SusanLynne-
Before you do anything else you really should make your next trip - Botswana. The Okavango Delta is unbelievable! It is probably the most stable and safe country in Africa and Maun is a real early African town. You're just a short flight to any of the reserves and Moremi is wonderful. Visit a few of the small tented camps, take a mokoro ride, see the wonderful migratory birds, just sit around the fire at night and listen to the reed frogs singing at night. Then decide what do. You just might fall in love all over again. Liz

Botswana, Namibia and Zambia are definitely on my list of places to go. But I can't imagine anything touching my soul the way the Mara has. I am not a very spiritual person by any stretch of the imagination, but when there, I could not help but acknowledge that there is a higher being that created such a magical place. As for relocating, it is just a dream for now. My beloved husband is keeping me grounded and reminding me of things like financial commitments, retirement funds, etc. While I would up and sell our house in a moment, take a portion of the money and run to East Afica, he is being a bit more practical. So holidays to the magnificent continent will have to suffice - at least for now!

Susan, thanks for asking. This is going to be our fourth trip to the Seychelles. Only once we combined our visit to the Seychelles with our first safari to Kenya. It was just too much to digest. We like to appreciate and contemplate each place individually and both of them are so unforgettable. Besides we really cannot be away from home for longer than a whole month.
In the Seychelles you may spend $1800 per night or $200 and regardless how much you decide to spend you will have an amazing time. The choice is yours. We never thought about paying $1800 for one night. This is not our desire or our style. If you or Liz or Kavey or... ever want more information about Seychelles e-mail me livetotravel2002.yahoo.com
I would like to know more about places you visited in Tanzania. Is January good time to go there?

Hi Gina!
I would be more than happy to "talk" about Tanzania. Jan., Feb. and Mar are great times for wildlife in the southeastern Serengeti. As you know, however, the rains play a vital role in where the animals are and when. As for Ngorongoro Crater, it is truly spectacular. When I first saw it, I cried tears of joy. Our guide thought the tears were the result of a fear of heights. Of course, I told him that was not the case. The crater is spectacular, but because there is no off-roading, you are limited in your driving excursions and by virtue of it being a caldera, you run into a lot of tourists. It is plentiful of animals all year round. Tarangire is a must for anyone visiting Tanzania. Had I really done my research, I would have stayed in Tarangire for a few more days. Spectacular. Lions, giraffes, elephants, dik-dik, water monitors, etc. We were hard pressed to take a photo of one animal without getting another species in the frame. Because the Tarangire River (I use that word losely, if you know what I mean) provides a year-round water source, there is little reason for the animals to migrate in or out of the park. And Selous, what can I say about that piece of paradise? Animals are more shy, brush is more dense, but the water activities are phenomenal and I can think of no better place to try fly camping. What an experience that must be!! The reserve is usually closed from March to May because of the rains. Do look into Tarangire or Selous. From people we met in Selous, they were just as enthusiastic about Ruaha and Mikumi. Oh dear ... so much to see ...I would be more than happy to impart any information I can about Tanzania.

Good morning all-
Just talked to British Airways and there is no problem in getting to Nairobi. Soooo glad that I didn't cancel the trip. They will likely be back on schedule by then, but if not they make other arrangements for us to get there. Yay!! :-d
So it is raining on the Mara on a daily basis now and that grass is growing and getting ready for the migration. Barring anything new developing, we're there! Liz

Liz:

Yahoo! Yippee!!! So happy to read that all appears to be going your way as far as Kenya. This is a sign of good things to come and I know your trip will be fantastic and awe-inspiring!

Susan- :-d

Liz:
If I could figure out how to do the little faces, I would do one with a frown since I am thoroughly miserable at the thought of waiting until 2004 to return to the Mara. But I appreciate and fully understand your happy face, and I am thrilled for you! You will not be disappointed and I will keep my fingers crossed that you will see a crossing - truly one of the most magnificent spectacles in the world.!

SusanLynne-

Just click here and you're off and running with smilelys all over the place.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/smileys/

Its very easy, just trust. Liz

Thanks Liz! ;-)

Susan!

Yes - I understand what you're feeling! We were last in Africa in 2001 and won't be back there till June 2004. Sooo long to wait.

I keep dropping hints, well not so much hints as great huge boulder-sized requests, for a budget trip to Africa sometime around Xmas but it's just a no-no.

So nearly every day - at least every other day - I'm watching some program on Africa. Big Cat Diary. Built for the Kill. Great Rivers of Africa. A Photographers Journey. Whatever I can find I watch longingly.

Roll on 2004!

I to was wondering how to make the Smileys? .:-?


Thanks for letting us in on it.

Hi Kavey!

What is it about Africa that possesses our souls? My friends who have never been think I am nuts. Several friends who have been share my enthusiasm, but are just as happy to explore other areas of the world. Me? If I had my choice, I would go back twice a year. Ah, Africa ... the place of my dreams.

I dont know what it is!
(btw feel free to email me and we can lament some more about it off board!)

I do love to visit other areas - in recent years we've taken wonderful trips to Venice, Tallinn, France (old favourite), Madeira, Bologna, San Francisco etc. I can't say that I'd want to have given any of those up to have done another trip to Africa.

But at the same time, I just feel I'm going crazy - I don't know if watching these TV shows is making it worse but I can't miss them - I just can't!

Hi Kavey: Yes, we have traveled extensively throughout this great, big incredible world, but my heart has been captured by Africa. No place like it. Will touch base with you, besides, I am going to need a beta tester, and you offered your services at one time! Thanks.

I did and the offer stands.
:D

Thanks, Kavey. 8-)

Liz, we are back from the Seychelles. I just want you to know that there are many people who still travel to Kenya. We met two couples who were on safari in Kenya and Tanzania before their stay in the Seychelles. I talked to them thinking of your plans for September. I hope you will decide whatever is the best for you.

Hi Gina-
Were your ears burning? I have been thinking about you because you said you take an Alaska cruise each year. We just up and bought tickets for July to do the inside passage. We got the last room on this ship, and believe it or not we had to take a suite. boohoo. :-d Got a good deal and we'll have a week respite from this heat here in Nevada.
How was your trip? Gorgeous I'll bet. Too bad you couldn't just have popped up to the Mara yourself. Thanks for the update. Its not the being in Africa, its the getting there that is a problem. So far we are still on for it but British Airways is still out to lunch on that one. So we wait.
Glad you're back. I think you go to Alaska in August don't you? Liz

Yes, we go to Alaska every year, Liz. but we never took a cruise. We revisit Valdez and Homer each time for hiking and bear watching and every year we add a new place. This July it will be Nome. Hope you will enjoy your cruise. Let me know about it. OK? If you would like you may e-mail me with any details.

As to Kenya I belive that all will work out for you. Just remember when you get there it will be another unforgettable experience.
You are right, we had magnificent visit to the Seychelles. Although we had some rains this year.
Maybe we will add a few days in Masai Mara next year when we revisit Seychelles. How hot is in Nevada now?