I'm packing my tiny stapler, putting on my red shoes, clicking my heels together and .........
Feb 14th, 2007, 12:34 PM
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Hi Lynda, glad to hear you are returning to Africa! I don't think you'll have a problem getting your Tanzania visa "on the ground." How are you going from the Mara to the Serengeti? You must be taking two or three flights if you are doing it in one day. If you fly into Kilimanjaro airport, you won't have a problem getting your visa there.
Feb 14th, 2007, 04:15 PM
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Lynda, I know you would not want to delay anyone in the group, but if a problem did arise with getting the visa upon arrival, you'd have good representation. That's what I'd plan to do--visa upon arrival.
Feb 14th, 2007, 09:04 PM
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Dennis- yes, yes, yes!!! (on the cheetah hug) I made sure that we went in a day before!
Theoretically we could have gone in a few days before (we leave on A Sundy night), but I just never had time to really think it through before I had to solidify the flights. We thought we had some great flights there and back, but then lost the good ones on the way back. We were leaving Nairobi on Sunday evening - the late flight, getting into London early Mon AM, taking a day room at the Hilton and then leaving for Vancouver at 5:30 Monday evening and arriving home 6:30 Monday evening - nice & easy! But somehow that all got messed up and we are now flying straight through - which doesn't thrill me. We leave early Mon morning (ie read no sleep) fron Nairobi, arrive 4:00 or so in London in the afternoon, and then on the plane to Vanc at 5:30, arriving at home the same time of course (same flight from London.) Unfortuantely I have to be back at work tues morn 1st thing AM. That is a LOT of heavy duty flying!
ShayTay, good question - I'm not sure how we will go from the Mara to the Serengeti. Last year, we went from the Serengeti to the Mara, we took three planes, but not through either Nairobi or Arusha. We flew from the Serengeti to a town on Lake Victoria, can't remember the name of it off hand & my notes are upstairs, but it started with a K. Then we went to another town, changed planes again (this one in Kenya) and then to the Mara.
Theoretically we could have gone in a few days before (we leave on A Sundy night), but I just never had time to really think it through before I had to solidify the flights. We thought we had some great flights there and back, but then lost the good ones on the way back. We were leaving Nairobi on Sunday evening - the late flight, getting into London early Mon AM, taking a day room at the Hilton and then leaving for Vancouver at 5:30 Monday evening and arriving home 6:30 Monday evening - nice & easy! But somehow that all got messed up and we are now flying straight through - which doesn't thrill me. We leave early Mon morning (ie read no sleep) fron Nairobi, arrive 4:00 or so in London in the afternoon, and then on the plane to Vanc at 5:30, arriving at home the same time of course (same flight from London.) Unfortuantely I have to be back at work tues morn 1st thing AM. That is a LOT of heavy duty flying!
ShayTay, good question - I'm not sure how we will go from the Mara to the Serengeti. Last year, we went from the Serengeti to the Mara, we took three planes, but not through either Nairobi or Arusha. We flew from the Serengeti to a town on Lake Victoria, can't remember the name of it off hand & my notes are upstairs, but it started with a K. Then we went to another town, changed planes again (this one in Kenya) and then to the Mara.
Feb 15th, 2007, 04:52 AM
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Hi Lynda,
Shall I act surprised. Got your e - will respond later.
I'm very excited for you and Jim. Your excitement runnith over - we all need a vicarious African adventure. Look forward to hearing more.
Shall I act surprised. Got your e - will respond later.
I'm very excited for you and Jim. Your excitement runnith over - we all need a vicarious African adventure. Look forward to hearing more.
Feb 15th, 2007, 07:04 PM
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Lynda,
What goes around, comes around!! With all the help you have given, you richly deserve this trip....this might be the time to invest in that neutral -colored fleece"hoodie"
But i must know, are those your red MEPHISTOS???
susan
What goes around, comes around!! With all the help you have given, you richly deserve this trip....this might be the time to invest in that neutral -colored fleece"hoodie"
But i must know, are those your red MEPHISTOS???
susan
Feb 17th, 2007, 07:21 PM
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Well, here I am reporting in from a VERY busy (read expensive) day. I am afraid, Sherry, that I fell victim to the 'mob mentality' you spoke of in one of your other posts - purely upon the wonderful recomendations of my fellow Fodorites, I looked at the following today:
- The Sony camera Lynn has (I have already forgot the name of it!)
- The Panasonic FZ50 which is the new one up from the FZ30 that Sherry and Cooncat many others have
- The Cannon S3 that I believe - could be wrong here - that Tom has - or at least lots have recommended.
Four hours and sore feet later (from standing) Jim now owns a Stigma 'something or other' to 500 lens to go on his Nikon DS70 and I own the Panasonic FZ50!!!
What a great little camera, I love the feel of it - the selling factors for me were the ring zoom, as opposed to the other type of zoom that goes in and out at the press of the button. For years I used a Nikon SLR 35mm and I guess I am just used to that ring. It felt like a much lighter, smaller, and more compact version of my old Nikon, it was more natural to me than the others. I know, I'm strange. The other selling factor is the guy in the store and Jim both said I really should have the capability to shoot in RAW mode, whatever that is. I guess I will be learning what it is.
It doesn't fit in my purse like I'd hoped, but I bought a Lowepro bag, not a big one, but big enough to carry the camera, and instead of the camera going into my purse, I will put my wallet, sunglasses, etc in the camera bag. Sort of opposite I guess, but it should work ??? I think..
Other than that, we have finished our passport applications on line, got the pictures, lined up the guarentor and am ready to face the 2 month processing time they say it will take. It looks like we will have to get our visas for Tanzania in country.
- The Sony camera Lynn has (I have already forgot the name of it!)
- The Panasonic FZ50 which is the new one up from the FZ30 that Sherry and Cooncat many others have
- The Cannon S3 that I believe - could be wrong here - that Tom has - or at least lots have recommended.
Four hours and sore feet later (from standing) Jim now owns a Stigma 'something or other' to 500 lens to go on his Nikon DS70 and I own the Panasonic FZ50!!!
What a great little camera, I love the feel of it - the selling factors for me were the ring zoom, as opposed to the other type of zoom that goes in and out at the press of the button. For years I used a Nikon SLR 35mm and I guess I am just used to that ring. It felt like a much lighter, smaller, and more compact version of my old Nikon, it was more natural to me than the others. I know, I'm strange. The other selling factor is the guy in the store and Jim both said I really should have the capability to shoot in RAW mode, whatever that is. I guess I will be learning what it is.
It doesn't fit in my purse like I'd hoped, but I bought a Lowepro bag, not a big one, but big enough to carry the camera, and instead of the camera going into my purse, I will put my wallet, sunglasses, etc in the camera bag. Sort of opposite I guess, but it should work ??? I think..
Other than that, we have finished our passport applications on line, got the pictures, lined up the guarentor and am ready to face the 2 month processing time they say it will take. It looks like we will have to get our visas for Tanzania in country.
Feb 17th, 2007, 07:48 PM
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Yeah, me Tom, who sort of pushes the Canon S2/S3. Although now I've gone DSLR using Nikon gear. I still take the Canon S2 along for backup (for me and Carolyn) and for its video mode. (The Canon S2 is still available from Amazon as new camera for $280, no tax, free shipping. If it gets down to $200 I'll buy one just because it is such a bargain. You ladies know about bargain shopping, whether you need it or not. I should talk, picking up Nikon goodies that I just can't live without 
).
I do much prefer zooming with a lens ring like your Z50. Bet you never get around to the RAW thing. Unless you're a photo-geeky type of gal.
You have "only" to wait until May. Envy that. I gotta wait until first of September. This once a year thing is getting old, maybe next year, in perhaps March and September. Yeah, that's the ticket.
regards - tom
).I do much prefer zooming with a lens ring like your Z50. Bet you never get around to the RAW thing. Unless you're a photo-geeky type of gal.
You have "only" to wait until May. Envy that. I gotta wait until first of September. This once a year thing is getting old, maybe next year, in perhaps March and September. Yeah, that's the ticket.
regards - tom
Feb 18th, 2007, 03:16 AM
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Lynda,
CONGRATULATIONS on the trip! You and Jim will have a fabulous time! And I can't wait to read all about the trip when you get back!
Congrats too on the new camera equipment (I'm guessing that Jim's might be a Sigma 50-500 (sometimes called a Bigma) for his D70s).
And now to my selfish question - any chance of another GTG in London again?
CONGRATULATIONS on the trip! You and Jim will have a fabulous time! And I can't wait to read all about the trip when you get back!
Congrats too on the new camera equipment (I'm guessing that Jim's might be a Sigma 50-500 (sometimes called a Bigma) for his D70s).
And now to my selfish question - any chance of another GTG in London again?
Feb 18th, 2007, 05:59 AM
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I just had an idea for your stapler.
I don't know if you've ever heard of this sort of thing, but some elementary classrooms have a stuffed animal (Curious George, the monkey, was the one I'm familar with) that they send with anyone they know who is traveling. That person takes a picture of Curious George in an interesting settng such as in front of the Taj Mahal or in the Grand Canyon, and then returns it along with the pictures.
There was also this bar in Anchorage that encouraged people to send in pictures of a can of Spam with international landmarks. The bar made a collage of the submissions.
Anyway, your stapler could fulfill the same role as Curious George, the stuffed monkey, and the can of Spam.
I don't know if you've ever heard of this sort of thing, but some elementary classrooms have a stuffed animal (Curious George, the monkey, was the one I'm familar with) that they send with anyone they know who is traveling. That person takes a picture of Curious George in an interesting settng such as in front of the Taj Mahal or in the Grand Canyon, and then returns it along with the pictures.
There was also this bar in Anchorage that encouraged people to send in pictures of a can of Spam with international landmarks. The bar made a collage of the submissions.
Anyway, your stapler could fulfill the same role as Curious George, the stuffed monkey, and the can of Spam.
Feb 18th, 2007, 08:08 AM
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Oh Lynda, you are just going to LOVE that FZ50!!!! I'm not a 'photo-geek' as Tom puts it but I figured it out VERY quickly (didn't shoot in RAW mind). That Zoom ring is awesone and I loved the focus ring too. And if you're just feeling lazy, the auto function gives great results too ... money well spent in my book
Tom,
can you tell me, is the Canon S2 a 'pocketable' camera?? Could do with a 'little' one for everyday use and it might just fit the bill.
Lynn,where in Anchorage is the 'Spam' bar?? We're heading in that direction in July and I would love to take a peek!!
Imelda
Tom,
can you tell me, is the Canon S2 a 'pocketable' camera?? Could do with a 'little' one for everyday use and it might just fit the bill.
Lynn,where in Anchorage is the 'Spam' bar?? We're heading in that direction in July and I would love to take a peek!!
Imelda
Feb 18th, 2007, 08:37 AM
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Imelda,
That's right. I saw your posts over on the US board for Alaska and wildlife.
Well, this place is wildlife of sorts, at least it was back in 2000.
Fly by Night Club
3300 Spenard St.
907-279-7726
907-279-SPAM
Short cab ride from downtown Anchorage.
They have all sorts of Spam on the menu. If you order something with Spam and champagne, then it's half off.
They had the "Whale Fat Follies" a satirical musical review when I was there.
Now if Lynda took a picture of her African stapler in front of a Spam and champagne entree, that would be travel history in the making.
Hope the place is still around.
That's right. I saw your posts over on the US board for Alaska and wildlife.
Well, this place is wildlife of sorts, at least it was back in 2000.
Fly by Night Club
3300 Spenard St.
907-279-7726
907-279-SPAM
Short cab ride from downtown Anchorage.
They have all sorts of Spam on the menu. If you order something with Spam and champagne, then it's half off.
They had the "Whale Fat Follies" a satirical musical review when I was there.
Now if Lynda took a picture of her African stapler in front of a Spam and champagne entree, that would be travel history in the making.
Hope the place is still around.
!
Feb 18th, 2007, 10:16 AM
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I'm still chuckling picturing this need breed of animal called "African Stapler'. I really must do that Lynn - watch out for the picture when I get back!
I actually do take a bear with me wherever I go - he has been to 44 countries - his name is Spunky, he's very squishable & packable & says he takes up no room at all in my carry on. (couldn't risk packing him in checked) Up until the last trip though he had never gone off the ship, or out of the hotel for pictures - I should have thought of it all those years ago when he first started travelling with us! His first 'photo out' was Mt. Kilimanjaro last year.
I'd love to see the Spam palace! And Imelda - I do so hope that you are planning to fly through Vancouver and at least meet for dinner or something!!! NO WAY can you & Deck be so close without having 'steaks on the deck' - we live right next to the airport. Actually under the flight path...
And Kavey - YES YES YES!!!! We'd love to do a GTG again - it would be great if we could do it on May 14th (Monday) - does that work for you? This year we are staying only on the inbound flights - I have to boot it home on the outbound so we are flying straight thru. We are going to stay at the Hilton at the airport - could I ask if we could get together somewhere around where the Express train would stop? We get in in mid afternoon, and by the time we shower, change, etc & dawdle we'll probably just come in to have supper with you, so I was thinking that somewhere on the path of the express would be good - I really wanted to take it last year for the experience, but didn't. Do you know if the T4 underground is running, ie is the express running from there yet? My notes says it was to be ready Sept 2006.
You were right about the lens Kavey, it is the Sigma (guess I got the name wrong before) 50-500. And it is HUGE. I can see why you said Bigma. Do you have one?
Tom, you are probably right that I will probably never know about RAW. All I know so far is that if you shoot in RAW, you will only get 86 images on a 2 gb card (with my FZ50, not necessarily all cameras Jim tells me); and you don't have to make copies of the images before you play with them on Photoshop. Not that I know how to play with them on Photoshop yet. But I did buy two 2gb cards when I heard that - 86 images will be nothing I am sure with digital!
Imelda did you ditch the Namibia trip or is that in addition to Alaska?
And Lillipets, I want you to go soon again too, as I enjoyed your report too!
I actually do take a bear with me wherever I go - he has been to 44 countries - his name is Spunky, he's very squishable & packable & says he takes up no room at all in my carry on. (couldn't risk packing him in checked) Up until the last trip though he had never gone off the ship, or out of the hotel for pictures - I should have thought of it all those years ago when he first started travelling with us! His first 'photo out' was Mt. Kilimanjaro last year.
I'd love to see the Spam palace! And Imelda - I do so hope that you are planning to fly through Vancouver and at least meet for dinner or something!!! NO WAY can you & Deck be so close without having 'steaks on the deck' - we live right next to the airport. Actually under the flight path...
And Kavey - YES YES YES!!!! We'd love to do a GTG again - it would be great if we could do it on May 14th (Monday) - does that work for you? This year we are staying only on the inbound flights - I have to boot it home on the outbound so we are flying straight thru. We are going to stay at the Hilton at the airport - could I ask if we could get together somewhere around where the Express train would stop? We get in in mid afternoon, and by the time we shower, change, etc & dawdle we'll probably just come in to have supper with you, so I was thinking that somewhere on the path of the express would be good - I really wanted to take it last year for the experience, but didn't. Do you know if the T4 underground is running, ie is the express running from there yet? My notes says it was to be ready Sept 2006.
You were right about the lens Kavey, it is the Sigma (guess I got the name wrong before) 50-500. And it is HUGE. I can see why you said Bigma. Do you have one?
Tom, you are probably right that I will probably never know about RAW. All I know so far is that if you shoot in RAW, you will only get 86 images on a 2 gb card (with my FZ50, not necessarily all cameras Jim tells me); and you don't have to make copies of the images before you play with them on Photoshop. Not that I know how to play with them on Photoshop yet. But I did buy two 2gb cards when I heard that - 86 images will be nothing I am sure with digital!
Imelda did you ditch the Namibia trip or is that in addition to Alaska?
And Lillipets, I want you to go soon again too, as I enjoyed your report too!
Feb 18th, 2007, 10:43 AM
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Lynda, I would LOVE to meet up with you and Jim!! I am currently working on our flights now -Got a little bit of a shock when Continental flights went from €1300pp to €5600 
. I telephoned them and held some 'less than suitable' flights at the €1300 price just in case but TG the website is back to normal and those flights are back down to 'normal' prices...phew!
I'm not too sure if we will have a day in Vancouver after the cruise but if we do, are you around on July 3rd??
... I'm having trouble getting Deck to add a day at the end - I've already gotrten him to add two days at the start! .. I'll do my best!
. I telephoned them and held some 'less than suitable' flights at the €1300 price just in case but TG the website is back to normal and those flights are back down to 'normal' prices...phew!I'm not too sure if we will have a day in Vancouver after the cruise but if we do, are you around on July 3rd??
... I'm having trouble getting Deck to add a day at the end - I've already gotrten him to add two days at the start! .. I'll do my best!
