Elephant Sanctuary, click here. (This is my Facebook Page. While you’re visiting, please join the “Lisa Whelchel Community Page.)