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Archive for 'hot air balloons'

Monday, January 30th, 2012
Travels Through Africa

Today I’m taking a trip down memory lane and posting several photos from my African trip.

sw baby elephant, Kenya

We spent seven months in Africa,  starting our journey in Harare, Zimbabwe. From there we travelled down to Botswana before returning north again. We visited twenty-five countries including Tanzania, Zanzibar, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Zaire, Cameroon, Nigeria, Algeria, Morocco then on to Spain with a quick flit through Europe on the way back to London.

Our trip was an overland one with a company called Dragoman. We mainly camped with the odd hotel thrown into the mix. After suffering through many cold washes and more than a few cold showers, I grew an appreciation for hot water and specifically hot and cold running water.

I’d always wanted to visit Africa, the animals and the wilderness being the main attraction. I was certainly spoiled for choice when it came to seeing animals.

giraffe

While in Nairobi, we visited a giraffe sanctuary. I love giraffes, but their tongues were a real surprise. They’re so long! We had lots of fun feeding them a few snacks from the feeding platform.

sw Batering in Zim

Part of the overseas experience is interacting with the locals. It’s always interesting visiting the local markets and shopping for meals. This photo was taken in Zimbabwe, and I have fond memories of the avocadoes. They were delicious!

sw Ballooning in the Serengeti

Hot air ballooning in Kenya. As is traditional with hot air ballooning, we were up at the crack of dawn to get ready for our ride. Notice the pith helmet? We finished our flight with a champagne breakfast. So civilized!

sw elephant & buffalo, Kenya sw gazzelles, Kenya

sw lion Kenya sw hyena, Kenya 1

The above photos were all taken in Kenya. Top left: water buffalo and an elephant “butt” shot. Top right: Thomson Gazelle. Bottom left: Lion enjoying the sun. Bottom right: Hyena and pup.

 

Given the choice, which African country would you most like to visit? Which animal would you like to see?

Thursday, November 26th, 2009
Where Do I Take My Date?

Thursday Thirteen

I picked up a fun book during my last visit to the library. It’s called Guide to Great Dates
by Paul Joannides and Toni Johnson and give details of places to go, an estimate of cost, the things you need to do to prepare ahead of time plus phone numbers and internet resources. I’ve chosen some of my favorites to include in my Thursday Thirteen this week.

Thirteen Places to Take a Date

1. Star Gazing – visit the local observatory and learn about the stars.
2. Never on a Sundae – go to a place that makes ice cream sundaes.
3. Making waves – go to the beach, watch the sun set and snuggle on a blanket.
4. Corn Maze Challenge – visit a farm with a maze and have fun getting lost.
5. Go fly a kite – build a kite together then go and fly it.
6. Renaissance Faire – hire costumes and visit a renaissance fair.
7. Go to a rodeo – he haw! Ride ‘em cowboy!
8. Visit a fortune teller or psychic – have your fortune read.
9. Hot Air Balloon Festival – get up early and watch all the balloons take off.
10. A drive-in movie – find a drive-in movie theatre.
11. The zoo – visit the zoo. Some zoos have special evenings or behind-the-scenes tours.
12. Play pool – go to a pool hall.
13. Factory tour – visit a jelly bean factory, a beer factory, a chocolate factory etc

And speaking of dating – one of the women who works with my sister has a father who has just entered a home for older people. She said to him jokingly that he’d be able to find a girlfriend. Her father said in a testy voice, “Have you seen the women in here?” I guess he won’t be going on a date anytime soon!

Do check out Guide to Great Dates because my list is a very brief summary of the ideas and details in this fun book.

What are some of your favorite places to go on a date?