Home again.
This has to be one of the more memorable weeks for me. Eight days that went by at the speed of light.
Needless to say, I enjoyed the company of 52 wonderful, loving, encouraging, supportive and very interesting women. I thank each and every one of you for making this week so special. I was constantly reminded how much power, energy and unlimited strength we do have. Total fallacy that we are the 'weaker sex'. NOT!!! We managed so well, what with 4x4 standard shift jeeps, driving on the right hand side of the road, opening and closing camp in a different 'bush' each night, meals, culture and spiritual experiences....the list is endless. We passed all these tests with flying colours. All this without electricity, internet or even daily showers. We slept in tents and awoke the first two mornings with them covered with ice. Cold nights were the one thing we knew we would have.
I cannot go into details, as I don't want to spoil it for the groups yet to set out on this Odyssey. (there are groups of 40-50 women each week until the end of August) Just as I had no idea what lay ahead of me, including the weather.
Needless to say, that I will go into detail on a one to one basis. I have already spoken with so many of you. My welcome home was just as delightful. My grandson Eitan was only interested in a photo of a rhinoceros, which I printed for him to take to the kindergarten today.
Sunday, 15 June 2008
Wednesday, 4 June 2008
Almost out the door
It's 2:30 and everything is ready and packed. I am going into the shower now and off to Bilu, for our pyjama party at Michal's before our flight.
I woke up with African Butterflies in my tummy. Took my vitamins and gagged, drank my coffee and gagged, tried to eat my toast and gagged. Needless to say, I'm a little bit anxious.
Last night Malka (the original Queen who encouraged me to apply) came over and helped me pack. She was very impressed with our organization. Every pun intended...She thinks my crew is great.
I got a new memory card for my Kodak - 4 G. It attaches directly to my UPS port to download pictures. Now we just have to get Internet Access.
Rumors are trickling in from Queens who recently returned from SA . I am doing my best to ignore them.
So, Adieu, and Au Revoir from the Dark Continent (hopefully) or else when I get back next weekend.
I woke up with African Butterflies in my tummy. Took my vitamins and gagged, drank my coffee and gagged, tried to eat my toast and gagged. Needless to say, I'm a little bit anxious.
Last night Malka (the original Queen who encouraged me to apply) came over and helped me pack. She was very impressed with our organization. Every pun intended...She thinks my crew is great.
I got a new memory card for my Kodak - 4 G. It attaches directly to my UPS port to download pictures. Now we just have to get Internet Access.
Rumors are trickling in from Queens who recently returned from SA . I am doing my best to ignore them.
So, Adieu, and Au Revoir from the Dark Continent (hopefully) or else when I get back next weekend.
Tuesday, 3 June 2008
Last minute stuff
OK
Made the lists, collaberated with the crew, added, removed, added more, went to Tiberius twice in 24 hours and finally I think I'm ready to get it all together.
Made a stop at Tower Records and among other things got a CD of Paul Simon - 'Graceland'. How not? They didn't have Mirium Makeba, or even Harry Belefonte. I am not at all familiar with any South African music. Oh, you can bet I will be soon.
We received a notice that the flight is delayed two hours. Extra sleep, but on the other hand it also means that we arrive later and that puts us well into the night. Did I mention that after a
9 1/2 flight we have to drive almost 600 km to get our vehicles near Durban? Only then will we arrive at our first campsite. Oh yeh! I'm sure we'll sleep well that night.
So, I'm off now to pack and get the house ready for the kids to come for the weekend that I won't be here. The pool officially opens and they are calling for a hot spell.
That wraps it up for now. I'll get back soon......
Made the lists, collaberated with the crew, added, removed, added more, went to Tiberius twice in 24 hours and finally I think I'm ready to get it all together.
Made a stop at Tower Records and among other things got a CD of Paul Simon - 'Graceland'. How not? They didn't have Mirium Makeba, or even Harry Belefonte. I am not at all familiar with any South African music. Oh, you can bet I will be soon.
We received a notice that the flight is delayed two hours. Extra sleep, but on the other hand it also means that we arrive later and that puts us well into the night. Did I mention that after a
9 1/2 flight we have to drive almost 600 km to get our vehicles near Durban? Only then will we arrive at our first campsite. Oh yeh! I'm sure we'll sleep well that night.
So, I'm off now to pack and get the house ready for the kids to come for the weekend that I won't be here. The pool officially opens and they are calling for a hot spell.
That wraps it up for now. I'll get back soon......
Monday, 2 June 2008
Two days and counting
With two days to go, I am in a near frenzy state in anticipation and closing the last details.
We have a small technical problem. My group is in charge of Coffee Break on the first day. This is on the way from Tel Aviv to Jo'burg and continuing to Durban. A trip in itself which will take 20 hors. Problem is we are not near any place where we can make it ourselves. Purchasing coffee for 50 women can be a big expense. Does anyone have any ideas?
Apart from that I am looking for a solution to recharge the lithium battery on my Kodak camera. I think this is a problem, as I purchased the camera three years ago in Florida. I was told there is some cable connection from the lighter in the car. I feel my options in Tiberius are limited. Nobody in her right mind buys a new camera before a trip. So I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. Maybe we'll take turns so I won't use up my battery the first day. Luckily, one of the women in my crew is a journalist / photographer, so we will not lack of records for the journey.
I think tonight I shall start filling my duffel bag. Wearing a matching uniform definitely saves space in clothing choices. I hope I will find those travel towels which are lightweight and dry quickly. I was also told that there are special heating packages that create warmth when opened. Rather like those light sticks.
Dear friends, I am very moved by all your kind words of support and ego boosting. Thank you very much. I look forward to filling you all in as we get closer to departure.
We have a small technical problem. My group is in charge of Coffee Break on the first day. This is on the way from Tel Aviv to Jo'burg and continuing to Durban. A trip in itself which will take 20 hors. Problem is we are not near any place where we can make it ourselves. Purchasing coffee for 50 women can be a big expense. Does anyone have any ideas?
Apart from that I am looking for a solution to recharge the lithium battery on my Kodak camera. I think this is a problem, as I purchased the camera three years ago in Florida. I was told there is some cable connection from the lighter in the car. I feel my options in Tiberius are limited. Nobody in her right mind buys a new camera before a trip. So I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. Maybe we'll take turns so I won't use up my battery the first day. Luckily, one of the women in my crew is a journalist / photographer, so we will not lack of records for the journey.
I think tonight I shall start filling my duffel bag. Wearing a matching uniform definitely saves space in clothing choices. I hope I will find those travel towels which are lightweight and dry quickly. I was also told that there are special heating packages that create warmth when opened. Rather like those light sticks.
Dear friends, I am very moved by all your kind words of support and ego boosting. Thank you very much. I look forward to filling you all in as we get closer to departure.
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