tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47025495829621119572024-03-21T10:30:59.236-07:00Deb's Travel Tips & ThingsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702549582962111957.post-64106281098123054962010-07-16T13:33:00.001-07:002010-07-16T14:03:14.751-07:00North Shore, Lake Tahoe - July 4th, 2010<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hello again everyone,</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div> </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It has been way too long since my last post but my day job has been keeping me busy leading up to our new product launch. No excuses though! I was able to sneak away for a long weekend up in Lake Tahoe over the 4th of July weekend and had the most wonderful time staying in the beautiful Incline Village and exploring the North Shore. </span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div> </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We headed up on Thursday afternoon and started the weekend with cocktails and snacks on the deck of </span></span><a href="http://www.jakestahoe.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Jake's On The Lake</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> overlooking the lake. A couple of fruity cocktails and an Ahi Poke Roll later (which was delicious by the way), I was feeling nice and relaxed and ready to have a fun weekend. We headed to Incline and got ready for a nice dinner at the </span></span><a href="http://laketahoe.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/entertainment/restaurants/index.jsp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lone Eagle Grill</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> right on the lake -- fabulous service and amazing food! Such a treat if you are looking for a nice night on the town. </span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div> </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The weekend continued with lunch at </span></span><a href="http://www.garwoods.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Garwoods</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> in Kings Beach - no, we did not have the Wet Woody's this time because we had a tee time right afterwards... but I will definitely be trying one or two the next time I go! Here are a few pics from the beach outside of Garwoods. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div> </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3z5eSwXyprhcuOMeJ7lda0E8cPwtch40mg_9rAfWoSpL6z4bGb1gFYC1MAMQ8XcjpCrtbE7qNPjS-XFLj_Sd72_QqWtE-E7hwCT8NMwyAyhkKJoFxDtoEK28LAUFUNxz668EWK9wz6qkQ/s400/Tahoe_Stilted+House.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494612070780949586" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px; " /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></span></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLrHrGiOKk5u-H3BcuF72mClfgoo4qKxOgxWLHeuIfzoSSu_FIGZVnwOvAkSC6cIERI1KiAs7Qh7XQu4bMXOnoup1AuUIvFJ0qY_pKRN-QpJ9C795CF_Nmta5si2vPQVOVRIkktme0ufG/s1600/Kings+Beach_Tahoe.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLrHrGiOKk5u-H3BcuF72mClfgoo4qKxOgxWLHeuIfzoSSu_FIGZVnwOvAkSC6cIERI1KiAs7Qh7XQu4bMXOnoup1AuUIvFJ0qY_pKRN-QpJ9C795CF_Nmta5si2vPQVOVRIkktme0ufG/s400/Kings+Beach_Tahoe.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494612056557968738" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></span></span><div> </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We golfed both the </span></span><a href="http://www.golfincline.com/courses_rates/championship_course"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Championship Course</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> and the </span></span><a href="http://www.golfincline.com/courses_rates/mountain_course"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mountain Course </span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">in Incline Village over the course of the weekend and the courses won both matchups. Don't worry -- I'll be back soon and plan to redeem myself... </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Championship Course</span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsOsoGR5z2l9raX8Z0l8CA89hpzA_bhTEe4b7w3VoGYYCdB34cqlusdfzhW3fMHF6l6DzEYSN1uhD76Qfx9f2oNXo1qSy6SWYMqLiH1XzHcn2L0GK_CWg7vKGs3qPJs6mb1ZjtmLpe7Uc/s400/Championship+Course.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494610369697264226" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div align="center"> </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div align="center"> </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And of course, the 4th of July would not be complete without a fireworks display. We attended a party at the Lone Eagle and then watched the fireworks from the dock. What a beautiful night with friends and family. Definitely a weekend to remember -- I just did not want to leave... </span></span></div><div align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqD7OQ8la5PrpRpo1ztbLYFMiArLWiBqaBcPKw5K_TOjPX08lYb3fL8wxcTAxjkC9u9atdEWJc8KOw0YzKAVgnI5gxmtn1melFBCvelX98QDZlkfnl15i2f3kIB85bkLMIfGph9-__tc8/s1600/Tahoe+Sunset.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqD7OQ8la5PrpRpo1ztbLYFMiArLWiBqaBcPKw5K_TOjPX08lYb3fL8wxcTAxjkC9u9atdEWJc8KOw0YzKAVgnI5gxmtn1melFBCvelX98QDZlkfnl15i2f3kIB85bkLMIfGph9-__tc8/s400/Tahoe+Sunset.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494612063840026530" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></u></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqD7OQ8la5PrpRpo1ztbLYFMiArLWiBqaBcPKw5K_TOjPX08lYb3fL8wxcTAxjkC9u9atdEWJc8KOw0YzKAVgnI5gxmtn1melFBCvelX98QDZlkfnl15i2f3kIB85bkLMIfGph9-__tc8/s1600/Tahoe+Sunset.jpg"></a></span></span><div align="left"> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Enjoy the fireworks and maybe we'll see you there next year? </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div align="left"> </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div align="left"> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NhWIINFRR0DU-n1uA2sVG0okLzwGS9_fEtcPRQ0oBSGHBqtfAukuIcVJ-aJzhF4P4paKuOjIe7JMScl5z2gcnnT7Legs0YsKPiXpUnLl4pA157P73y6i6vwAmWRghNrwMm0FM661mlwD/s1600/Fireworks_Horizon.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NhWIINFRR0DU-n1uA2sVG0okLzwGS9_fEtcPRQ0oBSGHBqtfAukuIcVJ-aJzhF4P4paKuOjIe7JMScl5z2gcnnT7Legs0YsKPiXpUnLl4pA157P73y6i6vwAmWRghNrwMm0FM661mlwD/s400/Fireworks_Horizon.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494610410304745954" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 291px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0QscqMwVAB-wLWgxsYewI5awqIclc8n4VmqxQkW4iq0GRsMnp1ZrSZ5vIX1_67cFnCSw5RyJtm2JmIpYrPy3nM1Dwad9Y9nAN9WU9-8ajq1AaR_YXYHBd9Q8WaplVzPVjP8siWBx4rjn/s1600/Fireworks_3.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0QscqMwVAB-wLWgxsYewI5awqIclc8n4VmqxQkW4iq0GRsMnp1ZrSZ5vIX1_67cFnCSw5RyJtm2JmIpYrPy3nM1Dwad9Y9nAN9WU9-8ajq1AaR_YXYHBd9Q8WaplVzPVjP8siWBx4rjn/s400/Fireworks_3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494610402327382930" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 291px; height: 400px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjgx9pL1b9qv6t3mWFOAmgpTwl1Gbg_UbulEdJXSP0DmpxkxA8kX7SKVKmW6M4t29Kw7nYglTOZAd42gTRsSgb-UV9WMmM8cOSo4MdCwYTwY5YETgOJ6zS7C5EDH2AdV9-zTuPkDcew0i/s1600/Fireworks_2.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjgx9pL1b9qv6t3mWFOAmgpTwl1Gbg_UbulEdJXSP0DmpxkxA8kX7SKVKmW6M4t29Kw7nYglTOZAd42gTRsSgb-UV9WMmM8cOSo4MdCwYTwY5YETgOJ6zS7C5EDH2AdV9-zTuPkDcew0i/s400/Fireworks_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494610394476694242" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 291px; height: 400px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-o2Cwdf0mMiLLjYnhMSerpAM4r6tIXHgSsNxBo-p3Ia7ukmX_7-RHy-zMU5c4MydLA89QVhdbmxPrMyjRCkOxAcznjkQ3Bna-R1lT8wLzfGCv0rFKWreDi19O8vFRWo41Tp4i7Gii_ety/s1600/Fireworks_1.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-o2Cwdf0mMiLLjYnhMSerpAM4r6tIXHgSsNxBo-p3Ia7ukmX_7-RHy-zMU5c4MydLA89QVhdbmxPrMyjRCkOxAcznjkQ3Bna-R1lT8wLzfGCv0rFKWreDi19O8vFRWo41Tp4i7Gii_ety/s400/Fireworks_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494610381841430594" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 291px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></u></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-o2Cwdf0mMiLLjYnhMSerpAM4r6tIXHgSsNxBo-p3Ia7ukmX_7-RHy-zMU5c4MydLA89QVhdbmxPrMyjRCkOxAcznjkQ3Bna-R1lT8wLzfGCv0rFKWreDi19O8vFRWo41Tp4i7Gii_ety/s1600/Fireworks_1.jpg"></a></span></span><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9uXZsjB5HXgWl1DLeIzYj7zmvW8NLAauf2b0m0txBwnSArV8ikii5Htv10aDBjy2CnuWACa0TS_y-kFmG2QVHO_eZLHKnFJazpEnP5KP1InkRX5e53k2xXCzN40wvTcNxeCPYJZ1PSba/s1600/Single+Firework.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9uXZsjB5HXgWl1DLeIzYj7zmvW8NLAauf2b0m0txBwnSArV8ikii5Htv10aDBjy2CnuWACa0TS_y-kFmG2QVHO_eZLHKnFJazpEnP5KP1InkRX5e53k2xXCzN40wvTcNxeCPYJZ1PSba/s400/Single+Firework.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494612086358243490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></a><div> </div></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702549582962111957.post-58859161895802773392010-05-03T23:14:00.000-07:002010-05-03T23:23:48.435-07:00San Francisco's Painted Ladies<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, serif; ">Since being back in the Bay Area and spending time in San Francisco again, I have discovered my latest fascination... old Victorian architecture. So many buildings and apartments in San Francisco are so beautifully decorated with intricate details from the Victorian era. The most famous of these old Victorians are the "Painted Ladies" or "Seven Sisters" which are located opposite Alamo Square Park in Hayes Valley. These Victorians have been featured in many movies over the years with sweeping views over the San Francisco skyline, and also happened to be the home of the family from the TV show "Full House" back in the '80's. I hope you enjoy my photo tribute to these gorgeous buildings below.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><br /></span></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#3333FF;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#3333FF;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">The Painted Ladies</span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczaR7tUJ_Dd2iX1vLBrqV-Y8vZZZ4LcsLN-XedQSYRzjeaaLj_MVgQrY3sq1UV_jT4zTAZnaoM6vGayNJjvtDKcWOdbO-ZXtssTMykowlymHo_oYCARWrP9PLpyxmjhdMU6teq-FpFoAA/s1600/Painted+Ladies_Vintage.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczaR7tUJ_Dd2iX1vLBrqV-Y8vZZZ4LcsLN-XedQSYRzjeaaLj_MVgQrY3sq1UV_jT4zTAZnaoM6vGayNJjvtDKcWOdbO-ZXtssTMykowlymHo_oYCARWrP9PLpyxmjhdMU6teq-FpFoAA/s400/Painted+Ladies_Vintage.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467296419368968354" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px; " /><br /></a></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JYqBU-6t3qOgaLO52BpH1qCBDUjqkaVAKr2pKMU61_zK8SCwl_jh2lPHR3n0qZ5H8ZJsd4agO1ZeLAQb94uYAhCmb8ljP8YFLYcuRvSK4JFPtWAVsKq8QsCXP93MDNWHrvFxdkx-32Um/s1600/Painted+Ladies_B%26W_redhaze.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JYqBU-6t3qOgaLO52BpH1qCBDUjqkaVAKr2pKMU61_zK8SCwl_jh2lPHR3n0qZ5H8ZJsd4agO1ZeLAQb94uYAhCmb8ljP8YFLYcuRvSK4JFPtWAVsKq8QsCXP93MDNWHrvFxdkx-32Um/s400/Painted+Ladies_B%26W_redhaze.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467296411380833442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px; " /></a><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; "><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOx_V4_rDzLftCbq-STZkwb-CZwkZ3eY5cvocxF-lF46ybCFKcwt4Vo8cKjfJPiJAJOANDI41flDcUwLu8kV7dUdbCwMnAP7lmI5tydtgyXiP4RovllLMaW8duT9CU9WE26xxuo5P0TU4/s1600/Painted+Ladies_Flowers.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOx_V4_rDzLftCbq-STZkwb-CZwkZ3eY5cvocxF-lF46ybCFKcwt4Vo8cKjfJPiJAJOANDI41flDcUwLu8kV7dUdbCwMnAP7lmI5tydtgyXiP4RovllLMaW8duT9CU9WE26xxuo5P0TU4/s400/Painted+Ladies_Flowers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467296402818227698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px; " /></a></span></i></span><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702549582962111957.post-75107988190152568562010-04-23T23:26:00.000-07:002010-04-23T23:37:21.229-07:00San Francisco - Home Sweet Home... Again!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg149hpo6B_-90FB2fmOnZwhodCHvZvo8F351wTnIwalokj6GGtlJpeLmVIn6x5PKZzMWKuf0U80Oo8YZoWhiBPCN-y8o8wQCuhC2NGxW7DU-aDZtoWWVV4i_4dyEWPiRrIXMPeIFa9dDRq/s1600/Golden+Gate+Bridge_BeachReflection.jpg"></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Okay, so San Francisco is not entirely my home again but close enough! :-) I recently moved back to the San Francisco Bay Area and am still deciding where I want to live "full-time", but I have been spending time back in the beautiful city of San Francisco and the gorgeous weekends that I have experienced recently are a definite sign that I should seriously consider moving back there for good! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Last weekend I was treated to 70 degree weather with hardly a cloud in the sky so I couldn't pass up an opportunity like this. I went down to Chrissy Fields after breakfast on Saturday morning and took some photos of the Golden Gate Bridge from the beach. What a phenomenal site -- one of the best places to view the Golden Gate and SF Bay. I hope you enjoy these pics below. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg149hpo6B_-90FB2fmOnZwhodCHvZvo8F351wTnIwalokj6GGtlJpeLmVIn6x5PKZzMWKuf0U80Oo8YZoWhiBPCN-y8o8wQCuhC2NGxW7DU-aDZtoWWVV4i_4dyEWPiRrIXMPeIFa9dDRq/s1600/Golden+Gate+Bridge_BeachReflection.jpg"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJBgK6zle5XTeA5l-Z6Jw9c0lb8D6hwR44J-yhzDX8-VaozSqYsgoOOPB0fQJvWKulRR5KVYSljqXb-32FbuWCaE3z7t0gCKyYpVkgHiO3QFr5c9oEGVQyDXLBg2OATTpWsYuaTv9hK9y/s1600/GGbridge_beachrocks.jpg"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1328cgXENyVorbty0mHxVVYK2_oTwI4beze8Hko9m91fNbS3msz_QrLM96RLAi_flraPbJQ8VfYXml71ZICMP4aQbdK2bTIrKO-1HNBJ-izyDCEqDhHk6YJ6ykxYLw5iqchJ1qrH94kSW/s1600/GGbride+thrubarnacles.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigv-UngNhIDlTpYsdjWn0JtYJrALvREp5JFx8DiibTWuiSWFVatUf_-xCyVSJuf8ZhgkNPZkgtTrc9fnuL24zuSSP_1Gwco5CKI_cMmCz3NmRJ8XhPQq5Dr5p4NejnRtGYnY_0LPFjsDcq/s1600/GG-Bridge-Flowers_Focused.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigv-UngNhIDlTpYsdjWn0JtYJrALvREp5JFx8DiibTWuiSWFVatUf_-xCyVSJuf8ZhgkNPZkgtTrc9fnuL24zuSSP_1Gwco5CKI_cMmCz3NmRJ8XhPQq5Dr5p4NejnRtGYnY_0LPFjsDcq/s400/GG-Bridge-Flowers_Focused.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463588515703944770" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJBgK6zle5XTeA5l-Z6Jw9c0lb8D6hwR44J-yhzDX8-VaozSqYsgoOOPB0fQJvWKulRR5KVYSljqXb-32FbuWCaE3z7t0gCKyYpVkgHiO3QFr5c9oEGVQyDXLBg2OATTpWsYuaTv9hK9y/s400/GGbridge_beachrocks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463588530367375026" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcRCDQNJjxICSB8R9_gNc67J_HbJY8958lA3o6H5UHSuT3NCOHNO1MmS6ju4DiTFb6XwnCQ2nC70GRE6piUIdXQeAOVMai7j8Y47W0dERDMzH5_ATeTwe6yy5TpQwGFOPdT3gB5wqZ0If/s400/GGBridgeNorthernView.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463588539165584034" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1328cgXENyVorbty0mHxVVYK2_oTwI4beze8Hko9m91fNbS3msz_QrLM96RLAi_flraPbJQ8VfYXml71ZICMP4aQbdK2bTIrKO-1HNBJ-izyDCEqDhHk6YJ6ykxYLw5iqchJ1qrH94kSW/s400/GGbride+thrubarnacles.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463588525085031698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg149hpo6B_-90FB2fmOnZwhodCHvZvo8F351wTnIwalokj6GGtlJpeLmVIn6x5PKZzMWKuf0U80Oo8YZoWhiBPCN-y8o8wQCuhC2NGxW7DU-aDZtoWWVV4i_4dyEWPiRrIXMPeIFa9dDRq/s400/Golden+Gate+Bridge_BeachReflection.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463588547232024386" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702549582962111957.post-690684243338475162010-04-15T22:54:00.000-07:002010-04-15T23:22:23.958-07:00Black and White Africa Photos<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVd8_7gp5XvXRmiiJ18FuleowsTQci7XOdRrt-qfwdD74-MFK2MfXSEVaqHPGCNWziajvjfYHej-xwRKijycalogIlYpczetZdcCQ5d2k4GRuTFjmT3_WgRC8ZWVbweLSpNaojCoXL4jq/s400/Kruger+Sunrise_B%26W.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460611485453117698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px; " /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVd8_7gp5XvXRmiiJ18FuleowsTQci7XOdRrt-qfwdD74-MFK2MfXSEVaqHPGCNWziajvjfYHej-xwRKijycalogIlYpczetZdcCQ5d2k4GRuTFjmT3_WgRC8ZWVbweLSpNaojCoXL4jq/s1600/Kruger+Sunrise_B%26W.jpg"></a></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(Photo above is Sunrise over Kruger National Park, South Africa)</span></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpbMoQcTaPpqqsnEQBC_gTqqvPpzE3HI-4hTc_MnQzCOpk26rhJvRn9LrTqS0IRpAcCX8DMIV7wo8d6N26X1gymMZ3t9gNcpuCOYkn6D_YfdxU0ZTYJ-mmOgRCFN9S7suzZPfZvW4xBYs/s1600/Hermanus+beach_B%26W.jpg"></a>Hello everyone! I apologize for my long absence but I have moved back to Northern California and started my new job so things have been pretty busy... I am very excited because I just bought my new Canon 50D camera and am ready to start taking pics again! My new camera also inspired me to go back through my photos from my recent Africa trip and pull out some of my faves that I have not yet posted here on my blog. I am also learning some new editing techniques in Photoshop so please bear with me as some of these are total experiments... </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; "><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">(Photo below taken at the beach in Hermanus, South Africa)</span></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpbMoQcTaPpqqsnEQBC_gTqqvPpzE3HI-4hTc_MnQzCOpk26rhJvRn9LrTqS0IRpAcCX8DMIV7wo8d6N26X1gymMZ3t9gNcpuCOYkn6D_YfdxU0ZTYJ-mmOgRCFN9S7suzZPfZvW4xBYs/s400/Hermanus+beach_B%26W.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460611477039147970" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; "><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">(Photo below is a Baby Zebra in Kruger National Park, South Africa)</span></span></span></i></div></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjWsgwEZen0QDuwnUGZn9FBsZy0VMVGbtwrL_lT68qllYoqCJShiTBx2RBPi8dAlcKKjp5a9IALx42PZJ6DS7ylJXyuZXdqO-eTXQ7z2SVluh9YCOH6VEIU4zFnq7WgsTabu1-Pr_rOah/s400/Zebra+BW.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460611508296471938" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; "><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; "><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">(Photo below is my favorite lion from the Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana)</span></span></span></i></div></span></span></span></div></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiym8-PfyM2UYo7DmiLDcwhpKI3LIN674NmtJet8oau6I1ZSXdlVWLFHMRol95xyVkRV1V8phZSPd4WQ4vQRfKSdI3NdJCps9uuBkArUEefyoLPLT_pr0na7yOLfSwf8Vw0gUQRjn568m-2/s400/Lion+Paw+Eyes_B%26W.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460611495717139250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; "><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; "><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">(Photo below is a Baby Elephant with Mama Elephant in Kruger National Park, South Africa)</span></span></span></i></div></span></span></span></div></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yC5xttOtvyFWrxOf3fDsdpS720FKpICihKNZjtDGczw648xPyY8-2r7VTdE6clxKWfWdNIYc6XfUXJSQw4ecPO3ub72MDAtsQzvkykLrGrb9vmzYj_jaAmsPZwXPndR-ta-lSb5hmTqS/s400/Elephants_BW.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460613493115560498" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; "><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; "><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">(Photo below is a rare sight - Hyena's resting in Kruger National Park, South Africa)</span></span></span></i></div></span></span></span></div></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqFz2SjWXbj97Od8_vWMrzdFltY0ZBcXtluhhQGmK3Hfds19scs_Odq7NZYgx5Dyj7RUwgh2pc7FjazAbAWwLtezHhTdAhJdVkZGwEVWolBnNdOjT_8rLSDLD9SNMIkOSu7ieGDy5kEKU/s400/HyenaLying.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460611500811437666" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; "><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; "><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><i>(Below, moving back to the beautiful beach in Hermanus, South Africa)</i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div></span></span></span></div></span></span></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQuZALls6T3Pqcgs9UmIqnTimsfr6rg_v1o2O-ICMIWOv2XT6jv_ccD7GeCwYHVSx4T_Ri2_7j-OYrG0PRd4VSkKgzI359nQNhYLoDDFX8WYuSsjAAbzQPz4eWOkMcI2qQJxDsOb0JcbU/s1600/Hermanus+Beach.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQuZALls6T3Pqcgs9UmIqnTimsfr6rg_v1o2O-ICMIWOv2XT6jv_ccD7GeCwYHVSx4T_Ri2_7j-OYrG0PRd4VSkKgzI359nQNhYLoDDFX8WYuSsjAAbzQPz4eWOkMcI2qQJxDsOb0JcbU/s400/Hermanus+Beach.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460612630863800898" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; "><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><i>(Below, our place on the rocks for "sun-downers" in Hermanus, South Africa)</i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcGb0MjLL2L526X-ipa0OW0N-50FC9GiC7B1X6j_Jr5dQIwbgox_Dv9A2dkelZBDPhLvxnVQVfxwN01ixtidi9o6rX0nl6Uz-_940SzM-hpKPqkG8nE2nAVT4HD7oXkEJHan1OHA6Z0bK/s400/Hermanus+Beach+Sunset.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460612638217170882" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><i>(Below, a gorgeous sunset in Hermanus, South Africa)</i></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5R5-nih9ECfxaCyvO7KZhksy5vlnrE2dVZyzTdCV_ooQsCxPU9xvjC0jvAcUNASKRJGhxQWFQF2j5QKFJATVBhd2yC6up9U0uYf4WTEoRyXBA32wpmF5Oo5q1IMunJLa-JvU8BKQVBhe/s400/Hermanus+Sunsetv2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460612648954871234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999999;"><i>(On the Midlands Meander outside of Pietermaritzberg, South Africa -- Barbed wire fencing is a harsh contrast to the beauty of the countryside)</i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; text-decoration: underline;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNi4RFOqLAqJ7acHm7oKN-UL8RVVmNkjlKFaK9qkSUaZsb990SkpZV7W_Z189VIIN-a7lDeKLIpqRVTGNfFamLJleWn28r8YYRQonQzL9-WN_IPqeMzOzISXtGVreLXcb2HHcaJvnejN3/s1600/Barbed+Wire+and+Fields.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNi4RFOqLAqJ7acHm7oKN-UL8RVVmNkjlKFaK9qkSUaZsb990SkpZV7W_Z189VIIN-a7lDeKLIpqRVTGNfFamLJleWn28r8YYRQonQzL9-WN_IPqeMzOzISXtGVreLXcb2HHcaJvnejN3/s400/Barbed+Wire+and+Fields.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460614053535853794" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; text-decoration: underline;"><i>(Not far from the Drakensberg Mountains in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa) </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; text-decoration: underline;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlc1SIFn3sZYLTdfhJlSFIa9C7flhXXVplO6DgFgJk5syHBBQoOJzsX3AtMLoTt_ncFbxPLvmAqh4eedpA3TvxBOvDHyjIi5mSVKZOMHfDCVfg2WXQNTAZyF1BuQksYgN5y3HJSDAJeOeZ/s1600/On+the+Way+to+Drakensburg.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlc1SIFn3sZYLTdfhJlSFIa9C7flhXXVplO6DgFgJk5syHBBQoOJzsX3AtMLoTt_ncFbxPLvmAqh4eedpA3TvxBOvDHyjIi5mSVKZOMHfDCVfg2WXQNTAZyF1BuQksYgN5y3HJSDAJeOeZ/s400/On+the+Way+to+Drakensburg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460614043161674402" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px; " /></a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; text-decoration: underline; "><i>(First glimpse of the Drakensberg Mountains in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa) </i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdL7sqaHv-hMsaUA7cpfr_QVTAzoxdpu5fuamDkiw2gde7UiW0EZjidOCwGRXHQ_DyvjSnEAUxuWwVE66xO7a5w_vSaOJUr5yP_djfcGP6sMb9bdf4KBRz8qeuNgBynt2r-RDDIiFGl9y/s1600/Barbed+Wire+Fence+at+the+Berg.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdL7sqaHv-hMsaUA7cpfr_QVTAzoxdpu5fuamDkiw2gde7UiW0EZjidOCwGRXHQ_DyvjSnEAUxuWwVE66xO7a5w_vSaOJUr5yP_djfcGP6sMb9bdf4KBRz8qeuNgBynt2r-RDDIiFGl9y/s400/Barbed+Wire+Fence+at+the+Berg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460614056801805346" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></span></span></span></span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702549582962111957.post-87069869372222903282010-03-17T23:12:00.000-07:002010-03-17T23:24:15.709-07:00Music Quiz!<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Okay, so this is not exactly a travel tip but since I always carry an iPod (or sometimes multiple iPods) with me when I travel I thought this would be a fun quiz to pass along. My sister-in-law </span></span><a href="http://shelbynycole.blogspot.com/2010/03/ok-humor-me.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Shelby</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> and her friend </span></span><a href="http://yellowbrickblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/shuffle-shuffle.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lyndsy</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> just completed this quiz and the results were pretty funny so I thought I would play along too! Enjoy! :-) </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#082357;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 26px;font-size:small;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">The Rules:</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">1. Put your iTunes/ ipod (or any mp3 player) on shuffle.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">4. Encourage others to play along! </span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 26px;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">My Results:</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">1) WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Lady Madonna – The Beatles</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">2) WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(8, 35, 87); font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Always on Time – Ja Rule</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">(Amen!)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#082357;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 26px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">3) WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(8, 35, 87); font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Track 02 </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">(apparently I have no purpose...)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#082357;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 26px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">4) WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Hey You – No Doubt</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 26px;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">5) WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(8, 35, 87); font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">What’s Left of Me – Nick Lachey</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">(ummm, not good!)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#082357;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 26px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">6) WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT OFTEN?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Crazy – Aerosmith</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 26px;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">7) WHAT IS 2+2?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Fast Car – Tracy Chapman</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 26px;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">8) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Something – The Beatles</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 26px;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">9) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Beyond Belief – Elvis Costello</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 26px;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">10) WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(8, 35, 87); font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Satisfaction – The Rolling Stones</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">(yeah baby!)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#082357;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 26px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">11) WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">No One Said It Would Be Easy – Sheryl Crow</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 26px;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">12) WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Punky Reggae Party – Bob Marley & The Wailers</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 26px;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">13) WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Chances Are – Bob Marley</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 26px;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">14) WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(8, 35, 87); font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Not For You – Pearl Jam</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">(hmmmm… not a good omen…)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#082357;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 26px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">15) WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(8, 35, 87); font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Badfish – Sublime</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">(seriously?!)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#082357;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 26px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">16) WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(8, 35, 87); font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Morphine & Chocolate – 4 Non Blondes </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">(hahaha)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#082357;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 26px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">17) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(8, 35, 87); font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Frail and Bedazzled – Smashing Pumpkins </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">(not true, I promise!!)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#082357;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 26px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">18) WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(8, 35, 87); font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Hound Dog – Elvis Presley</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">(LMAO!!!)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#082357;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 26px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">19) HOW WILL YOU DIE?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Franklin’s Tower – Grateful Dead</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 26px;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">20) WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Going Under - Evanescence</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 26px;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">21) WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Mr. Jones – Counting Crows</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 26px;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">22) WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">That’s It, That’s All – The Beastie Boys</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 26px;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">23) WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(8, 35, 87); font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Madness in the Hood – Spearhead</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">(I’m doomed!)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;color:#082357;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 26px;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">24) WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Sweet Sacrifice – Evanescence</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 26px;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">25) DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Life, In a Nutshell – Barenaked Ladies</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 26px;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">26) IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Here With Me – Dido</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 26px;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">27) WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW? </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Sweet Home Alabama – Lynrd Skynrd</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702549582962111957.post-80795264862620125592010-03-08T18:51:00.000-08:002010-03-08T20:03:48.363-08:00Cave Creek Delight!<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Last weekend I drove from San Diego to Phoenix to visit my oldest and best friend in the whole wide world (yes Colleen, that would be you!). Over the years we have developed a tradition of visiting a nearby town called </span></span><a href="http://www.cavecreek.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cave Creek</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> for some of the best Mexican food (and world-class margaritas) you can imagine. So here is a tribute to the little town of Cave Creek, and our favorite Mexican restaurant -- </span></span><a href="http://www.elencantorestaurant.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">El Encanto</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">About Cave Creek: </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cave Creek is about a 45 minute drive from downtown Phoenix and 30 minutes from Scottsdale. You can head north on the Carefree Highway into the foothills and discover this quaint little sanctuary. The town is reminiscent of an old fashioned "western" town and you shouldn't be surprised to come across a real cowboy at some point during your visit. The town is a great shopping destination (especially for antiques or vintage items!) and is known for its arts & crafts festivals throughout the year. There are also a ton of great restaurants and bars around town, but my heart belongs to El Encanto (see below). One very unique and interesting shop to visit is called </span></span><a href="http://www.towndump.net/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Town Dump</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> -- you really will never know what to expect when you walk around the corner! It is fun to snoop around in, even if you don't end up buying anything... </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwnQ_NJkOIIB2coCqUU_hZO6K_SrEhbQwBKMn7AZDKRMf_u0rqpzRQqTKKcdhUxkuBOYkgCl_ziIzw_QEDSggrzdekX4anNIvDXSBGmxSrlK1-DnKukBzggfPIkUesnC-mnx_NTgaTUOI/s400/IMG_0222.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446474114108788802" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpjnipbWBhJ0o9hvSN7RI6lRmP6rCgfhKcqh3BkqLmcu9W_rIGBM1nZRfoy_v6hxs8f9Sj99FOUAzAmB1e73C1rbj6bbLlFfjcJXXFB4jyr-498h35A4P5MZUKYV1BR6hUkGAYmg4qtLW/s400/IMG_0220.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446474127133789266" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And drum roll please... now on to El Encanto! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As I mentioned earlier, visiting this restaurant has become a tradition when I come and visit Colleen. Reason #1: Colleen and Darren had their rehearsal dinner there so it has special personal meaning to all of us (I was Colleen's maid of honor). Reason #2: Prickly Pear Margaritas. Reason #3: Queso Guillermo. Need I say more? </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1f1GcYepY_qkvKCaX1VVp5Q8Q6qJpvsqiyTpcEll09vPMGsx9nS7NhMmsZJhCQQZuE6LwvFGidvcFKyZzZxtCKG09qYzYMvfY8YTF2MBKtod-Z9BVHn854_cj-r8AcVXlU9hLwX2ic5xg/s400/El+Encanto.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446474152075616018" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 218px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">El Encanto is, in the style of the town itself, a very quaint and fun restaurant. Inside you will find a great outdoor seating area which overlooks a duck pond (with lots of real ducks!), and an area to buy bread and feed the ducks if you so wish (a great feature for kids). During the summer season, the outdoor patio has misters to keep you cool, but it also has an indoor seating area and a small-ish bar. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So moving on to the margaritas... The Prickly Pear margarita is arguably the most delicious thing I have ever tasted, and happens to be wickedly strong as well! Originated from the cute, bunny-eared Prickly Pear cactus -- the margarita is sugary sweet, blended and the glasses are dipped in sugar instead of salt. For all those people thinking this looks TOO sweet, have faith -- you can easily drink more than one and not feel like you have just eaten a pound of Jolly Ranchers. Just make sure you have a designated driver if you decide to have more than one and a half! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TLgVuL3UOfYY_dcehSErOkzz_Fv1KvrnP3YL4iwGZ8Peuyrp_piVbFvh5VIMPuGCwEdjtNiPJKDK-y9lsaYD9IzkvXDJaPIR0RwJjwJKMtHI5rYDpFUuIeHSzhlqecyT7u0WXd7XjtZr/s400/Prickly+Pear+Margarita.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446479571857359362" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And now reason #3 -- the Queso Guillermo. Per the menu... "Hot bubbling cheeses blended with yellow chiles, onions and tomatoes. Served sizzling at your table, with pico de gallo, limes and fresh corn tortillas." Really -- need I say more?!?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hPgAh6Gnard-52xOJez1yMyHprTfCaPhNdhOfZNP8OoauiOgWr6MG0V7uyTPt-JHu3bKt3N62s4aL3flyAyQz0HX2u3XttPxEtHQFkPdoobkSTaHP3706H694u3-ADl4geO4egyyDC1l/s400/IMG_0229.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446474875123800450" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 200px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">YUM!!! </span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Times;font-size:medium;"><table border="0" cellpadding="4" bordercolor="#111111" id="AutoNumber4" style="text-align: justify;border-collapse: collapse; "><tbody><tr><td align="right" bgcolor="#D69A49" colspan="2"><p align="center" style="font: normal normal normal 10pt/14pt 'comic sans MS', Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: black; "><b><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">El Encanto</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">6248 E. Cave Creek Rd<br />Cave Creek, AZ</span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> 85331</span></span></span></p></td></tr><tr><td align="right" bg style="color:#D69A49;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Phone: </span></span></span></td><td bg style="color:#D69A49;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> (480) 488-1752</span></span></span></b></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702549582962111957.post-91591803974508335642010-02-22T15:23:00.000-08:002010-02-22T16:22:29.843-08:00Wine Tasting in Temecula<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Champagne, Burgundy, </span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Napa</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, and... </span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Temecula</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">? For those of you who are not from Southern California, it may surprise you to know that just about an hour north of San Diego (or an hour southeast of Orange County and and hour southwest of Palm Desert) is a delightful wine producing micro-climate in the </span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Temecula</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Valley. The first wineries began commercial production in the late '60's and early '70's so the region is still very young compared to the more established areas mentioned earlier. Over the past 40+ years over 25 wineries have started production in the area and makes for fun day trip to spend with friends or out of town guests. I unfortunately did not have my fancy camera with me so I apologize for the lack of photos -- what I do have to share are courtesy of my handy-dandy iPhone... :-) </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajlDspSb3UDtoJKZ_GXJACGyywfTUwgqyR84J7CPoAYZnpa4Gk58fz7zEmK_vYYQjtd76HTRt4gteNagJlMNoXmQW0tYc0w_K_CvQddVZspEwaszzHC1WjBl0bypH0pLkCDxb9bWocE3w/s400/IMG_0197.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441218619055086066" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A couple of weeks ago, on a rare rainy </span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Saturday</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> in San Diego, I headed up for a day trip with my friends Robin and Carly. We made our first stop at the </span></span><a href="http://www.thehartfamilywinery.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hart Winery</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> which was a first for all of us. It is a quaint little wine farm with a simple tasting bar inside what I would call a barn</span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. The couple running the wine tasting were very nice and informative when talking about the selection. On the weekends, you can taste 6 wines for $10 and you get to keep the wine glass - not a bad deal! They had a few white wines but mostly reds in their collection. I had trouble selecting only 6 to test but I wanted to go beyond just you usual Cab and Merlot so I branched out and tested their Sangiovese, Meritage and Mourvedre. These three were my favorite of the bunch but didn't strike my fancy enough to buy any bottles at this point. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrziG0gcVhNKIBQSput_1wPTCADfKIP5F_f2GR-YoRINVlcNBT5guoumDewxmUHOEyELHoDectHrG-ZQE5MzerNDgb4KjLr5iJwZmySJujMcEhZru4hjrm4pXRPwnja65Ol81LZrPTco5r/s400/IMG_0198.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441218629136142306" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"></span>Our next stop is a fantastic place called </span></span><a href="http://www.pontewinery.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ponte Winery</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. Since Robin is a wine club member here, we were treated to unlimited tastings which was great! Saturday and Sunday wine tastings are usually $12 for 6 tasters and you get to keep your souvenir wine glass. The Ponte Experience was absolutely first class in my humble opinion. The winery is in a beautiful spacious building with a nice rustic decor. Inside is a large marketplace with fun modern decor pieces for sale in amongst their signature sauces, condiments, wines, etc. We tasted some wonderful wines including their Sangiovese, Nebbiola, Beverino, Barbera, Zinfindel, and Super T. Each wine was delicious in its own way but the most unique was the Beverino. It is a slightly sweet red wine that can be served room temperature or chilled. Ponte will serve it to you both ways at the same time so you can taste the difference. Chilled it tastes almost like a rose or red champagne which is beautifully refreshing! At room temperature it is a nice, smooth, fruity red. Although I really enjoyed the tasting, I ended up taking a bottle of the Nebbiolo home with me. It was my absolute favorite for the day! In addition to the wine, I walked out of there with a set of three amazing zebra striped metallic serving platters in addition to their signature Scallion Oil and a Gorgonzola Marinade. Yum! :-) </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In addition to the fabulous wine tasting experience, they have a great restaurant out back. We had hoped to eat lunch there but unfortunately the restaurant was closed due to flooding from the heavy rains that we had recently. At this point we were starving so headed just up the road to the </span></span><a href="http://www.wilsoncreekwinery.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Wilson Creek Winery</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> for lunch. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_5NzdFxpsPtkNQ4lBtwmZ66VHz46hDrSogU34H-2NN3lnzpJOk0Nz1HkqolLNjIDbjkYkOM3poTW-D72rNxoNHz7P6FqRofyFjPKEUle3MqQAqVLi-kERRis5akx-ha0Zbnver5jI_0-/s1600-h/IMG_0201.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_5NzdFxpsPtkNQ4lBtwmZ66VHz46hDrSogU34H-2NN3lnzpJOk0Nz1HkqolLNjIDbjkYkOM3poTW-D72rNxoNHz7P6FqRofyFjPKEUle3MqQAqVLi-kERRis5akx-ha0Zbnver5jI_0-/s400/IMG_0201.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441218651748766898" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidn5ruMQBRZrRMDs2dssXx7nbSAOe5jNKPeqLxohgQdSVv9llj9L9gqsIs8d2_x4jjOg6hKJwTYDFG3Vex-IEtX1U8LletyZARkbrOflLhqv08q0P6D3RX-GtZA9gsy9XDtHTa7fweoEne/s1600-h/IMG_0200.jpg"></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidn5ruMQBRZrRMDs2dssXx7nbSAOe5jNKPeqLxohgQdSVv9llj9L9gqsIs8d2_x4jjOg6hKJwTYDFG3Vex-IEtX1U8LletyZARkbrOflLhqv08q0P6D3RX-GtZA9gsy9XDtHTa7fweoEne/s1600-h/IMG_0200.jpg"></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidn5ruMQBRZrRMDs2dssXx7nbSAOe5jNKPeqLxohgQdSVv9llj9L9gqsIs8d2_x4jjOg6hKJwTYDFG3Vex-IEtX1U8LletyZARkbrOflLhqv08q0P6D3RX-GtZA9gsy9XDtHTa7fweoEne/s1600-h/IMG_0200.jpg"></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Wilson Creek is probably one of the largest (if not the largest) wineries in Temecula. They have a very large property with lots of outdoor seating and a huge wine tasting area indoors. A second building (entrance shown in the photo above) is the restaurant and banquet facilities. We headed straight for the Creekside Grill and enjoyed a wonderful (and warm!) lunch of baked brie to start, followed by butternut squash soup and a greek-calamari salad for me. The food was very good so I would definitely recommend a stopover here for a snack or bite to eat if you have time. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidn5ruMQBRZrRMDs2dssXx7nbSAOe5jNKPeqLxohgQdSVv9llj9L9gqsIs8d2_x4jjOg6hKJwTYDFG3Vex-IEtX1U8LletyZARkbrOflLhqv08q0P6D3RX-GtZA9gsy9XDtHTa7fweoEne/s1600-h/IMG_0200.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidn5ruMQBRZrRMDs2dssXx7nbSAOe5jNKPeqLxohgQdSVv9llj9L9gqsIs8d2_x4jjOg6hKJwTYDFG3Vex-IEtX1U8LletyZARkbrOflLhqv08q0P6D3RX-GtZA9gsy9XDtHTa7fweoEne/s400/IMG_0200.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441218641953026482" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Wilson Creek is also known for its Almond Champagne so you must give it a taste when you visit. It is a nice twist on champagne and has a nice sweet taste, but I can only drink one glass and then it becomes too sweet for my taste buds! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">These three stops concluded our tour for the day, but on a previous trip I had visited </span></span><a href="http://www.thorntonwine.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Thornton Winery</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> and </span></span><a href="http://www.stuartcellars.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Stuart Cellars</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. I enjoyed both of those wineries (from what I remember) so I would definitely make a second stop at each of those on my next trip. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Happy Wine Tasting everyone! </span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702549582962111957.post-90601994701847371852010-02-19T10:20:00.001-08:002010-02-19T11:00:50.625-08:00Best San Diego Sushi: Station Sushi in Solana Beach!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOQnPp9Kjj6GHNFSvuK_922my16XhyEEAfQNpkDmBQeriAu6sIcjYeCM07x7s2RJbTnAndRO6Cor1Ym1RaZacm9rtKM0JP9gPP2UU52vkwpbKX8miIAhA3M38LMQxDLrhJoJY4ILqsxyZ/s1600-h/Monkey+Stick.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7EQQVZ3b4MQpxPFiuF26SE9ljV_YUhbMNROWHU_0nkgskWL_A7G6EIMlU84DAQgMkt9K5ubFofe7ZLQeNwf3csKVTBU1mq8vMYoRdA8jpeun4ySmjlz38puWmxirFk4ux0bE4sHqxF2-t/s1600-h/Station+Sushi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7EQQVZ3b4MQpxPFiuF26SE9ljV_YUhbMNROWHU_0nkgskWL_A7G6EIMlU84DAQgMkt9K5ubFofe7ZLQeNwf3csKVTBU1mq8vMYoRdA8jpeun4ySmjlz38puWmxirFk4ux0bE4sHqxF2-t/s400/Station+Sushi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440031014538435042" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So I might be slightly biased here since I eat here literally once a week... but </span></span><a href="http://station-sushi.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Station Sushi</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> is my absolute favorite sushi restaurant in San Diego. It is actually my second favorite sushi restaurant in general (my favorite is </span></span><a href="http://www.michisushi.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Michi Sushi</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> in Campbell, CA) but that will have to be a different post...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Anyway, getting back to Station... I was actually introduced to this place before I moved to San Diego by my awesome brother and sister-in-law and it was love at first bite! The place is what I would call "dive sushi" because it is a small place and reminds me somewhat of a beach shack-type place (it has recently been renovated and lost a little of that "charm" as I would call it, but the food is still exactly the same). Between the three of us we ordered edamame, miso, multiple rolls, sake and beer and the total cost was around $100 at the end of the night. Seriously! And we couldn't finish all the food because the rolls are HUGE! Needless to say, when I moved to San Diego 2 years ago this place became a staple in my diet and I have dragged everybody I know to this place. Oh, and a great thing to note about this sushi joint -- it NEVER has that "fishy" smell when you walk in, and I have NEVER had a bad meal there. The fish is always SO FRESH I honestly wonder how they manage to do it and other places don't... </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The restaurant is always packed (even on a Tuesday night, although during the week you usually will not have to wait for a table), but on weekends be prepared to wait for up to an hour for a table if you have a party of more than 2 or 3. Don't worry though -- they do have a patio where you can sidle up to the counter on the sidewalk and have a drink while you wait (as long as you are not drinking outside the restaurant on the sidewalk of course)! Once you get seated, here is my suggestion of a few things to try (my faves of course!): </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1) The Monkey Stick. This is a signature roll for Station. It is basically crab, tuna and avocado wrapped in seaweed and deep fried with a yummy sauce drizzled over (don't ask me what is in it because I have no idea -- it just tastes FANTASTIC!). Below is a really bad photo taken from my iPhone so I apologize.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOQnPp9Kjj6GHNFSvuK_922my16XhyEEAfQNpkDmBQeriAu6sIcjYeCM07x7s2RJbTnAndRO6Cor1Ym1RaZacm9rtKM0JP9gPP2UU52vkwpbKX8miIAhA3M38LMQxDLrhJoJY4ILqsxyZ/s400/Monkey+Stick.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440031033352708610" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2) Fried Gyoza. Maybe I just love fried stuff, but this is a great appetizer -- fried pork dumplings with a soy-vinegar sauce is a perfect start to your meal. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3) The Matrix Roll. This is a relatively new addition and is designed for people who like to eat REALLY HOT stuff (if you don't like hot stuff, stay tuned for my recommendation to tone this down - you won't regret it...). So the roll is spicy tuna and asparagus inside out with tuna on top plus another yummy sauce and habanero masago. The heat sneaks up on you and starts to build so the first piece will be hot, the second will reach fire-engine levels as it sinks in. I love the freshness of the tuna/spicy tuna combo so in order for me to manage a full roll on my own (like when I get take-out), I ask for them to make the roll without the habanero masago and it is like a whole different piece of heaven. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">4) The Luv'n Tuna. Now this is a perfect compliment to something spicy. This roll combines spicy tuna on the inside with albacore on the outside and a garlic/scallion type sauce. The result is a very light, refreshing roll that appeals to just about anyone. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Other items on the menu that make the "honor roll" are the Cajun Tuna Roll (this was replaced by the Matrix roll when it was added to the menu), the Shrimp Tempura Roll, and the Protein Roll. I also like to get the sashimi platter every once in a while because the fish is SO FRESH it just melts in your mouth (I know I said that earlier but I really wasn't kidding). Oh, and to finish it off, I always get some strawberry mochi for dessert. It is just the cherry (or strawberry) on top of a wonderful meal!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Location: </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">125 N. Hwy 101 (just north of Lomas Santa Fe Road a couple doors down from Pizza Port)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Solana Beach, CA </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tel: 858.481.9800</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hours: Monday - Sunday Lunch 11:30 - 2pm and Dinner 5 - 10pm </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A second location opened up about a year and a half ago in La Jolla, but I haven't been there yet because I am loyal to the Solana Beach location... Go figure! :-) </span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702549582962111957.post-43334085089196732722010-02-16T11:46:00.000-08:002010-02-16T12:43:40.564-08:00Desert Rat for 36 hours<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IyUVGPd4K-A4WN_tKN_goyNBTMvDJJYln3Y00QNUYGQCbtTglnPVVb2u0VqSNHktORnvm0vAccTI4kWBKuCVMjqLZK5kMyp2rkW-paPny6tJ2P_hkwccsdqPlV6hFzIxJK8WViJMLO_n/s1600-h/IMG_2777.JPG"></a></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I apologize for the lack of posts lately but I have been kinda busy interviewing like crazy for that new "dream job". I wish there were some way for me to just travel, take photos and write my blog all day but unfortunately for now I need to get back to work! But until then, I might as well have fun and enjoy my freedom! :-) </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So this weekend I was treated to a uniquely San Diego experience thanks to my friends Robin and Stephan: a trip to the desert! Now many of you might be asking why "the desert", or what is there that might be fun to visit or do, but I promise after reading this post you are either going to want to go immediately to see the show or just shake your head and say "this is definitely not for me"! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Thanks to my crazy interview schedule and multiple day trips up to the Bay Area this week, I was only able to meet up with Robin and crew on Saturday morning. I crawled out of bed in the morning, grabbed a Venti coffee from Starbucks and a Lemon Loaf and headed southeast. The drive from Del Mar is about 2 1/2 hours to get to their campsite which is located in the middle of the </span></span><a href="http://www.dirtopia.com/wiki/Glamis_Sand_Dunes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Glamis Sand Dunes</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> (</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">also known as </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area) </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">in the Imperial Valley. The area of dunes where you can "play" is approximately 45 miles long by 6 mile wide and hosts up to 1.4 million people per year! Wow! </span></span></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQpDkqNx82dBlhl3QY0Phhk2MVcfwD3XrZ_JY1pt0uUyRoKPZpCOx5ePMcDxHMbdIvLfKKRkx5_GaUuZgsFyIf-xdavsOVCYLSBu-NG6Vbop5kySaxH0zfqQtfVdDrbbWK4Pc7vWsvqf6/s400/Dune+Buggy+Wheelie.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438941696267503410" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(Dune buggy wheelies were a common </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">occurrence</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">)</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The closest town to where we camped is a place called Brawley about 20 miles away so you are literally in the middle of nowhere... When I turned onto Gecko Road to get to the campsite I was amazed -- there is a paved road straight into the desert and people (thousands of people!) have parked RVs all along this road and made campsites with RVs, Motor homes and of course their desert toys (Quad bikes, Dune Buggy's, 4X4's, etc). Since this is actually an official "recreation area", permits are required to enter the site and camp overnight. You need a permit for every "primary" vehicle (i.e. your car or motor home) but not for "toys" that you bring in on trailers. Permits have various </span></span><a href="http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/elcentro/recreation/ohvs/isdra/dunesinfo/permitinfo.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">costs</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> but can essentially be bought when you enter for $40 for a week or $120 for the season (costs are lower if you purchase ahead of time).</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IyUVGPd4K-A4WN_tKN_goyNBTMvDJJYln3Y00QNUYGQCbtTglnPVVb2u0VqSNHktORnvm0vAccTI4kWBKuCVMjqLZK5kMyp2rkW-paPny6tJ2P_hkwccsdqPlV6hFzIxJK8WViJMLO_n/s400/IMG_2777.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438941680619872802" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The "MOHO" and the broken down buggy :-(</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">When I arrived the crew was getting ready for their first ride of the day so I go there just in time! We hopped into two Jeep's, had a few folks follow us in their dune buggy's, and headed into the dunes for the ride of my life. I swear this was better than a roller coaster ride! :-) Now kids, please don't try this at home... but I was with a group of folks who have been coming out to the desert for YEARS -- I mean, the average number of years these guys and gals have been coming out here is more than 20 so they know what they are doing! We flew (literally) across the dunes to a place called "The Hill" and went and parked down at the bottom with the rest of the crew that Robin and Stephan usually hang out with when they go out there. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_c9ItNCOO3lOmFYdV2TG5yEXHQX4FjNrcnFHljVBfA6LeHXh-83SYe4gdvhmky2uGMRQOVs6_Fb7kIeS9CFh2MLJbYKrmHTMhbIqWQKKs-l15Am4nFhTpHCnJD0BHMuRS7AtIZdtg2Kh/s400/The+Hill.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438941717583968722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"The Hill"</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnryGzQk2mw2mPEFpwkTYYo4LhyR-_Ej-1iXG8kIULnJIstFqQAVegdLUTSb5mkgPJl-Q2vpllV2XNWUXnUwGnhEU88al1n-UZ_3cU0X97Ln6ULDsY-cLLj2fzU28gsNx_nz-dh7EbzqR/s400/Quad+Hill.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438942726490192450" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 200px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjfy20kstusheK-LHDRew8a3wYl_5GTWXM4qoQY8yafmYLJWprF4tA43-1YRDDbAqg-IKgaHuijbxTLM_YRAHv3DBFfHgpk7uTULVTQ-CTqIhRg5bfAJisfEGi9eiaTeym7uNxWhmHU6G/s1600-h/IMG_2779.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjfy20kstusheK-LHDRew8a3wYl_5GTWXM4qoQY8yafmYLJWprF4tA43-1YRDDbAqg-IKgaHuijbxTLM_YRAHv3DBFfHgpk7uTULVTQ-CTqIhRg5bfAJisfEGi9eiaTeym7uNxWhmHU6G/s400/IMG_2779.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438941700961462002" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Robin and Carly -- Chicks Rule! :-)</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQpDkqNx82dBlhl3QY0Phhk2MVcfwD3XrZ_JY1pt0uUyRoKPZpCOx5ePMcDxHMbdIvLfKKRkx5_GaUuZgsFyIf-xdavsOVCYLSBu-NG6Vbop5kySaxH0zfqQtfVdDrbbWK4Pc7vWsvqf6/s1600-h/Dune+Buggy+Wheelie.jpg"></a><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja99tvF8ABe6Jya_bGB4103VDaUCRiasFc_vqooLqWN3SnFAtJcYD3Xoyzx_QwP9iNKrj1HN6M-HYrbKS_3USa0OI8W7t2UR1t8FVs3jrrxhvq0BO_s7s5axdnBlo9y0BP1cD_VXQm2D5X/s1600-h/Camaro+Pics.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja99tvF8ABe6Jya_bGB4103VDaUCRiasFc_vqooLqWN3SnFAtJcYD3Xoyzx_QwP9iNKrj1HN6M-HYrbKS_3USa0OI8W7t2UR1t8FVs3jrrxhvq0BO_s7s5axdnBlo9y0BP1cD_VXQm2D5X/s400/Camaro+Pics.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438941685006732834" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 178px; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Carly and Me digging this really hot Camaro! And no, I did NOT drive it but I wish! </span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Hill is a place where people congregate, check out each other's toys, drink beer and socialize. Oh, and they show off in their fancy souped up cars/buggy's/etc! What an interesting place to see and observe. And I swear I have never see so many Confederate flags in any one place in my ENTIRE life! I think it is really just a macho, cool thing to do but that is just my opinion after being there for a couple of days... </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHHVoHxjBN41OmpSkSo-UBf-km02uZS76MKt3HQJvb35bERiG6UfKIwmbHKG3baQ5oItjSnqjQc4eUEvcgO4XxAEFe9i7WIE8go2AD9Ky08PAGkqS00ji_0smZ5Q0k3Avfr2IZJpBPLR3/s1600-h/IMG_2790.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHHVoHxjBN41OmpSkSo-UBf-km02uZS76MKt3HQJvb35bERiG6UfKIwmbHKG3baQ5oItjSnqjQc4eUEvcgO4XxAEFe9i7WIE8go2AD9Ky08PAGkqS00ji_0smZ5Q0k3Avfr2IZJpBPLR3/s400/IMG_2790.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438942405755087138" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQrlDPpVQhMvYrDSumfc-ePYlO4Tt8ApO5aohyKL6_32zh5InCrC5qhFZGmV9qf0ptiVVjmYf3MXRQ1zNqpz20tPW5pmQB50eSfItKzEKQqFWIxYAVZphagcwbtmtF_G7bX1ueyilYLLH/s1600-h/Trucks+Hill.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQrlDPpVQhMvYrDSumfc-ePYlO4Tt8ApO5aohyKL6_32zh5InCrC5qhFZGmV9qf0ptiVVjmYf3MXRQ1zNqpz20tPW5pmQB50eSfItKzEKQqFWIxYAVZphagcwbtmtF_G7bX1ueyilYLLH/s400/Trucks+Hill.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438942399423428082" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 200px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Dukes of Hazzard General Lee was a common theme but my favorite was the buggy at the top! I ALMOST got a ride in it... maybe next time! </span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Anyway, I digress... Being here at the dunes for the weekend was an experience to remember for sure. The people were very interesting to watch and are definitely adventure-loving, thrill-seeking, adrenaline-junkies! And of course, I was very impressed with all the fancy toys all over and definitely wanted to go for a ride in a few of these phenomenal cars (but to be honest, I was a little scared so I didn't go through with it, but there is something to look forward to next time!). I don't think I could do this every weekend like so many of the people do, but it was definitely a FUN experience for the weekend and I hope to go back again sometime and maybe get up the courage to ride in a dune buggy and possibly even drive some sort of vehicle in the sand (or maybe I will just stick to being a passenger for the time being!). </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So a big THANK YOU to Robin and Stephan for hosting this weekend and introducing me to this different world. It was a great experience and I hope to come out and visit again soon! For all you readers who would like to experience this place -- be careful, don't drive with people you don't know and trust, and HAVE FUN! </span></span></div><div><div><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702549582962111957.post-76257639981774555312010-02-08T23:40:00.000-08:002010-02-09T00:14:39.615-08:00Del Mar Cliff Walk (San Diego, CA)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6PNVS8h6KVxYHiWP7o-jeeXaaAdvIgMivq2hUEIADcyN7jv2GecrhuJF7FWAbVbNwo9BbtP5Fi5YH57JR2Cb9qAgJD4Q5EOvd4SZSTKUDklKleFVcGwsczksUeAEiX0X0RA89FtcuSDW/s1600-h/View+of+La+Jolla.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6PNVS8h6KVxYHiWP7o-jeeXaaAdvIgMivq2hUEIADcyN7jv2GecrhuJF7FWAbVbNwo9BbtP5Fi5YH57JR2Cb9qAgJD4Q5EOvd4SZSTKUDklKleFVcGwsczksUeAEiX0X0RA89FtcuSDW/s400/View+of+La+Jolla.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436152247697293410" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This week I decided to enjoy a break in the rain and take my favorite walk along the cliffs in Del Mar. Yes, shocking as this may be -- I am taking a break from my recent Africa trip postings to salute this beautiful town that I have had the pleasure of living in for the past 2 years.Ever since my brother and his wife introduced me to this Del Mar "local" experience I have been in awe of the beauty of this place -- the cliffs high above the beach with The Coaster railroad tracks running along and with sweeping views north to Del Mar and south to La Jolla. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPuxbsBa7lUScM-rAMLgYSNOQkOXvACJOBHRYK52T40cvTJv29d_Xu_6d0pijPqDtI2AGM72ccYe6-b0PqDz2wRI0lkFZvaVEi0QUQtvHwdNZ7-SM5Fc36NsBKYYy48MuV9WHLGhVz_pe/s400/View+of+Del+Mar.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436152234865725970" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><div style="text-align: center; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPuxbsBa7lUScM-rAMLgYSNOQkOXvACJOBHRYK52T40cvTJv29d_Xu_6d0pijPqDtI2AGM72ccYe6-b0PqDz2wRI0lkFZvaVEi0QUQtvHwdNZ7-SM5Fc36NsBKYYy48MuV9WHLGhVz_pe/s1600-h/View+of+Del+Mar.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIGEZvD38l8rouwIkl3OO8QLnAWGg2oBhbGCfP0y_UyDfw45BXO8nVKM_z9WRVQivPAiMaP4MjwRI_U-E96LFVXzxYbAA9IL-xkFwWHpONUHTXp4EW66ucb61wgqCO_krPFF80cUfgaYc/s1600-h/PurpleFlowers.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIGEZvD38l8rouwIkl3OO8QLnAWGg2oBhbGCfP0y_UyDfw45BXO8nVKM_z9WRVQivPAiMaP4MjwRI_U-E96LFVXzxYbAA9IL-xkFwWHpONUHTXp4EW66ucb61wgqCO_krPFF80cUfgaYc/s400/PurpleFlowers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436151313779505618" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5IsMMJ5eqH_WLl_6OgjAIyPA-zwopJ4wIAxH5SY8X8J4eHHCtP_pJA6i-E8dhRrFRtlgQYp5-oc3CPf-PXfEoLD_qQb5SG2C1t4twTYllhY4t2NCv9y3XqxZWxgWZsqqR1NqeoiySVmXp/s1600-h/Del+Mar+Cliffs.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5IsMMJ5eqH_WLl_6OgjAIyPA-zwopJ4wIAxH5SY8X8J4eHHCtP_pJA6i-E8dhRrFRtlgQYp5-oc3CPf-PXfEoLD_qQb5SG2C1t4twTYllhY4t2NCv9y3XqxZWxgWZsqqR1NqeoiySVmXp/s400/Del+Mar+Cliffs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436151298906546658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">During the summer season when the beaches further into town and towards Torrey Pines get jammed and parking becomes a nightmare, you can always slip into a spot in the neighborhood above the cliffs and then walk down to the beach. Just go down Del Mar Heights road towards Hwy 101 and at the light, go across into the neighborhood - make a right on Strattford and park on any of the streets between 4th and 12th (each street dead-ends into the top of the cliff walk). Now once you get to the train tracks you have three options: 1) walk north along the tracks towards Del Mar and take the easy way down; 2) walk south to Torrey Pines beach and cruise down easily; or 3) climb down one of the cliff trails -- a little scary the first few times but if guys (and gals) with surfboards can do it, so can you! Anyway, once you make it to the beach, you can usually get some peace and quiet during the summer season and just enjoy the sun and surfers! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubeh0gn39kTUDb8GKQeIgbeaoZu6b_3OrfyKZYRcRPHP1_lnUG9uuv63JxQeJBj0Tvf2r-hiTFwxMXlBf9X0j4mXVVKIwKLgGDEbV0CIYQy3neWhbTatyJvA1-HomVfSNd70itopWkxYh/s1600-h/Pier+Stumps.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubeh0gn39kTUDb8GKQeIgbeaoZu6b_3OrfyKZYRcRPHP1_lnUG9uuv63JxQeJBj0Tvf2r-hiTFwxMXlBf9X0j4mXVVKIwKLgGDEbV0CIYQy3neWhbTatyJvA1-HomVfSNd70itopWkxYh/s400/Pier+Stumps.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436151304006410674" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Okay, so back to my walk... I took my camera this time because I have been obsessed with the beauty of the cliffs, the beach and... the train tracks. Yes, the train tracks! For some reason I just love everything about them and the way they create a cool contrast to the waves and the beach scene below. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnBsWLJ5cyIftz0CX2_KgP4LtXIrm28r-jnW27T7HhLqzp5zxsUnKrmjUFDg-x0IFMhkLL4tpq5VPmjlUCBVds_vbhgZnJtMffnz5udpjYOEOYNkjeje2My178niSnJk_UxxF6IT41AXU/s1600-h/Train+Tracks.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnBsWLJ5cyIftz0CX2_KgP4LtXIrm28r-jnW27T7HhLqzp5zxsUnKrmjUFDg-x0IFMhkLL4tpq5VPmjlUCBVds_vbhgZnJtMffnz5udpjYOEOYNkjeje2My178niSnJk_UxxF6IT41AXU/s400/Train+Tracks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436151317754775634" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into one of my favorite San Diego places. Maybe I'll see you along the cliffs some day soon.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702549582962111957.post-12384933799967526812010-02-01T17:21:00.000-08:002010-02-01T18:25:03.707-08:00Africa Postcards Are Here!<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial, serif;font-size:small;">As you all know, I have been obsessed with the photographs I took during my recent trip to Africa. Well after a major process of trial and error, I am finally making headway with Photoshop and creating cool layouts for some of these amazing pics. Below is my first pass at composing the pics in postcard format. Maybe I should sell these to a postcard distributor in SA somewhere... Hmmm....</span></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOncDf-eFBah4pjGwT1W4vOzRTEYyTplk5LkqKQ5EEktX3aOihz6hQLITfvseEz5IYuW_m3QDq1Ym0EsaLsCI_-2f22i_M364oOwa53ELw_6dOhw4mPfV9dT4z50UwjFQIV6rJsNYEZW3/s1600-h/Penguin+Swim+Portrait.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOncDf-eFBah4pjGwT1W4vOzRTEYyTplk5LkqKQ5EEktX3aOihz6hQLITfvseEz5IYuW_m3QDq1Ym0EsaLsCI_-2f22i_M364oOwa53ELw_6dOhw4mPfV9dT4z50UwjFQIV6rJsNYEZW3/s400/Penguin+Swim+Portrait.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433451385264487314" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzivZsaQh4lwb2sKcj1SlNSBlelZq8AOIDdvf74DEeoIztCbvSjUAOBr2sxsxZPDYRjyG05_1Y_5MwpgymQp3GtHfptnNKh8kUA97TlUhrZDZeP4tyHfhFXRyfPYwjUX-99kNkqDq8Zfi/s1600-h/Penguin+Close+Up+Composition+.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzivZsaQh4lwb2sKcj1SlNSBlelZq8AOIDdvf74DEeoIztCbvSjUAOBr2sxsxZPDYRjyG05_1Y_5MwpgymQp3GtHfptnNKh8kUA97TlUhrZDZeP4tyHfhFXRyfPYwjUX-99kNkqDq8Zfi/s400/Penguin+Close+Up+Composition+.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433451194875000706" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 114px; " /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNpu8_3goWOfr0CIW3BWGfOkkXYtH66z68b0CJT6RB8q4XYd6iJJtl6jtOITOTGSP3COsprAK52Hz2k0V7ZP5xvqEsSEcf_bB4UNFUbBJfRahtDPhoZDxAVtpGV8R_rQGmzQSObfsZ9By/s1600-h/Penguin+Bath+Composition.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNpu8_3goWOfr0CIW3BWGfOkkXYtH66z68b0CJT6RB8q4XYd6iJJtl6jtOITOTGSP3COsprAK52Hz2k0V7ZP5xvqEsSEcf_bB4UNFUbBJfRahtDPhoZDxAVtpGV8R_rQGmzQSObfsZ9By/s400/Penguin+Bath+Composition.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433451183264687474" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 119px; " /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtVEwQb0luV2hLWdAonhGy9_xfcTyIV6B4YHb4QoZvS_WO_UTFTwOCmWIWQSp69mhJnhTLlvTTnXMtUxj1oBZIxF9iXju4KD1k8v1ye9I-1yeCCAL1t_vx-tJ4j-b3QB516OOydicEppg/s1600-h/Lion+Postcard_Sleepy.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtVEwQb0luV2hLWdAonhGy9_xfcTyIV6B4YHb4QoZvS_WO_UTFTwOCmWIWQSp69mhJnhTLlvTTnXMtUxj1oBZIxF9iXju4KD1k8v1ye9I-1yeCCAL1t_vx-tJ4j-b3QB516OOydicEppg/s400/Lion+Postcard_Sleepy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433451171763700034" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 329px; height: 400px; " /></a><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZt3ucg1icxOqcqq17VeKMP6SRTvscM4GIeYNUf98HjefyA3qTZMDknQBtAcfDXIrxxFQK1tnxExl2ju-ZYKmX-HyOvSNBshrRkorZbsrraD_iHdxuzytW8VRbeboVmR7e90yBhANWwtr/s1600-h/Lily+Postcard.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvtAuodIWhJpfD8Ano7EYfw8_mz3a_U3RKJQVNmfLgNhNOl6SsTmopoHjZbXNk15p0hTxM9pmQSbprIbcvCCN6_q-iCGIdiDzwnu9sB2JXsDe8LQs1_bYdLyYczaTP-rm2D5q4YBKgusz/s1600-h/King+of+the+Jungle+Postcard.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvtAuodIWhJpfD8Ano7EYfw8_mz3a_U3RKJQVNmfLgNhNOl6SsTmopoHjZbXNk15p0hTxM9pmQSbprIbcvCCN6_q-iCGIdiDzwnu9sB2JXsDe8LQs1_bYdLyYczaTP-rm2D5q4YBKgusz/s400/King+of+the+Jungle+Postcard.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433451157095684706" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZt3ucg1icxOqcqq17VeKMP6SRTvscM4GIeYNUf98HjefyA3qTZMDknQBtAcfDXIrxxFQK1tnxExl2ju-ZYKmX-HyOvSNBshrRkorZbsrraD_iHdxuzytW8VRbeboVmR7e90yBhANWwtr/s400/Lily+Postcard.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433451166932929042" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">If you are interested in purchasing photographs or postcards, drop me an email! </span></span></span></div></div></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfj3NYRXsNieSEZUEkvfIiWSQc-MNxoz8ROwCsF_7A2LEc_55OrOriklkGRfKNHjza46r2onwy5O5i3JOMEkGQexnclTUDvs_aY4vWgoWro-wlP9AgmzOMG_ncxMde2PZUiSo8BhnVp-Z/s1600-h/African+Sunrise+Postcard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfj3NYRXsNieSEZUEkvfIiWSQc-MNxoz8ROwCsF_7A2LEc_55OrOriklkGRfKNHjza46r2onwy5O5i3JOMEkGQexnclTUDvs_aY4vWgoWro-wlP9AgmzOMG_ncxMde2PZUiSo8BhnVp-Z/s400/African+Sunrise+Postcard.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433466230473375842" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702549582962111957.post-47165172374828479292010-01-31T22:32:00.001-08:002010-01-31T23:25:23.991-08:00Penguin Delight at Boulders Beach<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XFu8TO1YKZouW3vutg977Ff2SPJhLGJXodO-fziCrFOxel8NlxHOcd6Q-JU0mTl2MmgOh9Kr2O_SrP9Ope514zTZr4mmtpAlbG6rE_nOhf53S_w2-_wmHZTrXMgvXkpkhAkyXocSsyr9/s1600-h/Boulders+Beach+Sign.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XFu8TO1YKZouW3vutg977Ff2SPJhLGJXodO-fziCrFOxel8NlxHOcd6Q-JU0mTl2MmgOh9Kr2O_SrP9Ope514zTZr4mmtpAlbG6rE_nOhf53S_w2-_wmHZTrXMgvXkpkhAkyXocSsyr9/s400/Boulders+Beach+Sign.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433171947227711026" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOXixTOvCQcKRMdf-2ATibCJzDti_cpLhc2VeVq9hV0vT341ysPMWxqi6hUxQRooXIv4kpFwTsIeFYmBjhPZ8Ll5b3-FZwUoI1xp8TK1jTHNDoTddZfI3CpNZwMFU3sQ7MALVO19GAqDf/s1600-h/Boulders+Beach+Sign.jpg"></a></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3XTwO6XilSQH_ES3e9wfiak2d5kMPI_0oDGlgVWXoCHYoNCWj4kE9P8RK3TbRgsgtNMSDe3adtMI8sXiyVLg8zTq_7ARzlnTI1fpbPe_nvss9xUwoiTngHKhm5tQXtYhh4wnQKhp3vvd/s1600-h/Pengiun+Decision.jpg"></a></span></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Just outside of Simon's Town, South Africa is a very special place called </span></span><a href="http://www.capepointroute.co.za/moreinfoOther.php?aID=110"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Boulders Beach</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. This beach is special for two reasons: 1) it is home to a colony of approximately 2,500 African Penguins (formerly known as "Jackass" Penguins); and 2) it is the place where my wonderful brother proposed to his beautiful wife three Christmases ago. That was very romantic on the part of my brother because of the location but also because penguins mate for life... how sweet! :-) During our trip home to South Africa for the holidays this year, we made the trek back to this spot (two years after the proposal) so Rich & Shelby could remember that special moment and so that I could finally visit the penguins! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwqDNOigb2_mgzqFbeOxdrzgEWLj7ojT5ac_y-Vp46wt5qPtq9tUduoCaqF2HDw4lqMZRSyjEd6HeNr_GOMh-sbkOsVF373dHC4nK8KrCHh-ILGZaoy-g34uX3yQKbUyOKGwbGnKrt-7B/s400/Rich_Shelby.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433171950861557410" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">R&S -- Two Years after the proposal! </span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Before I dive into the fabulous photos, here are a couple of quick tips when visiting the beach. First of all, Boulders Beach is about 45 minutes to an hour driving distance outside of Cape Town (depending on which way you drive and where you are starting from). When you arrive in Simon's Town and start following the signs to Boulders Beach (or you see the Penguin crossing signs on the main road).</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLFOmARKVXbDkHRyuxIg4xQOyOn9ZNd-ASkUwf6NFAfeYx6SfOifdDFiPWuPR15zq_gfNmzKvlupqrZ8kx4Na6cf-Mlhyhn6kQGSAXDftPrgCb6lrpDj9WNF_LtSN4_TX3pgyoFYkQoiP/s400/Cape+Town+Map.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433170925424683426" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 370px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPh5ChquiZhNIzISyn1QdFr8uanGl7XWxcmimFO5Zv3BYLLt7SEFGtibAA5qpfVe4-fZIyZdAEVVZBfirQSyfxIa1mKNvaBRgLkjT6gP5nZUqkbta08-hdSJ7AGS2TZoh1zEamNXABiGq/s400/IMG_0583.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433171953641967026" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">There is an official Nature Reserve called Table Mountain National Park/Boulders Beach where you can pay R30 per adult to enter the reserve and walk along wooden walkways to view the Penguins. Parking is extra. And depending on the time of the year (especially in Dec-Jan summer holiday season), be prepared to wait in line! BUT... here is the insider tip: park on the street just up the road from the official parking lot and acknowledge the car guard monitoring the street (you can tip him a couple of Rand on the way out once you confirm your car is just as you left it). Once you have parked, walk down the street or one of the alleyways to get down to the main entryway to the National Park.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Instead of waiting in line for the Park, continue walking past the entryway and continue walking down the wooden walkways towards the next beach. You will walk for somewhere between 1/4 - 1/2 mile down the walkway and through a parking lot before you reach the next beach. Here you will find FREE entrance to a beach which the Penguin colony also inhabits and you can literally walk right up to the Penguins with no barriers or restricted paths. I do not recommend trying to pet the Penguins though because they have sharp beaks and will bite!! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFbpx6sfiFTdd1Fh80YGMzBT0zeamGYMzJw2ClC96cnn0ONkdbYVFFTy4OImf55GFjtg8-t77_P-U0pG7CY4l-QJhIxJZB7FjqqlwT-_3Z_2zY7R_i56nHOxG2exR0Y-joe2y2tWOy4js/s1600-h/Penguin+Close+Up+Composition+.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFbpx6sfiFTdd1Fh80YGMzBT0zeamGYMzJw2ClC96cnn0ONkdbYVFFTy4OImf55GFjtg8-t77_P-U0pG7CY4l-QJhIxJZB7FjqqlwT-_3Z_2zY7R_i56nHOxG2exR0Y-joe2y2tWOy4js/s400/Penguin+Close+Up+Composition+.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433170935680221954" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 114px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghS1cXMy37x8Sm8U3MP8UHm0LTlOnU2yFvPAGG9mZqKWeXyYOds9PlN14lZ8dlaMyMODszOwUa7ssYo6HiIo37sGPuyohmLAni2J4xZdy1lsiDoFB_nr8-KuFQVHF-MdIq-LFt0m-dT456/s1600-h/Penguin+Bath+Composition.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghS1cXMy37x8Sm8U3MP8UHm0LTlOnU2yFvPAGG9mZqKWeXyYOds9PlN14lZ8dlaMyMODszOwUa7ssYo6HiIo37sGPuyohmLAni2J4xZdy1lsiDoFB_nr8-KuFQVHF-MdIq-LFt0m-dT456/s400/Penguin+Bath+Composition.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433170933747919810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 119px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Okay, now that I have imparted my words of wisdom... back to these beautiful creatures! I was absolutely smitten with the penguins and took a couple hundred photos in a very short period of time. They are just too funny -- I mean, have you ever really watched them walk, hop and waddle around? They do this little shuffle-hop movement when they are skirting around the rocks which is just too funny for words... Here are some of my pics from our visit - I hope you enjoy and they will encourage you to visit when you are next in South Africa. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Contemplating a swim... </span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3XTwO6XilSQH_ES3e9wfiak2d5kMPI_0oDGlgVWXoCHYoNCWj4kE9P8RK3TbRgsgtNMSDe3adtMI8sXiyVLg8zTq_7ARzlnTI1fpbPe_nvss9xUwoiTngHKhm5tQXtYhh4wnQKhp3vvd/s400/Pengiun+Decision.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433168726176597106" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 138px; height: 400px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">These guys were enjoying "group swim"</span></span></i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2o7iAnw1tO7XmKMNDpfAdQ9Knewc7bKO6wwv9LRmRvYuD5GSwdIBQSqTnXSxLlObGlJSv0BlMgvYnkv0S5bPSixKl8RksOzdPr7HVyeQukS5jGJYuY4cr8psX5ZNBJQ3FHfSGgmpxslZ/s1600-h/Penguins+Swim.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2o7iAnw1tO7XmKMNDpfAdQ9Knewc7bKO6wwv9LRmRvYuD5GSwdIBQSqTnXSxLlObGlJSv0BlMgvYnkv0S5bPSixKl8RksOzdPr7HVyeQukS5jGJYuY4cr8psX5ZNBJQ3FHfSGgmpxslZ/s400/Penguins+Swim.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433168716014926498" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify; "><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And this is after the swim... still hanging together </span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyxcGL2VP4ArgjrO70rHvxaGhWr3a998gNnH7jrMKu5sYsxmp844dBn4h3e3Emtm7eZ0czAKjso0t71eD5A7NKzGczyYYrrtSe8dT4nrVKwnUvemXv3RvYkgSHCfuuOufhrBT8itOvRET/s1600-h/Penguin+Trio.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyxcGL2VP4ArgjrO70rHvxaGhWr3a998gNnH7jrMKu5sYsxmp844dBn4h3e3Emtm7eZ0czAKjso0t71eD5A7NKzGczyYYrrtSe8dT4nrVKwnUvemXv3RvYkgSHCfuuOufhrBT8itOvRET/s400/Penguin+Trio.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433168706921127522" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A different group migrating across the rocks</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdLIYyYFNWJ4d6sDJKBg5xf4fn9fsSVXIcgJ__lCmNAptin9euaMAZpoho0lUzSJerpZRfuloBz1ly_Y6_rVaWAHo7g8nZ_fmWBA9i8TNx8Vps1ebdvhXyzIx0ShUiTMTrKw4Xi5DW58d/s400/Penguin+March.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433168322561445426" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7tFp-iSfvqkBj5ovlh_5kW5-YQFiIdlKQUECHGrn3F-siuSj7FQ6rO836W5CnoqYTZobQLZdjFu21NVs6oPR8C8_tSrGUTDNBE5WiKDNNYKdzfXiby9yG4Hv8JpNv7D0tsYmLFizQz-P/s1600-h/Penguin+Profile+Horizontal.jpg"></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7tFp-iSfvqkBj5ovlh_5kW5-YQFiIdlKQUECHGrn3F-siuSj7FQ6rO836W5CnoqYTZobQLZdjFu21NVs6oPR8C8_tSrGUTDNBE5WiKDNNYKdzfXiby9yG4Hv8JpNv7D0tsYmLFizQz-P/s1600-h/Penguin+Profile+Horizontal.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7tFp-iSfvqkBj5ovlh_5kW5-YQFiIdlKQUECHGrn3F-siuSj7FQ6rO836W5CnoqYTZobQLZdjFu21NVs6oPR8C8_tSrGUTDNBE5WiKDNNYKdzfXiby9yG4Hv8JpNv7D0tsYmLFizQz-P/s400/Penguin+Profile+Horizontal.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433168699346419170" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 133px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KKJt3Zb3HqjmTOs3vOuqA-LX_AvUXh2GEtHzAQ433uD0djy_UMIaZbQ7H9Hs9fFv3BjzyUohYRoq-iQPEvE_yViYeO29N727Aw7h_DCt-b2gQcD09ESGzb43BpytgWdsd3ipGg6CzN8r/s1600-h/Penguin+Pair.jpg"></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdLIYyYFNWJ4d6sDJKBg5xf4fn9fsSVXIcgJ__lCmNAptin9euaMAZpoho0lUzSJerpZRfuloBz1ly_Y6_rVaWAHo7g8nZ_fmWBA9i8TNx8Vps1ebdvhXyzIx0ShUiTMTrKw4Xi5DW58d/s1600-h/Penguin+March.jpg"></a></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpedd4ZWFzj5DOoblaSZbPtecZu3-pQ8skNQFT6HLDketkEZ5jY15MjL2sMImoC6q-RF-2KRAE5nXjloPd8U7uBkKfMjYYJ716jbVGZSab6WmrxiRAWFhyphenhyphen-HRmrGI8nbJJOUfAlycULcDu/s1600-h/Penguin+Group+Profile.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpedd4ZWFzj5DOoblaSZbPtecZu3-pQ8skNQFT6HLDketkEZ5jY15MjL2sMImoC6q-RF-2KRAE5nXjloPd8U7uBkKfMjYYJ716jbVGZSab6WmrxiRAWFhyphenhyphen-HRmrGI8nbJJOUfAlycULcDu/s400/Penguin+Group+Profile.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433168309750800546" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Their grooming habits are also flawless... </span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytNLqZ008kqw4ducVismhyphenhyphenmaM0flUI3cHp8biMPOv-zQwGWJbcxn4BcbhcV3Nv6qARFahy02OS8ovlpCjI7MQvotIhApUzbhvIkwPQgywF3gqK84Z-OzXrHyr8zymEw5A1ahRcHlifSGS/s1600-h/Penguin+Cleaning2.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytNLqZ008kqw4ducVismhyphenhyphenmaM0flUI3cHp8biMPOv-zQwGWJbcxn4BcbhcV3Nv6qARFahy02OS8ovlpCjI7MQvotIhApUzbhvIkwPQgywF3gqK84Z-OzXrHyr8zymEw5A1ahRcHlifSGS/s400/Penguin+Cleaning2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433168298798625714" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmFFQIiebJCHi1U8d_WTkYplGcSemedENWMSvFadRaJbPd_xB91qyYYJbB6D0AEjYdx8DWimsHWfX7Cxg4rEyoZ2aT98Cto5rWlSZY_-mugHxtfupvuMdN9A2ImAw1f_7R2-MfybpDR4z/s1600-h/Pengiun+Cleaning.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmFFQIiebJCHi1U8d_WTkYplGcSemedENWMSvFadRaJbPd_xB91qyYYJbB6D0AEjYdx8DWimsHWfX7Cxg4rEyoZ2aT98Cto5rWlSZY_-mugHxtfupvuMdN9A2ImAw1f_7R2-MfybpDR4z/s400/Pengiun+Cleaning.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433168294759345746" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHV2t41UoUYPmQ_u8DGSZ4dhbhtSi-Dg4AD9TLg9BseRklfTJLatzaoCZSMdDi7SaVr8WpEERHXQasugceAnjEL1hgc_BdX1Aqc9LF6dCwEXFAhJxOYpHkik5fXUSMk9FC1qGZYRzU-50I/s1600-h/Beautiful+Penguin.jpg"></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">But it pays off... look how beautiful these little guys are! </span></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHV2t41UoUYPmQ_u8DGSZ4dhbhtSi-Dg4AD9TLg9BseRklfTJLatzaoCZSMdDi7SaVr8WpEERHXQasugceAnjEL1hgc_BdX1Aqc9LF6dCwEXFAhJxOYpHkik5fXUSMk9FC1qGZYRzU-50I/s1600-h/Beautiful+Penguin.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHV2t41UoUYPmQ_u8DGSZ4dhbhtSi-Dg4AD9TLg9BseRklfTJLatzaoCZSMdDi7SaVr8WpEERHXQasugceAnjEL1hgc_BdX1Aqc9LF6dCwEXFAhJxOYpHkik5fXUSMk9FC1qGZYRzU-50I/s400/Beautiful+Penguin.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433168292357742978" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /> </a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KKJt3Zb3HqjmTOs3vOuqA-LX_AvUXh2GEtHzAQ433uD0djy_UMIaZbQ7H9Hs9fFv3BjzyUohYRoq-iQPEvE_yViYeO29N727Aw7h_DCt-b2gQcD09ESGzb43BpytgWdsd3ipGg6CzN8r/s400/Penguin+Pair.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433168688115872482" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />More to come from South Africa soon... Stay tuned! </span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702549582962111957.post-51430427009127285882010-01-28T16:32:00.000-08:002010-01-31T18:18:06.638-08:00Zimbabwe Tip About Currency<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3iIzoJS7B8N5jKBncyYAGJLugN8Fp8J_XvHa7v_fD5zAjtXMJZC-1p2cqtGo2jalXADH_DZRNYjrvWQ-Di1Uy85JLhGuDBvpakGBJw-noM0GN3R-G-LqAhxoTN0ZIhCGEnqPRXuB_Z9YD/s1600-h/100TrillionNote.jpg"></a></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As I mentioned in an earlier post, the political climate in Zimbabwe is a little unstable right now so we had been warned before going about a few things: our safety primarily, getting "ripped off" or "scammed" by vendors, and bringing enough cash in case credit cards were not accepted. Well, as it turns out, the main concern was the CASH issue! The people in Zimbabwe were very friendly and welcoming -- they were willing to negotiate prices fairly for </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">souvenirs</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> (in our experience) and the cab drivers were WONDERFUL when it came to pricing and picking us up/dropping us off throughout the day at our different destinations. But, I digress... back to the cash issue! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As a result of the political instability in Zimbabwe, the dollar experienced severe hyperinflation and became one of the least valued currency units in the world. Back in January 2009, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe legalized the use of foreign currencies for transactions within the country and in April 2009, the Zimbabwe dollar (virtually worthless at this point) essentially was replaced by the U.S. Dollar and South African Rand as the new local currency. I became a little obsessed with the currency (as I had heard they had printed Billion and Trillion dollar notes before the change happened) and was determined to get my hands on some Zim dollars. Lucky for me, on our way back from Vic Falls one morning, one of the hawkers on the path offered me 7 Zimbabwe notes for $7 USD - $1 USD per note. Now, let's be honest, these Zim notes are not even worth the paper they are printed on, let alone $1 USD per note... but I really wanted the notes so I paid my $7 USD and went on my way. Of course 3 other hawkers jumped out of the trees and tried selling us a bunch more notes but I had what I wanted so after about 5 minutes of them pestering us up the path they finally gave up... </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Here are some pics of the Zim Dollars that I collected. First is a 100 Trillion Dollar note - yes, you read that right! </span></span><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">One Hundred Trillion Dollars! </span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3iIzoJS7B8N5jKBncyYAGJLugN8Fp8J_XvHa7v_fD5zAjtXMJZC-1p2cqtGo2jalXADH_DZRNYjrvWQ-Di1Uy85JLhGuDBvpakGBJw-noM0GN3R-G-LqAhxoTN0ZIhCGEnqPRXuB_Z9YD/s1600-h/100TrillionNote.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3iIzoJS7B8N5jKBncyYAGJLugN8Fp8J_XvHa7v_fD5zAjtXMJZC-1p2cqtGo2jalXADH_DZRNYjrvWQ-Di1Uy85JLhGuDBvpakGBJw-noM0GN3R-G-LqAhxoTN0ZIhCGEnqPRXuB_Z9YD/s400/100TrillionNote.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431966533792731906" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 216px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I was also amused by the 50 Billion, 20 Billion, and 10 Billion Dollar notes...</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotBz9RuriQElAGuHOqJ8T1dL2n-kUuyv9Xdi03aQsmR8mcgKVCm41PCLaPPFbs1pIyRbhRogosX0a0k-VaiB-5rU4RZsMp-_BD_zogPSkAC2r7oynsPluyo66KB7UJnW_Gw0wR2Jdhdaf/s1600-h/50BillionNote.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotBz9RuriQElAGuHOqJ8T1dL2n-kUuyv9Xdi03aQsmR8mcgKVCm41PCLaPPFbs1pIyRbhRogosX0a0k-VaiB-5rU4RZsMp-_BD_zogPSkAC2r7oynsPluyo66KB7UJnW_Gw0wR2Jdhdaf/s400/50BillionNote.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431966524194843586" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 216px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0erpbFBsy5GrQ2qlaq8N-8VVcf12VXTLYbRNLKPlGEwltX7cDuKDCKhonUNVyJyFg-Qh_zTKqo7kw0_s0cov4L32HHH7Pdw7vOv4y9ySkd1mjvjbU-Cy6AUbmEP8GAi63rpcioa0qqqpN/s1600-h/20BillionNote.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0erpbFBsy5GrQ2qlaq8N-8VVcf12VXTLYbRNLKPlGEwltX7cDuKDCKhonUNVyJyFg-Qh_zTKqo7kw0_s0cov4L32HHH7Pdw7vOv4y9ySkd1mjvjbU-Cy6AUbmEP8GAi63rpcioa0qqqpN/s400/20BillionNote.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431966520703392450" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 216px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi638dQB9pirL2xAFR0xrVuVZaFTSQN8avWS2vLuE6FQ-t-YbSZUYcBqY_dLwP33IgiEJYRKFhjNU2sWQtQJrPz3x5cvEFAZh8N9ecMit69AS1AMAIBbuPVUkNlNfuhpp1Xv6AluKgi58So/s1600-h/10BillionNote.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi638dQB9pirL2xAFR0xrVuVZaFTSQN8avWS2vLuE6FQ-t-YbSZUYcBqY_dLwP33IgiEJYRKFhjNU2sWQtQJrPz3x5cvEFAZh8N9ecMit69AS1AMAIBbuPVUkNlNfuhpp1Xv6AluKgi58So/s400/10BillionNote.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431966512957349234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 216px; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So what should you expect if you happen to go? Well, when we arrived in Zimbabwe, all prices were quoted in U.S. Dollars wherever we went. Due to the warnings we received, we had plenty of USD in small denominations on-hand which turned out to be a really good thing ($20 bills or less). We had brought a few travelers checks but they turned out to be useless because the banking system is still pretty unstable, so travelers checks are generally not accepted anywhere (even at the bank!) because they might not have enough local currency to fulfill the exchange. AND... the use of credit cards is also very limited -- most local retailers and restaurants will not accept credit cards, and the local excursion agents (bungee jumping, river cruises, etc.) will not accept them either. The exception is large hotels - if you are staying at the hotel, you can charge everything to your room during your stay and then pay with a credit card upon checkout. But, just in case... be sure to plan ahead, see what everything costs before you go, and </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">to carry enough cash to last for your whole trip</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">! Most hotels have a safe in your room so you can leave most of the cash in the room when you go out -- just take enough to cover your excursions for the morning or afternoon and leave the rest behind. Better be safe than sorry... </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Since you are paying in U.S. Dollars, things are much more expensive than you will expect so be prepared. Here are the costs of some things that we incurred during our trip: </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Prices in USD)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">- Entrance to Victoria Falls National Park: $30 per person</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">- Lunch by the pool at the Vic Falls Hotel: $80 (2 sandwiches, 4 cocktails)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">- Lunch at the Safari Lodge: $75 (1 sandwich, 1 lunch pie plate, 4 beers)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">- Cab from Vic Falls Hotel to Safari Lodge, then from Safari Lodge to Town, then from town back to the Vic Falls Hotel: $25 </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">- Dinner at the Vic Falls Hotel on the Terrace: $100 (including a $35 bottle of wine)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">- Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River: $60 per person </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So if I haven't scared you already, my advice is basically plan out your trip ahead of time (including all your excursions) and budget accordingly. If you build in a little buffer for unexpected additional things, you should be fine! And, you can book things like excursions ahead of time where you can use your credit card from the US (although expect your credit card to be declined the first time since the originating transaction request is coming from a travel agent in Africa -- this is standard operating procedure for most US banks so just be prepared...) I was on the phone with my bank every other day asking them to please authorize hotel bookings and plane tickets for this trip! And also remember to call your credit card and debit card carriers before you leave and let them know you will be traveling abroad and the dates so you card is not declined while you are in the middle of your trip.... </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hopefully you find this helpful if you ever find yourself in Zimbabwe. Happy Travels! </span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702549582962111957.post-69942921790069756202010-01-20T21:05:00.000-08:002010-01-31T18:19:35.586-08:00One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World: Victoria Falls<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">During my recent trip to Africa, I had the pleasure of visiting one of the most amazing places in the world -- Victoria Falls! Now for those of you who have been following my blog, we spent the first part of the week in Botswana so had to take planes, trains and automobiles to get to Vic Falls (okay, so there was no train per se but we did have quite the adventure!)...</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnY0r2OA3QFz9vS4o3mu8oZYFC-7zCYNB6CFwhTwophohZ6UrjllMKl222jpCpzYvKZnPOuoHuvR6tT3Mfkkb-ThVq9ui_NzVcAywH-l4PSwk1MaX-UiV65kvIICNPzOTB2Y3KzA5jPCf/s400/Plane+and+Truck.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429058974547977474" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Above is our charter flight arriving, on the left is our guide Water driving back after chasing a herd of Impala from the runway!)</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">True to “Africa time”, our charter flight from </span></span><a href="http://www.xakanaka-camp.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Xakanaka Camp</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> in Botswana was about 20 minutes late, but it finally arrived and we hopped on for an hour and a bit flight to Kasane in northeastern Botswana. From there we took a charter bus to the border of Botswana and Zimbabwe, went through border patrol and customs (twice, once as we left Botswana and then again when we arrived on the other side of the border and entered Zimbabwe). </span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQgl4eSew7Eri265vzFCv_HYH82wMsdUFddCzPDpD-xt5faUbOGUfa97lnm40kk-Lrn23DvjwuwGvscZREdKwokLKrAF-cFSucpNa_9-MNvQ147GdXK5Ki97vwqU2O6l_-gJZeprdz3nK/s1600-h/Bots-ZimBorder.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQgl4eSew7Eri265vzFCv_HYH82wMsdUFddCzPDpD-xt5faUbOGUfa97lnm40kk-Lrn23DvjwuwGvscZREdKwokLKrAF-cFSucpNa_9-MNvQ147GdXK5Ki97vwqU2O6l_-gJZeprdz3nK/s400/Bots-ZimBorder.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429058978790475458" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 200px; " /></a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; font-family:Verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Once we paid our $30 entrance visa fee (per person), we walked across the border and then transferred to basically a cab which drove us the rest of the way to Victoria Falls. From the time we took off from Xakanaka to when we arrived in Vic Falls only took about 3 hours and went very smoothly. This part of our trip was all arranged through a </span></span><a href="http://www.island-safari.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">travel agent</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">who worked with </span></span><a href="http://www.falconsafaris.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Falcon Safaris</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> in Botswana/Zimbabwe to facilitate everything. I would highly recommend doing something similar if you ever come to this part of the world. It was so easy and stress-free which is something to say when you are traveling in a part of the world that you do not know at all.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We arrived at the </span></span><a href="http://www.victoria-falls-hotels.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Victoria Falls Hotel</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> around 3pm and were warmly greeted at every turn. The hotel is absolutely stunning in its old Victorian way. The service is first class and everyone is welcoming, friendly and polite. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdhBLFeFVNjkQHN0QcG63eHe8watkLLB34O_6PGUcrwLS3qRbMARdPYXTF9I5FRJnDBWxqxCWD7zQTE1ltePqBrOv8_e0wbGW8leiqU_0RoEzMmTVwvGkiCb6DSQapWa_s4-QnFSi54xM/s1600-h/Vis+Falls+Hotel+Entrance.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdhBLFeFVNjkQHN0QcG63eHe8watkLLB34O_6PGUcrwLS3qRbMARdPYXTF9I5FRJnDBWxqxCWD7zQTE1ltePqBrOv8_e0wbGW8leiqU_0RoEzMmTVwvGkiCb6DSQapWa_s4-QnFSi54xM/s400/Vis+Falls+Hotel+Entrance.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429061237758391138" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMZh_6SF7QvE7iMFCwq1WmEnCsLRpSO3LLCC4bYfFdBGWt-wnsDEre5UP-Zh2_ZBhFT6uRXOOhBGwW69mgbD9VNyjne5EXfESpAFHkrlonOC0gDRowyLgQGggxi5MYSgIWSUS71fJJrDj/s1600-h/Vis+Falls+Hotel+Stairway.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMZh_6SF7QvE7iMFCwq1WmEnCsLRpSO3LLCC4bYfFdBGWt-wnsDEre5UP-Zh2_ZBhFT6uRXOOhBGwW69mgbD9VNyjne5EXfESpAFHkrlonOC0gDRowyLgQGggxi5MYSgIWSUS71fJJrDj/s400/Vis+Falls+Hotel+Stairway.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429061273832654466" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgpUQPohyphenhyphenP5rO2zh6qJnTkYp62sk_2LDnEBkQ5Mq4eJqVvE3pSEg4qZRUK0D4TAJnkibbsgxk_GFi9Hb0tU3Xo0FeCDDS4oV0h1CzKWNgt9IgiZ8Ij4unqU-SBvJ7u7TuQYXydH3RJ0HZ/s1600-h/Vic+Falls+Hotel+Grand+Room.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgpUQPohyphenhyphenP5rO2zh6qJnTkYp62sk_2LDnEBkQ5Mq4eJqVvE3pSEg4qZRUK0D4TAJnkibbsgxk_GFi9Hb0tU3Xo0FeCDDS4oV0h1CzKWNgt9IgiZ8Ij4unqU-SBvJ7u7TuQYXydH3RJ0HZ/s400/Vic+Falls+Hotel+Grand+Room.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429061251776778658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We (okay, I) were starving when we arrived so we decided to drop our bags and head to the pool deck for lunch. I am not entirely sure how we managed this, but we were given one of the best rooms in the hotel – we are in the Southern wing at the very end across from the Livingstone Suite (where the Queen of England has stayed in the past!). Our room has views of the central courtyard and the Falls! You cannot actually see the water, but you can see the spray billowing up in the sky and you can hear the thunder of the water in the distance. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Below is the view from our room at the hotel -- it was one of the best rooms in the house with a view of the falls!)</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ROZd_8EF-5hpe9-ved3bUaR_a06RgeO1TmIoY8-gt43aI3fhdSaq3_fNJcKCFuddKF_EfDCJ64DWa7bOwDgqkOKkOpjovsL4trZsiqpus8X1alwwxF7sVCt2op39HVLBt5i1Ahi6UKhp/s1600-h/Room+with+a+View.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ROZd_8EF-5hpe9-ved3bUaR_a06RgeO1TmIoY8-gt43aI3fhdSaq3_fNJcKCFuddKF_EfDCJ64DWa7bOwDgqkOKkOpjovsL4trZsiqpus8X1alwwxF7sVCt2op39HVLBt5i1Ahi6UKhp/s400/Room+with+a+View.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429061241410596370" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Down at the pool deck we sipped on some cocktails and had delicious sandwiches for lunch while watching the bungee jumpers off the bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Namibia in the distance. The place is absolutely amazing, although the service is very sloooowwwww (something you just have to be prepared for and bring a good dose of patience!).</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Okay, so let's get to the best part! Victoria Falls is</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and after seeing it firsthand, I am not surprised why! Now for those who are not familiar with the falls, here are some fun facts about this natural beauty.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1) The Victoria Falls actually spans two countries - Zimbabwe and Zambia, are just over 1 mile wide (1.7 km) and 355 feet (108 m) high.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2) During the wet season over 500 million liters (19 million cubic feet) of water plummets over the edge into the Zambezi River.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3) This incredible amount of water generates a huge amount of spray which can shoot up to 1000 feet into the sky and can be seen 30 miles away.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBUoMySHvCKIIv5PP-hjUTLhofSAkF7NT-HpPc_JUSYpdm345nQGeRolIB-EJppCD9duk4Ex-EJ1nvXvJfOzE6BShqIDuY8gleZhAKY9ZhY_bv88nkGvBaw5xGSSCZfgtAkqEo_mIAlxkQ/s400/Vic+Falls+View+from+Hotel.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429061265109358082" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Above is the view of Vic Falls from the grounds of the Vic Falls Hotel during the low water season)</span></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">4) Victoria Falls was originally named “Mosi-oa-Tunya” (the smoke that thunders) by the Kololo people who lived on the north bank of the Zambezi river.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We visited in December, which is the dry season, which means the water flowing down the falls is at its lowest levels for the year (about 1/10th of the water flow of the peak season in April). As it turns out, this is probably the best time to visit Victoria Falls because you can actually SEE the falls during this time period. During peak season, the water is flowing so rapidly and with so much volume that you cannot see anything but spray and rain. </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBnRvBVLd5LzOlFhTO8psMqsKqdfzFsME5VuXdGjnglZy4O9vYM2tKc7lFO646uQkb_fszukmsDodzMDxW2P3ohvRGq5gDXJkyzeEdRVTQRLFZWEb2sioGK6qanxveN6i_8DkTOZuR40if/s1600-h/Welcome+to+Mosi-OA-Tunya.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBnRvBVLd5LzOlFhTO8psMqsKqdfzFsME5VuXdGjnglZy4O9vYM2tKc7lFO646uQkb_fszukmsDodzMDxW2P3ohvRGq5gDXJkyzeEdRVTQRLFZWEb2sioGK6qanxveN6i_8DkTOZuR40if/s400/Welcome+to+Mosi-OA-Tunya.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429063935800476914" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(First view of Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe entrance)</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ywz2LHSRLlgK8sYtjpf3ibKPJqGn2-k9xwnPkJ9cD9f_OT8HYWNpF7XBNQTHi4LuAVurRvWKAy3n5vG93oHWzHxYhcX5ZP_kBYHi-BjWenAWCktBLLa-5GSe2VF9vjFZdn4s968BAVW9/s400/First+View+of+the+Falls.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429062766889090194" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Below is the first section of the Falls)</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOz76gT-pJcFSvgU2QgijGxw9YRHftGrUoozJQ2Ya0dOm2qqEwsihjOOvkWZZFSNtsuPtqjIZfFDv5nWAjyyaPksjxjfJzL6RgyQfulc305mik9z0aZ1M5M-rqHKLBmAYTiTV0sj2PVHXD/s400/First+Falls.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429069011795076274" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Jason and I overlooking the Main Falls)</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUXO39CvnwQQ_04DFLOKF8hyphenhyphenJOYZlngB3tsN4pPt0hKM_WS8nS6r4eTNQWg90PIIOZ6XDtb40bF4p9yy7pZzNDQqz-BA7hl9C0yf1f9Y5_0HygQhUQTAwfE59VJ65p6xdn1Xcx_e9-eqn/s1600-h/Deb+and+Jason+at+Vic+Falls.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUXO39CvnwQQ_04DFLOKF8hyphenhyphenJOYZlngB3tsN4pPt0hKM_WS8nS6r4eTNQWg90PIIOZ6XDtb40bF4p9yy7pZzNDQqz-BA7hl9C0yf1f9Y5_0HygQhUQTAwfE59VJ65p6xdn1Xcx_e9-eqn/s400/Deb+and+Jason+at+Vic+Falls.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429063895645096722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 309px; " /></a></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;font-size:100%;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px;font-size:12px;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Below is the Main Falls)</span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNiUn-28v4d22jR77E-y8TfSLXZCzKtJqrcTjUHuUGrcvWJ8mmqN0OVkmbGonDc_jOJQZo1H9iTP6J0mocGxpJUn6zYEqosO4pxk78GfiA_Ft7YK97p-EtRBJ7LD0eoZWXr1-X2oDhb7uy/s400/Main+Falls.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429063911692206994" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSo6yyNQFdcGRVKZhFXK683a9svuFrPWHLEb1rxX0WYHcrJp3Syf78MZFcUVtHkUd6BPrnz_KPdm479ZPSGgtn6B5c3_OHNSZjNQSUHLdcPb5fVtjLVxKKQY2eEHz2eJs-LLdgwJISwOh/s1600-h/Main+Falls+Straight+On.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSo6yyNQFdcGRVKZhFXK683a9svuFrPWHLEb1rxX0WYHcrJp3Syf78MZFcUVtHkUd6BPrnz_KPdm479ZPSGgtn6B5c3_OHNSZjNQSUHLdcPb5fVtjLVxKKQY2eEHz2eJs-LLdgwJISwOh/s400/Main+Falls+Straight+On.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429062776801136194" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Below is Rainbow Falls - my favorite point!)</span></span></span></i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja98ctkXAA8I_C7sSqtwM__6vjO6yyH0KdvPd7wL6lsfqNbtdRbrnAK58s6176zZsDOoHMdrQ-lXPdpf3XuBMa0LS82DQesoZkDMKKckr-1a2u5AlE6oQK9kezmRkN52ToqSbxsIPVm8Z5/s400/Rainbow+Falls.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429063917865190786" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_dIXr4zBFaUcKCFBaH_ziQagASvhY76PqzZ18DssPNXTd64AwJUxi-iXaJtAOOGEjkhmExRnl8F0uuTG0e_3GEZI5iZ82OyhZazmnQ4SJUU6MQxbldrtZMVnG52F4AtrkyQ3KkBoVQqs/s1600-h/Deb+Rainbow+Falls.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_dIXr4zBFaUcKCFBaH_ziQagASvhY76PqzZ18DssPNXTd64AwJUxi-iXaJtAOOGEjkhmExRnl8F0uuTG0e_3GEZI5iZ82OyhZazmnQ4SJUU6MQxbldrtZMVnG52F4AtrkyQ3KkBoVQqs/s400/Deb+Rainbow+Falls.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429059004201708354" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(And finally, below is the view from the furthest point on the Zimbabwe side overlooking the Zambia side)</span></span></i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh639t8Tot8MEt3uKP3YKNBW3XgVTzVptQcSHCBsu_ndiLioTxvyybX8EEihQs3LT5jtJ5iyy5EHq3H6IuNZcfMkzewD4AGUU-Bs17GrYwgr6JYb9BH-IVvnH-ssEAnEGRR_fd0eeZnd_U4/s400/Zambia+Side+of+Vic+Falls.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429070138986231298" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Since Victoria Falls spans Zimbabwe and Zambia, you can actually stay on either side of the falls when you visit. We originally planned to stay on the Zambia side due to the political instability in Zimbabwe, but we soon found out that during the dry season, not much water flows on the Zambia side so it would be best to stay on the Zimbabwe side for better viewing of the falls. We were a little nervous at first, but once we arrived at the Vic Falls Hotel and noticed the security around the hotel, we were much more at ease. Even when we ventured out to a neighboring hotel for lunch (</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.victoria-falls-safari-lodge.com/index.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The Safari Lodge</span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">) and shopping in town, we did not feel unsafe in any way. I am still curious to visit the Zambia side to see how it differs -- next time for sure (but only if it is during high season)! If anyone has any recommendations -- please share! </span></span></span></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </span></span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702549582962111957.post-90684637172233486312010-01-17T10:57:00.000-08:002010-01-31T18:20:19.479-08:00The King of the Jungle: Two Days of Photos<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_OqnQtaJ-QwZ0A-sBrnjWLSLbrn6IbdGif6BJuVPCulo07QCdu-cjb0-k-HUDEZb6Xbhs2VMS1nfTDVKl6UG-CXA87lxK4MEnNFKvtZl9Wv65gEJ02OSk8wXdTDnmn75Q_SekZv94Sdg/s1600-h/Lion+Snarl.jpg"></a></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 100px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_901WH31yE4e9ZVCD2RzKlxOJw9_shHBC2ndOlhPVhcF2RIRfSNsCrJdJJ73goelCox-REvpd2_y2cb3y7jnDuQAhxFY4L-ZwxCXuNjRid45jRpwvSeW4aftLbS0k8S8xhQUMoqYmJW3F/s400/Lion+Pride.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428351048587661314" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">One of the hardest animals to spot in the bushveld is a lion -- first of all, it is a nocturnal creature so it is usually sleeping in the shade during the daytime, and it blends in so well with its surroundings that it is very difficult to see! Imagine my delight when we came across a pride of ten lions lounging around during the daytime! Apparently this pride had brought down a pair of giraffes the week before we arrived but had been MIA for a few days before our arrival on a hunting mission deep in the bush.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4aEt0Uv2MuR3Jbm43EL7Cf1oSLglwh8Wy3eXhpRkAYruDkWhHG8SGdrCAc_dYEMZ7i6zC0Z9gveZL9cJi951HMK7UiT2-p_PodoGSRLt_L8KQqideMFLiImBxjO7MOLQuAiokyp30bGn_/s400/Male+Lion_Trees.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428353774740071298" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We came around a corner and spotted them under a thicket of trees - they were moving around in the shadows so we thought we could get a better glimpse from the other side of the trees. As we pulled around the back, the pride began to move in our direction and decided to flop down in the shade directly in front of us!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9vOuGUQCKMMjgbKtS7xcINZwghrJlkoz_njGyDn_9xMcc8svxFt_2IVeK5bKVrveBiog3OhR8k3MAzygPF5Lc4qZcNMtnLgIYuikuzCxzil9xBq7V0MuOkO19TnH_7mlb82pUzHwoBEY/s400/Lion+Pair.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428348667158679442" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YXDke5BxzE89xfkhjKP4OK7unyp2XDO6DmLCisw2QNTH6wQa0HSBls_ZneDiKEsN0xZjv5s30_JzKNhL6p7JMS1E8JYeKeyUGSCEY3H4Uu-t4X-bTDq5s60XrXxQfC_CBJKzc443Ohaa/s1600-h/Lion+Sleeping.jpg"></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YXDke5BxzE89xfkhjKP4OK7unyp2XDO6DmLCisw2QNTH6wQa0HSBls_ZneDiKEsN0xZjv5s30_JzKNhL6p7JMS1E8JYeKeyUGSCEY3H4Uu-t4X-bTDq5s60XrXxQfC_CBJKzc443Ohaa/s1600-h/Lion+Sleeping.jpg"></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YXDke5BxzE89xfkhjKP4OK7unyp2XDO6DmLCisw2QNTH6wQa0HSBls_ZneDiKEsN0xZjv5s30_JzKNhL6p7JMS1E8JYeKeyUGSCEY3H4Uu-t4X-bTDq5s60XrXxQfC_CBJKzc443Ohaa/s1600-h/Lion+Sleeping.jpg"></a></span></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We were literally 15 feet away from these magnificent creatures as they rolled around in the grass, cleaned each other, and slept in the shade. I could've watched them for hours on end -- and definitely wanted to bring one home with me! I don't think my kitty cat at home would have like that though... :-) </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Here is the first younger male who came and posed for us. </span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDiXRbqjzRGJHbsALAUrpJfQP4Ss7Y_Uny8dt9bUgJ0Pi0dzdUrdf_QvoQblFspyiTguZ-vcv7BnYZQpkC6WcR82ocS3COGlC3sMoPZAeU6QSx-s3rj3Bh7VhUgY-EbtCPgZDnl2VpUi2/s400/Lion+Sphinx.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428348662694499202" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Below is a series of him making a really big yawn, but looked like a snarl at the end)</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></span></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0cVHabdX9i0xcF6bcERIfOatrZ1nl4PHrZd8U0jOFxzju0bPaZGY5o-UUX0vAxrAcC1j8L8JSZnLeulg17lIEdn9hwGMawECUWrWKEssP5IPpE7ETgesy5YvhWw3AmF_2RM21VH1E9vS/s400/Lion_Big+Yawn.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428351055424987682" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_OqnQtaJ-QwZ0A-sBrnjWLSLbrn6IbdGif6BJuVPCulo07QCdu-cjb0-k-HUDEZb6Xbhs2VMS1nfTDVKl6UG-CXA87lxK4MEnNFKvtZl9Wv65gEJ02OSk8wXdTDnmn75Q_SekZv94Sdg/s400/Lion+Snarl.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428351845950400450" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And then he promptly fell asleep...!</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-style: normal; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBk4UnWuWcpogdhZrTOrXKXPA1kn4YMwjzmFdDZimuqqi4_UxSEJVXsQ2T_iIScyzaLPySHYr2g_ZQCpyk7pfZHZoliiEEkaP2atgnZeliDRhwhbx4bYs2yygiT_LVt72v42IsWUZNSC3-/s400/Lion+Sleeping.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428355193327911186" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And here is the Lead Male up close and personal</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kvOr_X1-ozk2_fcKIXr1OnhXzl-oEmIOgOIopPoKv1xXFAWzTC39Qcy8y40rvuYgvCJR8eeDo0fc9RCTsj2PUkKiiFi9qIO8XYoehgrc29fLwrEg6m23jA4_YXRIjk4bj4IKamQ-8zLm/s400/Male+Lion_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428348655814549122" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3cnkTQiGJKnrBJJ7RSPklg_2fuwKxarCDCdRnqYQ3S0hDqNbmWV00pWTnbO_pYSWxI0LYEMKgQlFvCiwfA-GzSYod6eyp1VJMZNEhTUnOqg4R2ShIoaEP66sy3wpPwRjBwdOifiCq0BWn/s1600-h/Lion+Licking+Paw.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></a></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DSYjUFIJc707njF0t4tXe6QfFmCCi-2wGho8y8_QsLQncCNZ8WNK3Lun4dYNSuleUNnJpukMV8gATmnqLT2iUrTiRG7t-1hSZ-eFiUIQ4yLDbunUuUjyhyphenhyphenP8_8f7zqYMjip07ygs7rJE/s400/King+of+the+Jungle.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428348678597706402" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3cnkTQiGJKnrBJJ7RSPklg_2fuwKxarCDCdRnqYQ3S0hDqNbmWV00pWTnbO_pYSWxI0LYEMKgQlFvCiwfA-GzSYod6eyp1VJMZNEhTUnOqg4R2ShIoaEP66sy3wpPwRjBwdOifiCq0BWn/s400/Lion+Licking+Paw.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428349179773881698" style="text-decoration: underline;text-align: justify; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div></span><div style="text-align: center; "></div></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; "><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-I0o0MV0-WYJt0MBBpYYYl146g0bJ_2xrbndLfxPkTC3S1oFWZaUtWlpjLkwA1dcmQHtARVH7a_S1SL_5xRPGebuOvBQmNvGogYF_DjxixCAVlZRcGKcLzTgc6KPtG3wDvpkJ76Nufnx/s400/Lion+Paw+Over+Eyes.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428349182182518226" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Isn't he SO cute?!?</span></span></i></span></div></span></i></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">On the second day, we spotted the pride lounging in an open field. Now, you would think since they are out in the open, they would be easier to see right? Wrong! With the grass being so long, when they lie down to sleep you can barely see them! Luckily we caught the young male lion causing some trouble -- it seemed like he was trying to wake up the rest of the pride to get them to move to a different location. I was able to get a few good shots of the pride in the grass though... </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1No_elRsMAQxWIz0PzxkYTF4yvItjhijFx5W7RDW7jOTpRyCnwIaRWAdnK-NKAEafeDEPLLzrinURAzgyyTHmFstVqNPLnOdtqXmBKhi-SgQjXTeeWeyBFeE8_GESLypVPeCZQrzmzQhc/s400/Three+Lions+Profile.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428351069393064978" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpRJfzPf1RhkEJ-nSrZzjNZoXxSvWoU6py2228uackqpodsGUQCS7CEwGry96pZ3xHUoSWIKFyymThR2wVWtIctq9zkAWo33D66KRY7DUtvUXC1IxeA6ZrrImhgf1VvHhaCvZETsFV6Jt/s400/Lions+Wrestle_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428351063073956418" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(This is another favorite of mine! Lion Hug!)</span></span></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></span></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702549582962111957.post-5283827901285054522010-01-14T09:42:00.000-08:002010-01-31T18:21:03.418-08:00My New Obsession: Water Lilies<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXpZngKuvcd4Ly-4iWnoxkjjuOOqI_9lyBdh_CKIE91snli1FDubirYwda6I2DHVzMTmmW5KEbmx_7vQ4sbo_55VXADxqRbyaRHa_kAPGgrV6go0ifIdpi5gK8TvpgsFLW6pV2W_U7Rhn/s1600-h/Deb+Lily+Necklace.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXpZngKuvcd4Ly-4iWnoxkjjuOOqI_9lyBdh_CKIE91snli1FDubirYwda6I2DHVzMTmmW5KEbmx_7vQ4sbo_55VXADxqRbyaRHa_kAPGgrV6go0ifIdpi5gK8TvpgsFLW6pV2W_U7Rhn/s200/Deb+Lily+Necklace.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426710643787930610" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXpZngKuvcd4Ly-4iWnoxkjjuOOqI_9lyBdh_CKIE91snli1FDubirYwda6I2DHVzMTmmW5KEbmx_7vQ4sbo_55VXADxqRbyaRHa_kAPGgrV6go0ifIdpi5gK8TvpgsFLW6pV2W_U7Rhn/s1600-h/Deb+Lily+Necklace.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">So while traveling in the Okavango Delta, I developed a fascination with water lilies. They are beautiful flowers that pop up from the water in the middle of nowhere, often times with stems that go on forever reaching for the bottom of the waterway.</span></span></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Our guide, Water, pulled a Day Lily from the delta and showed us how the women of his tribe make necklaces from these flowers by taking the stalk and splitting it into two pieces, then wrapping it around your neck with the flower in front like a pendant. Many women make these necklaces for their wedding since they do not have much money to by jewelry or other adornments. A picture of the necklace that Water gave me is here on the right. Cute huh? </span></span></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">So my obsession officially blossomed (no pun intended) during our boat cruise around the Delta. I started snapping endless pics as we drove by the various pockets of lillies. Unfortunately with a moving boat and ripples in the water, many of the pics did not turn out (I mentioned that I am a </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">new</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"> photographer right?!), but I did manage to capture a few good ones to share in the process! </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Below is my absolute favorite, and to my amazement, did not require ANY post-processing in photoshop (not kidding!) -- it is of Day Lilies on the waters of the Okavango. Somehow everything came together perfectly -- the late afternoon sunlight, calm waters, and the boat stopping to watch some hippos on the other side of the waterway -- and I was able to capture this simple but stunning image (in my humble opinion). </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29NY6ELMPkixftzSC6TAEDWXb05KAKfj6_hd0U_d6VFL6uEwcDI2oF7R-lszZwnXoxKlEgMEZxJv_WhzVl6o0YsQm-qPNeaYZJR1i52Vt4z1ok8UIyt80trHLPWGx9SJ3_lzdPZM2OB_I/s400/Day+Lillies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426707688057547202" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></span><div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;">Below are my other favorite pics. Hope you enjoy! </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sVczIDS4wJgsuBphFEVxqnmxjek3XftcZ_Um3ThyhwJcvSx1QR87TnIj7pDITL6HRfm17l-yUyLTLVkZeJNi9gX4obuyldnsJFi-1oDJOzp3EyDbxOH_vj_EstUCdqIUw-gJaapIzmxx/s400/Water+Lilies_4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426713983999335922" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSKL36SD8_Ud_bGj241_JOP-8CGde6LH9CCLIkWd0Ed0CNazCCayPXF5qyFQkfmvgGIill03_2jKY6j4HapNpoQouCNkaW5HbU6qYUKEnPrT5vGkRYmeWq_HwlmcFlffaSbVqA126Il3A/s400/Water+Lilies_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426713979837113442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrxRWoH0XjqNGT0d9gkogEETOF7r9vXXNIb4fjRHaTopl13qDw9zzoVgNjgCUwQ6Y9236mnXxDc0FL4cRpyzgr8Sdevl2ZOYJQM9ODdSeHbQCm57_vLB-cDtCtwxvI5Y7gSqpaaxd4rQ5/s400/Water+Lilies_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426713966369064450" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFFF;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702549582962111957.post-63445234706631968592010-01-12T14:44:00.000-08:002010-01-31T18:21:36.717-08:00Coming Soon! An Ode to The King of The Jungle<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwtQ7z1hJs-NgfVQF1FCv63bYyCJtYy8478Y89dfC484gXj-HfkosqPaRFlQxCb2DdibP1GEwKWd43Tp_8WzJ81Y2bWAN3n0PZT4euFDidTh7fklblJ-MO1dqG6W9EDS4qf8_nBtbbpd2/s1600-h/Lion+Composite+B%26W.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 72px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwtQ7z1hJs-NgfVQF1FCv63bYyCJtYy8478Y89dfC484gXj-HfkosqPaRFlQxCb2DdibP1GEwKWd43Tp_8WzJ81Y2bWAN3n0PZT4euFDidTh7fklblJ-MO1dqG6W9EDS4qf8_nBtbbpd2/s400/Lion+Composite+B%26W.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425990923275747314" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial, serif;font-size:small;">For those of you who know me, I am definitely a cat person -- always have been, always will be. Well, after visiting the Okavango Delta and watching a Pride of Lions for a few hours from literally twenty feet away -- I have a whole new respect for these cats! Stay tuned for more incredible photos of these beautiful creatures... </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702549582962111957.post-40176104474517492102009-12-29T12:10:00.000-08:002010-01-31T18:23:05.227-08:00Birds of the Okavango<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DhpaR3G82jJOR6t_8oZYxgX1FBAyfRLijuw1B7_gZKhMUmFXleKd36mk2paPvWUbKHgvxjyDzKxlm-T_2zkWKmBsTmpunF3Cfz1jOh8K3PnpBCvu9v_LJAprl_CP6cROKSUHVg7Zr4Ms/s1600-h/Okavango+Birds+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DhpaR3G82jJOR6t_8oZYxgX1FBAyfRLijuw1B7_gZKhMUmFXleKd36mk2paPvWUbKHgvxjyDzKxlm-T_2zkWKmBsTmpunF3Cfz1jOh8K3PnpBCvu9v_LJAprl_CP6cROKSUHVg7Zr4Ms/s400/Okavango+Birds+1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425953716866099602" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">What I had heard prior to visiting Botswana and the Okavango Delta was that it has an incredible variety of birdlife. I must admit that I was not that excited about seeing a bunch of birds, but thanks to Water (our fabulous guide!) we saw such amazing birds and learned a ton about bird calls, nesting habits and how to identify males and females. An interesting note about the bird kingdom is that the male of the species is usually the more brightly-colored and beautiful of the two sexes. Did you know that? ;-)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Typically on a “safari” you focus on the animals, but Jason and I were fascinated and quickly lost track of how many species we saw throughout our visit, although when the bird-watching couple from Johannesburg joined us on our second day they reported we had seen over 92 different species of birds in one day! This couple was on a mission to spot a </span></span><a href="http://www.southafricantours.co.za/Birding/Birds/pelsfishingowl.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Pels Fishing Owl</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> – apparently one of the hardest birds to spot since it is only located in certain climates and is close to becoming an endangered species. We did manage to catch a glimpse of one in a tree but unfortunately could not get a good photo (need to invest in a better telephoto lens!!!). </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But, I was able to get a good selection of pics of some gorgeous birds of the Okavango so I hope you enjoy!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFveX-5ONPOkyQ_uENGLELKkw_JL9qHOPZ3dwrn2NKMaMjdzuqbkNRxOD9FbdBa1Yec7zZPeBmRdnIupw9f-ZAIuMxD2Uv8_6zYBn4gUt6CiI0RgNylFSkYImcQbrmhRIchQES3zdRcZG/s1600-h/Saddleback+Stork_Tree.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFveX-5ONPOkyQ_uENGLELKkw_JL9qHOPZ3dwrn2NKMaMjdzuqbkNRxOD9FbdBa1Yec7zZPeBmRdnIupw9f-ZAIuMxD2Uv8_6zYBn4gUt6CiI0RgNylFSkYImcQbrmhRIchQES3zdRcZG/s400/Saddleback+Stork_Tree.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425972370650437122" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Saddleback Stork landing in a tree)</span></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQt-wj7Dfd8KapniMkEk67_2SfINJOpfDAFwVwM4JihzoYzpYljxzpGc6hfnlguV3BINQFlzrDNffGw0OpD9Dip99AwcIX_fNLs0jJkc4n25MLd2J55oa_Lk4jl95NlmFoT0EigwHgGR4/s1600-h/Ruff+Sandpiper.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQt-wj7Dfd8KapniMkEk67_2SfINJOpfDAFwVwM4JihzoYzpYljxzpGc6hfnlguV3BINQFlzrDNffGw0OpD9Dip99AwcIX_fNLs0jJkc4n25MLd2J55oa_Lk4jl95NlmFoT0EigwHgGR4/s400/Ruff+Sandpiper.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425972241204279010" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Ruff Sandpiper)</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBH-fRx105h5neG2v7VA80gSXCdRn8VE12VJ7ZM1GslEIidXG6B6lk2ReMuyCIJMP_ylrAq0mS81PQmjyfvT9pouDjRkZ7TKSQ3Dju8Eile7t_7v0ty5yaGjqOLPd7Z0unbI8fDJIMfeD/s1600-h/Pied+Kingfisher.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBH-fRx105h5neG2v7VA80gSXCdRn8VE12VJ7ZM1GslEIidXG6B6lk2ReMuyCIJMP_ylrAq0mS81PQmjyfvT9pouDjRkZ7TKSQ3Dju8Eile7t_7v0ty5yaGjqOLPd7Z0unbI8fDJIMfeD/s400/Pied+Kingfisher.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425972238763099410" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Pied Kingfisher)</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYEEbcvxNEWHuzUBzIVa4LJDUOyVUs9ZB5YvaWntR7Z_U8E1DmXGFldr_PVMSYbkVDJGycatBxIbVtGjGhlToWEImsjpYvXXRBZenh_dl_8McTxzaIO3gBEu2aNZPRN7DiLZl9DcPoUENt/s1600-h/Pelican+Nest.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYEEbcvxNEWHuzUBzIVa4LJDUOyVUs9ZB5YvaWntR7Z_U8E1DmXGFldr_PVMSYbkVDJGycatBxIbVtGjGhlToWEImsjpYvXXRBZenh_dl_8McTxzaIO3gBEu2aNZPRN7DiLZl9DcPoUENt/s400/Pelican+Nest.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425972230313690946" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Pelican Nest)</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4mdRFb3xbskL5qKCzVqzvrTiX-yC3dZmHZBsd54MqWeEfb_WXW05sLtqs36HqqVjh9JDrlwEa1v8xJrqIX0MqcxqWbyC48lIRBYJqeGLNKLybe2vsVWe6dRoySNrS-RKVHcCWyjMJRNf/s1600-h/Pelican+Nest+2.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4mdRFb3xbskL5qKCzVqzvrTiX-yC3dZmHZBsd54MqWeEfb_WXW05sLtqs36HqqVjh9JDrlwEa1v8xJrqIX0MqcxqWbyC48lIRBYJqeGLNKLybe2vsVWe6dRoySNrS-RKVHcCWyjMJRNf/s400/Pelican+Nest+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425972218846166802" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(A second Pelican Nest!)</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsN_1m-gxADmCvpqyn-OTGzC0HygePZGLuQigE_c950ej4rxQUa_tSBFur5uT6F4tg7UtptuAJHZG6FxXIwNjOYmVLmVGMWWXUBsFyuFvtazl5-kzAs6CZXU_495OLEyeerLqMxJBU3NB/s1600-h/Little+Bee+Eater.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsN_1m-gxADmCvpqyn-OTGzC0HygePZGLuQigE_c950ej4rxQUa_tSBFur5uT6F4tg7UtptuAJHZG6FxXIwNjOYmVLmVGMWWXUBsFyuFvtazl5-kzAs6CZXU_495OLEyeerLqMxJBU3NB/s400/Little+Bee+Eater.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425972214503001314" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Little Bee-Eater)</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwtlvT8r5l49wTdl5zX6qsf4piIdIAsx4FlsiW8DdQN7G36PlidN6gPGwa91ofFiQNXWnLLcEX12zfT1uJYflL8ZVAWSlt1-IAtSmI6mhuWd28WpvCoprVxJdgsnmyF3RDGylwWzdqH9o/s1600-h/Kingfisher+eating+frog.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwtlvT8r5l49wTdl5zX6qsf4piIdIAsx4FlsiW8DdQN7G36PlidN6gPGwa91ofFiQNXWnLLcEX12zfT1uJYflL8ZVAWSlt1-IAtSmI6mhuWd28WpvCoprVxJdgsnmyF3RDGylwWzdqH9o/s400/Kingfisher+eating+frog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425971684606121346" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Grey Hooded Kingfisher eating a Frog!)</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VRtXhxZseLq6_ikO07b2VTI6UMKTNhfo2d1MMoZJ5CjuhV0RGg1-OAVCxrmMOOqT3PjEjgebrw77htbKTRgde4UqnmXMwq-iJLSRYZQdWPE_cdBe08F3xD8BoZiy9XEUxCfFRBp-tigf/s1600-h/Hornbill.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VRtXhxZseLq6_ikO07b2VTI6UMKTNhfo2d1MMoZJ5CjuhV0RGg1-OAVCxrmMOOqT3PjEjgebrw77htbKTRgde4UqnmXMwq-iJLSRYZQdWPE_cdBe08F3xD8BoZiy9XEUxCfFRBp-tigf/s400/Hornbill.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425971680670414002" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Hornbill)</span></span></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktUiOAGmTQCZLUyeS8B_sx4BSC-ydUIKomP6xmEokwnnmTGwwHsZIsOM9CsFwv0PnrhG7h3aqOsTyhFEPzyzzZOkpyqlH5sU0DfrjAE85kHPPFRc7h6zV2qJYIuYNTIcbNvBw9NVr5DC1/s1600-h/Flamingo+In+Flight.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktUiOAGmTQCZLUyeS8B_sx4BSC-ydUIKomP6xmEokwnnmTGwwHsZIsOM9CsFwv0PnrhG7h3aqOsTyhFEPzyzzZOkpyqlH5sU0DfrjAE85kHPPFRc7h6zV2qJYIuYNTIcbNvBw9NVr5DC1/s400/Flamingo+In+Flight.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425971668870463442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Flamingo in flight)</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfd1UlRnvKJw0D5pEHOru_Oq5sOtVFen6lwfzZQ2H7DnWGOoSosHDm1SiSeQGoLl-4hup_Xsb_3bS01-gOa-xdc5x0UvA_-uhumoXCoFfxv-p1S-Mz8eeW47foqIkyqwBb8QsKOzy1on4/s1600-h/FisheagleSidePortrait.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfd1UlRnvKJw0D5pEHOru_Oq5sOtVFen6lwfzZQ2H7DnWGOoSosHDm1SiSeQGoLl-4hup_Xsb_3bS01-gOa-xdc5x0UvA_-uhumoXCoFfxv-p1S-Mz8eeW47foqIkyqwBb8QsKOzy1on4/s400/FisheagleSidePortrait.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425971663845261810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Probably the most amazing bird ever -- the Fish Eagle!)</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCUxBQAHQ3oiMtH4A9ZZv-v529GwTP5Ox9dDNMIMO7ZYHpteG-iAFuu7tGrZOxJR6V5UiqH58TWgBCq8MTEBkxWMwBgiYgJn_J32lFL_hLX_a7IaFaJNH9Mq8acyacjYwG5hphzHmp1cY/s400/Fisheagle_dusk.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425971658341933122" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Fish Eagle at dusk )</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Anyone else a bird fan now? :-) </span></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702549582962111957.post-66073214053096134272009-12-17T11:34:00.000-08:002010-01-31T18:23:37.847-08:00Okavango Delta Part III: Xakanaka Camp<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9TXEh8E9H_IZo2esK5oiLlcV9-Xjy6JY9t91MNtmvwWrtbktc9DNmbMSMQc1QZz3p_Gm8-Gevl9PhhiV0Ezg85cWF6CwcTMq0xpxBUQupl86LCXbJdgVbOLZVQXzylHsrh2i7aNnDofL/s1600-h/Xakanaka+Camp_Water+View.jpg"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9TXEh8E9H_IZo2esK5oiLlcV9-Xjy6JY9t91MNtmvwWrtbktc9DNmbMSMQc1QZz3p_Gm8-Gevl9PhhiV0Ezg85cWF6CwcTMq0xpxBUQupl86LCXbJdgVbOLZVQXzylHsrh2i7aNnDofL/s400/Xakanaka+Camp_Water+View.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425940333165569026" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We made it!!! When we finally arrived into </span></span><a href="http://www.xakanaka-camp.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Xakanaka Camp</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> at almost 11am on Tuesday (after flying in from Maun and a morning game drive), we were shown to our tent to get settled and shortly after met for brunch at the main eating area. The concept of the camp is really well done in my opinion. It is all-inclusive which means your accommodation, meals, drinks (including local alcoholic beverages), and game activities are included in your cost. The only additional charges are your purchases of curios in the shop and tips for your game guide and camp staff at the end of your stay.</span></span></p> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AhI8Pgtu2tQTwtcxm6r7g93Z7YOS889mb-bPTHKI1zsEcCvks5edxSq5Tje2DSI5OpvFTYZMUyTwNhmnMyOw286em55WuJPL1iS453p8vOHWmRC2ilvtv78iFuM38ZtTdcW387AK7VOs/s200/Dining+Area.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425940745086896674" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px; " /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A typical day consists of a 5:30am wake-up call, gathering at the bar area for a light breakfast, and then off for a morning game activity (usually a game drive).Upon returning from your morning activity, you gather for brunch in the communal dining area. This is where all guests and staff members congregate twice a day for meals (brunch in the morning and dinner at night). After brunch is “siesta” time from about noon to 3pm – this is the heat of the day and most animals are either sleeping or hiding in the shade to protect themselves from the elements. With a 5:30am wake-up call each morning, the siesta’s were actually quite necessary…!</span></span></p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBi4O2JI2OEgtR-FtRsWv-Z7pcDMemHdW8aCyxqa2k4-cR6CSrxEjZ5DDBUxgBQVdQ7G_VsaRRNnP9pEYMEENaMcGfjg3y4UX2sIWhjEHGkPg2nnxvsAIdbWf8AUCAUV4YFr0xU9F7Gict/s200/Bar+Area.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425941930055147842" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px; " /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">At 3pm you gather once again by the bar area for tea and a light snack before heading out for your afternoon game activity (either another game drive or a boat ride around the Delta). Once you return from the afternoon activity, you are escorted back to your tent by your guide and you set a pick-up time for dinner. Your guides act as escorts at daybreak and after nightfall because the camp is unfenced and they often come across hippos within the campsite at night – since hippos are one of the deadliest animals, the camp is very careful and wants to ensure your safety at all times which is good to know.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Now originally I was concerned about staying in a tent in the middle of the bush, but this was really more of a permanent structure – it is up on stilts with wood floorboards, a deck, king size bed, dressing table, nightstand and electricity. The bathroom is located off the back of the tent and was open-air at the top (which means that animals can and will enter at some point – and pretty sure something did on our last night but not exactly sure what it was…!). There is running water (hot and cold), a shower, sink and toilet so you can hardly call this “roughing it” – not that I minded at all! It was the perfect combination of rustic and luxury accommodation in my opinion. Check out their </span></span><a href="http://www.xakanaka-camp.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">website</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> for pics of the camp – this place is really awesome!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NRxixWBtlTDl9VV6-OJbuaS0Av8KwowBhvLO3AWI0XPfUEjlmJbYdtBxEapQS6JAiU9KHGS2ooXSDZ1MVGPdTsLxQVMv53e63uM2_H_1f4yYxNYJxlCdjxsrHYqnCwXEwjZk64NrmIO2/s320/Tent+5+Composite.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425942392214131330" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 205px; " /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Our tent, named after the Sable Antelope, overlooked a channel of water from the Delta in the foreground and the grasses of the Delta for miles beyond. During the night we could hear the Hippo’s passing by our tent – they come out of the water and onto the land at night to eat the grass. I must admit I did not sleep very soundly the first night and counted 4 Hippos passing by in the middle of the night! One actually sounded like a human’s footsteps coming down the path and I was seriously expecting it to walk right up the stairs and into our room! When I mentioned that to our guide, Water, the next morning he said the hippo was probably stalking something. Apparently hippos DO stalk things (just like cats!), and when they are stalking something, there footsteps are very slow and measured which can often sound like a human walking slowly. But, when these hippos enter the water they sound something like a submarine submerging in the water – it is pretty loud and somewhat unnerving in the pitch-black African night! </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Here is a sneak peek of a Hippo photo from a game drive)</span></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tXuFi1Ky41awxIhpJKVANBQA8gySKBFV1YS06UcdDi4iDphn3Op_8aTC1S9G0BZdewFdYaWC3KbtBxK03GaPcXz4FTrwKBQCHL3wvtw1wB7KPDoK9CQB8MXQWbBy3_wI04VwGmY-jA5i/s400/Hippo_Mouth_Day.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425942765263655218" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 200px; " /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After we settled in our tent on the first day we headed to brunch and were treated to the first of many delicious meals cooked by the staff. That morning was bacon, sausage, salad, and a yummy pasta dish that was some sort of macaroni/lasagna combination. The communal nature of the dining area is actually a nice way to get to know the people who run the camp and also other guests. We met a couple from Johannesburg who were there for a week and were there for the bird-watching (this is the same couple that we shared game activities with for the next day and a half). A nice German couple arrived the second night and had just come from the Serengeti where Hyena’s had tried to come into their tent during the night! Ugh! Side note: The thing about going on a safari that I can promise – you will ALWAYS have a great story to tell upon your return (whether it is being charged by an elephant or stalked by a hyena, maybe not, but you never know!). </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(The Boma or Campfire)</span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalsXDkvYuP7tcg3U0PxBVnqVNIaalI5i6u0nLRZetpxsfglrr7ebERMjpngIb9L-a2iEiAp3wG2M9UAIXSraT-4bl2EVyXSA1gAgP3vf-Wyw8fLoeZFIdJm5tlOIeLMqy5QV3Nxf8LGtH/s320/Boma.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425943391149508082" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Jason and I explored the camp and spent one siesta time by pool area having a beer and enjoying the Delta scenery. I played around with our camera a little bit to see if we could capture the beauty of the scenery with our new lenses and filters – not too bad for a couple of first-timers if I don’t say so myself! Here are some of the pics of the scenery from the campsite.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUjdEcZ_9Q4mULTKE-W1FwZBXdbrsHI_QM1aJ3zyZW9vzPVHB4tBqLulemiJjxhJqqP9RNjREWzdUgrKNiI4WBY6Cclup3rksKYPO3RMvqnZoExqwFJ6fMb1OR2lzAh9AbDsOK5CFoEIb/s400/Delta+Bottlebrush.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425944822104163090" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL29suxJ2BoEcZPlwvDKaGHZLVIYiy2kDTRd4OvMmBuA51QjBFgmRnAbHOO-o8zOjHy32qlmlj_B8nGYZrDwVmmU-w3BIcOphb-GlutBS7bMetiQWRpilDTIpCtbmVCjt5WurspuFX4ziS/s400/Delta+Reeds.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425944833162096162" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>(Below is the dock for Xakanaka)</i></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8n7uvSGm9kzFzlAdXb5P5nraIu6Foi0Xn7zYJ-SHFEI78O87m9iHliRTPCD8-Ez6MCJUBd1w6z-Ud6Lt_ijE18XYNo0r9Mjba6bG4oUNfQrIjlpxvc_KhyphenhyphenV0p39Kvu3KaHfBvXLl-LDAN/s400/Dock+View.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425944840611522962" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>(View of the Delta from the Pool Area)</i></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLD4FMuAMEePqjH6HH6cvxirU-Tzjoop2S4VfBWBWUi1-rzSPUBwOfqD1D3_NipCso7ZJnJxfh-1FQwJO2FHjoaiF_2QUDVpENfF2WdVUeHEcZBr4oRpLqMXwhXzjDDcFpuf4e6I8czUH/s400/Xakanaka+Delta+View.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425944848583484722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702549582962111957.post-60018776560041456052009-12-16T22:05:00.000-08:002010-01-31T18:24:05.600-08:00Okavango Delta Part II: Our Guide, Water<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOObaUiRGhqgpd1AkeahV4WpNy40ZCnXQdpQDagM3VcDLL6O4eW9QrQmLBrTWT9JsQhGcVHLcFhjf5MSZek38ZyMGdbZ9GqkxuoxGVcP2zpNE0wIOcp8w8FEyjCZqstVkX9hsWeQiwDEL-/s1600-h/Water.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOObaUiRGhqgpd1AkeahV4WpNy40ZCnXQdpQDagM3VcDLL6O4eW9QrQmLBrTWT9JsQhGcVHLcFhjf5MSZek38ZyMGdbZ9GqkxuoxGVcP2zpNE0wIOcp8w8FEyjCZqstVkX9hsWeQiwDEL-/s400/Water.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425761890826632210" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Our guide, Water, was born in the Okavango Delta in a village called Gio. His tribe is called the Bayei tribe (BYE-AYE-EE) and they are known to be “Water People” due to their location on the Delta. Water’s given name is actually Tumeletso (Tumi-le-TST-so), but as most African’s do, he gave himself a second name so tourists like us can pronounce his name! Water has been a Guide for more than 18 years and before that was a Poler for the Makoro boats for many years.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_AhzCCDg5JCgXwZC9pE6-dcZfo6N-9QsxAtcjbqMOhG28omK3gHLNlDsa8lrtVUU_Lw_0C_Rjn7pzvqNA0nY8Lxk2s6KYC0nd5q6qFrsScJUoZ5nMO2sjDrABbVlPQIEP7Vh94lrAXVW/s320/Water_Makoro.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425762516084662066" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 320px; " /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">He grew up in the bushveld around the Delta and is a master at birdspotting and of course tracking animals, although has lived through some harrowing experiences. Facing down a lion head-on (and living to tell about it!) is not such a scary experience according to him, but surviving a brutal elephant attack while on a game drive 8 years ago was his worst nightmare come true. An interesting factoid that many people don’t know is that Hippo’s are actually the most dangerous animals in Africa – they kill more humans per year than any other animal. But, in my experience (and in Water’s expert opinion), Elephants are really the animals to watch out for when going on a safari – so if you come across them on a self-drive or a game drive of any sort, keep your distance, be aware of your surroundings, and be ready to bolt at any second! </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Okay, enough trying to scare you… Jason and I had such a wonderful few days getting to know Water throughout our game drives and over meals at the camp. We were very sad to say goodbye but we hope to be back again and will definitely request him as our guide again. If you make it to Xakanaka Camp, I highly recommend asking for him as your guide! And to our friend Water – we will hold you to your promise to find us a Leopard next time!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBO8pF9vUzDiWSGRvYq7mWBpWf6QK9ylK_R6tBa2U7Z_E2AKor1HLHtzTYFxkHajyndrGK36uozlXyGtsvREl1FNHRwzvtaL3cX9cMFOnSba3SjjYI7MKKiCuIYyLjuTrC2CnalCqBn5kY/s320/IMG_0420.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425763231037534354" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702549582962111957.post-85274310323047229752009-12-15T07:47:00.000-08:002010-01-31T18:25:10.272-08:00Okavango Delta Part I: Getting to Xakanaka Camp, Moremi Game Reserve<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8gi52vHa8MwzBTAJW3i0u7qMrb6hY29vBsCjlcu7PO3n8ofnzTVizpuo6cZENpI-yuX_6U3EfG71wROuwpy0FZqMCiPQ64nPlM9TBTVUXI0bCTLwAEN3tPdnio_bb0Y7bQEEdotuPNyU/s1600-h/Map+of+Okavango.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8gi52vHa8MwzBTAJW3i0u7qMrb6hY29vBsCjlcu7PO3n8ofnzTVizpuo6cZENpI-yuX_6U3EfG71wROuwpy0FZqMCiPQ64nPlM9TBTVUXI0bCTLwAEN3tPdnio_bb0Y7bQEEdotuPNyU/s320/Map+of+Okavango.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425512466150859570" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I am finally sitting on my balcony at the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><a href="http://www.xakanaka-camp.com/">Xakanaka Camp</a></span> (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">pronounced KA-KA-NA-KA) in the Moremi Game Reserve on the Okavango Delta in Botswana! (Whew, what a mouthful!) </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">We were originally supposed to spend three nights here but during our inbound flight on Air Botswana from Johannesburg to Maun, we were re-routed to Gabarone due to “technical difficulties”. We landed and were essentially stranded at the airport for 3 ½ hours without much concern from the airline. They made us head through customs at Gabarone and pick up our luggage and told us to just wait at the airport until they called us for our next flight – no new boarding passes, no flight time or flight number, no assigned seats. Finally a woman came by with a “boarding card” that just had “MAUN” scribbled on it so we could pass through security to eventually board our flight. So, when in Africa and stranded in a random airport, you find the closest bar and have a drink!</span></div><div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">By the time we arrived in Maun almost 5 hours later, it was too late to fly to our camp because the runways are not lighted and we would not be able to land. And so our African journey began on a slightly sour note as we were introduced to a new kind of “Africa slow”… But, according to the locals who were nice enough to help us out and give us some guidance, the fact that we even made it to Maun that day and did not have to stay in Gabarone for the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">night was a small miracle. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><i>Note for the future: spend the extra money to hire a charter plane from Gabarone or Kasane into the game park and avoid Air Botswana altogether (South African Airways and British Airways both fly to these cities)!!!</i></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> Upon arrival in Maun, we were put up for the night at the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><a href="http://www.maunlodge.com/">Maun Lodge</a></span>, and while the staff was very courteous and friendly, the room and the food was average at best. But, after traveling for over 40 hours straight to arrive in Maun, I was just happy to have a bed where I could lie down and finally get a good night sleep!</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">In the morning (at the crack of dawn) we headed to the airport and boarded our little Cessna charter flight to Xakanaka’s private airstrip - literally a dirt runway in the middle of the bush, seriously in the middle of nowhere!</span></p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9l2ozBFtRG5Q9K_2rSM01ePD0WKbCp0uagu3fEavrvpEgPCV2yJhrattOK7XHeJI4KkzYh2UvU0ryU4QuBnhZNVTNF_oueX9C-Vz-KC_AXgFg6ggtTZ3t4ItVQIk4RHHu1NZe5Y3ZbD59/s320/Moremi+Airstrip.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425510314042763570" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8z62tLQOhkUsP_wKbXr-UmGZs7OQjyu0nqUaKfdimEmvwpUMSOgfrBG8Qcl3OJjwrrvhaShwuiB6rXdD0jsmHQYC1vw10ejHq53vrlOdbm7BsTVvaGfpDas6ArBumfdKZCcD1EfdGikEI/s320/Moremi+Airport.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425510317014735842" /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfzAZZJDCP4Zmmre-TjZHQdkqFqEr1hc5gAEuovDt4mZZIqDLceIoDnF7C67uWwAyi2rCvH_2ooXKrx4A_4Xu3NsMcf8plkFPNv5ml7MjIBYFtNCOH11htShPNrd5tuzIy2gE6pZXB4mI/s320/Jason_Cessna.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425510321652521602" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;">What an experience flying over Botswana in a little 4 seater plane – there is really nothing like it… </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCn5Na-uKlXfXplkL5OC08UaUqLptL7Ts1g85hA9WprozQkpzpp_yI-TgFTmB0vcE7qnfLeyxRBGN7QUhzxAt6YsnxakjQmdrda-7Wk51o0gTujw6V_WXCYUvXGO8wSFrF6LxEcNsH4Fr0/s400/Aerial+View+of+Botswana.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425511778543626450" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></span></p><p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702549582962111957.post-81968759074183551322009-12-13T23:04:00.000-08:002009-12-26T03:48:57.570-08:00Introduction<!--StartFragment--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, serif; ">Hello everybody and welcome to my first travel blog! I am sitting at a pub in Heathrow airport (drinking a pint of course!) waiting for my flight to South Africa. I am about to head home for the holidays, but will be adding some fun new adventures in Botswana and Zimbabwe on the way. What started out as a daydream about all the great places that I will be going on this trip, became a private trip down memory lane to some of the awesome places that I have been fortunate to visit so far. And with that my idea for a Travel Blog was created. I am not a writer or a photographer – I’m just a girl with a passion for traveling …</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My obsession with travel began at age 8 when my family emigrated from South Africa to the United States. My brother and I thought we were just going on a year long around-the-world adventure with London as the first stop! Our trip included stays in London, Toronto, Vancouver B.C., Los Angeles and, finally, the San Francisco Bay Area (which is where we settled for good). When we landed in London and took that first double-decker bus ride, I was hooked -- the buzz of the city, the lights, the architecture, the London Bobbies, and my first Andrew Lloyd Webber play (Starlight Express, which was my choice because of the roller-skates…). I felt like the luckiest kid in the world! And my love of travel was born... I vowed at that point that when I grew up, I would travel around the world just like my parents and see as many new places as possible. So far I have done pretty well, but as I check one new place off the list, it inevitably grows by at least 3 more. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Unfortunately, since TRAVEL = TIME + MONEY and most of us have to work full time, this blog is going to be a compilation of new places I am visiting, some old favorites from past trips, and my ever-growing list of places and things I still want to see. Of course, travel and food go hand in hand so I will probably include some of my favorite restaurants discovered during my travels as well. J I hope you enjoy my ramblings, and please bear with me as I begin my adventure as a burgeoning travel photographer!</span></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0