it's finally hit me......i'm going to africa in 5 days!!!!!!
 

i finalized booking my trip in february and then sort of 'forgot' about it as life took over.

it was only when i met leely2 last weekend who so kindly loaned me her luggage that i realized that i better get cracking and get organized.
i've got my shots, called my bank and c.c., got an int'l phone and a new camera, batteries and memory card.
i'm packed and ready to go.

so thanks to all you wonderful fodorites for your advice, suggestions and encouragement.

my excitement has now superseded my apprehension. yaaaay!!!

Nice way to let a safari kinda "sneak up" on you. Have a great time, relax and let Nature thrill and surprise you. Let us hear about your trip.
Dick

have a grrrrrrreat trip!

Marvelous -- please tell us all about it. I'm very interested in doing a gorilla trek someday (after seeing the amazing photos, etc., that others have posted), so I'll be particularly eager to hear about that.

Enjoy your safari!

Have a wonderful time! That's really nice of Leely2 to help you out. Where are you going?

Have a wonderful time. I'm jealous but in a good way!
Deb

shaytay,
i really wanted to see the gorillas on my 50th birthday so the first priority was rwanda.
then, since i was already there, i added a 7 day safari in kenya at rhino porini and mara porini. before heading to rwanda.

i am getting giddy with excitement!!

thanks everyone for your good wishes. i hope my pictures turn out half as well as some of the ones i have seen here.

Safari njema--and have a wonderful birthday! Give Rwanda and Kenya big kisses from me.

Be ready for a life-changing experience!

Have a marvellous time. Look forward to hearing all about it.

You'll have a wonderful birthday. Kiss the gorillas too. Well, maybe not.

Happy Birthday as I know it'll be fab!
Enjoy!