aknards

Wow, twaffle, you brought a tear to my eye! Thank you so much. There's been such a lackluster response to my personal ramblings that I was starting to feel embarassed, like maybe I should have stuck to the more objective, day-by-day journal/report. I really appreciate your kind words.

anita

Travelling_greg

Anita. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. I am absolutely enjoying reading your stories so very much. It's allowing me to remember my recent 'Moments' as weel. Thank you again.

Greg

twaffle

Don't be discouraged Anita. There is so much happening around the world at the moment that it is very distracting. For me, wrapping myself in the African adventures and experiences of others gets me through trying times. Have I missed the photos yet!?

aknards

No, you haven't missed any photos. Sometime in the next week I'm going to choose one of these web photo services, sign up and figure out the technology (can't be too difficult...) I looked into smugmug (I like the black background) but it's up to $40 to join unless you've got a "coupon." Anyone know where to get such a thing? Maybe I'll post a new thread.

I'll post a link a.s.a.p.

aknards

Never mind that last question. I googled "smugmug coupons" and found a 50% off first thing! Where would we be without google?

sundowner

So aknards, what was your favorite part? I'm happy you have people that actually want to hear about your trip. That's the sad part for me, they ask but they really don't want to know. And you definitely got bitten by the African Love Bug.

Anyway, great trip report and great stories. I've enjoyed reading it over the last day or two.

Cindy

Leely2

Anita, all types of reports are welcome! An African safari is lump-in-your-throat-inducing for reasons too many to name. Thank you for your descriptions.

atravelynn

There are far worse things you can be called than agent.

The "tell me about your trip" question can never be answered properly. I find it amusing when the main interest seems to be how long was the flight and how much did it cost.

You have summed it up perfectly. "Will I ever be satisfied?" You may have opened Pandora's Box for yourself, which is mostly a good thing, but a smidgeon of a curse.

Your stories are heartwarming and spot on. I'm sure you are keeping a copy for yourself to look back on, along with the pictures.

Any plans for another trip?

aknards

thanks everyone.

lynn, unless i bump into a genie, another safari is a distant dream. but there's no doubt that i will return someday.

raelond

Aknards, "so tell me about your trip" brought back all the emotion I felt after visiting Africa. You put it so well that I copied that section and showed it to my husband. We both agreed that we feel the same way as you. Thank you for putting such wonderful words to paper. You will go back, as I too wanted to go on safari my entire life and after the first trip I knew I just had to return and I returned this past March. I feel very blessed.

emowens

I am so taken with your report which has brought tears to my eyes. I have tried to explain to friends that Africa is different from any place that I have ever traveled. It is an emotional experience that is hard to describe. I have given up trying to explain the emotions that evolve from the safari experience. I only know how I feel. Thanks for the wonderful trip report.

atravelynn

Anita,

Stories are one way to relive your trip. Photos are another. Are you working on posting an album?

ShayTay

Anita's talent as a writer has so captured the wonderful experiences of our safari. It was such a joy to be able to be there with her and the others and say to them, "Come and let me share this special place and these wonderful people with you."

I, too, am looking forward to seeing Anita's photos, but I know how hard it is to get them processed and online. I've just now downloaded mine and haven't even begun to process them. Hang in there; we'll get them done eventually!

Sharon

aknards

gee, i'm almost afraid to post the photos, now...it's taken me so long that there's this unwarranted anticipation. sorry, guys, they're just pics like everyone elses and, yes, i finally got on a site and have begun uploading. i hope to finish by the end of the weekend.

hi, shay!

Nyamera

Anita, this is a beautifully written report and it sounds like you now have a serious problem.

aknards

nyamera, it seems we share that common bond, now (along with most others on this board.) when you find your genie, kindly send her sister my way...

atravelynn

The pictures are just like everyone else's except they're yours!

aknards

ok, photo link:

http://mothership.smugmug.com/gallery/6483864_dwwR3

Leely2

I watched full-screen slideshow and it was magnificent. You've arranged things very artistically and excel at single-subject portraits (animals, people, birds!). Refreshing, nostalgic and yet unique. I loved seeing photos not photoshopped into "perfection," the glare and dust and flat light of an African afternoon evident. Loved warthogs bathing, lions munching on Cape buffalo, the first giraffe pic, eles, first wildie shot, Maasai with spears at Manyara and many others.

Thanks, Anita!

twaffle

The photos were definitely worth waiting for, I really enjoyed your safari through your lens. I particularly liked the giraffe by the boulders and the wildebeest on the plains. I am intrigued by #44 which has a zebra with very strange striping, were you given any explanation? Your village and market scenes are very interesting. I look forward to seeing them again with more captions, not to put any pressure on!