Back to Africa........

Bob and I are preparing to pack again!

No heavy, bulky suitcases complete with 

formal evening wear this time. Instead, 

those soft-sided, no wheels, ever so 

lightweight duffel bags, a backpack each, 

and all our gear very casual, comfy, and 

colored khaki, olive or grey.

We've made our lists and we'll be on our way 

late next week.

You may have followed my first African safari trip in May 2010...........the expedition of a lifetime. The 'Four Old Broads Abroad' - Paula, Jen, Babs and yours truly - having an amazing time in southern Africa. Perhaps you even recall me saying how I would go back in a heartbeat if the planets were in alignment, the good Lord willing, and with my best friend of almost fifty years, Paula, leading the way!  

Never give up on your dreams, they sometimes come true.

Counting down the days..........southern Africa is almost on the horizon again, and this time my wonderful husband is coming too. I am so excited......Bob is slightly nervous, just as I was the first time. We'll be in the four beautiful countries shown on the map above.

I think I captured the essence of the grand safari trip with some good images last time. I used my digital point and shoot, the Olympus with the 26X zoom. It's a great camera and will be going with me again. This time I will also be using a Canon SLR, a fabulous gift from Paula. She wants me to have a fast shutter to catch those running cheetahs and high flying colorful African birds........just like she does.

It's doubtful I'll be able to blog much, if at all. Heck they don't even have hairdryers in most camps let alone Internet - those generators work overtime just to provide light, hot water, and a means of cooking all that delicious fresh food! In a way it's better because there are exciting times ahead.....to experience African countries without modern technology is the way to see the beauty of the magical landscape, experience the amazing animals, and engage the beautiful people. Handwriting a journal again will be my way of recording my daily thoughts......later I'll bring it all together and share with you the amazing continent of Africa.

Wildlife images from my 2010 African safari.

Jubilee Days........................

Yes, it's almost time!  

Time to be glued to the 'telly' if you're a Royal watcher, a royalist, and of course an ex-pat like me! If you're not able to cross the pond and grab a front row seat along the River Thames in London, or in a boat, to join in the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant, TV might be on your schedule next weekend.

Her Majesty The Queen, with members of the Royal Family, will be aboard the Royal Barge, accompanied by a flotilla of over one thousand boats from around the world.

Click here for the full story of an exciting and historic occasion next Sunday, June 3 - and check your local TV listings for coverage - looks like BBC-America and CNN will be broadcasting the London festivities over several days as there are many exciting parades and parties in celebration of Queen Elizabeth's 60th anniversary on the throne. I believe this will be even more fun than a royal wedding - and a great lead up to the upcoming Summer Olympic Games also in London in July.

Thanks Jackie of Jackie's Life in Surrey for the heads up on the happy occasion. 

Long Live Our Queen!

MOVIETIME..............

We absolutely loved this movie!  
Ladies and gentlemen, you will love it too. If you have a chance to see it in your neighborhood, run don't walk to the next show. Amazing cast of the best British actors......Judi Dench shines as always and everyone is perfectly cast. Colors, noise, and smells of India visually and audibly surround you.......believe me, having just returned from seeing a little of India firsthand, it's authentic! Poignant, with a few sad moments, but hilarious most of the time.......and it will change your thoughts on aging. We left the theatre feeling wonderful, holding hands, and grateful for two hours of genuine enjoyment from a movie.