For me it was meeting new people for the first time and seeing old friends in such a wonderful spot in the world.

Actually realising what a truly GREAT group this was as we hassled with the bags, storing, changing things around, making sure we all had our bags. It is a real challenge with this many people and bags, transfers and airports and yet NO ONE lost a bag during - I was amazed. Only bags lost were by the airlines before we started our tip. When the four couples did not have visas or rooms on arrival at Livingstone (the Hotel messed up) they were so calm as I sorted out the mess. All ended well. A tribute to the group and there wonderful flexible and helping attitude. I learned a lot too so next time there will be things that can be done to make it all smoother.

As a side note the $360 Ken and I paid for the visas the hotel was not going to pay back. Well after much negotiation just as I was leaving for the airport I won that negotiation (wont share how) and they agreed to pay me back. HOWEVER, can you believe a five star hotel did not have $360.00 in cash. They had to go to the gift shop, raid that cash register, dig in their purses and we finally got the money, in three currencies. Botswana, Rand and US dollars. That really amazed me - I took it, whatever currency it was.

A touching moment for me when the group presented me with two vases from the wine tour that I absolutely love. It was not necessary for them to do this but it was so appreciated and of course Anne and Gary's great composition. These two are so talented. It was a highlight for me.

All the wonderful animals. The two day old elephant that could hardly walk, still showing blood. The cheetahs we had not seen for a long time, the leopard and her two cubs with the hyena coming along trying to get a cub and the growling and snarling between the hyena and mother leopard. I still cant believe we left the lion kill 15 minutes before it actually happened but SO glad the Wolfs, and Schuette's got to see that. There are so many memories of Singita pictures really tell the story.

The people, the people the people. What a wonderful group - all different and yet all sharing common bonds and interests. Taking this many people on my first escorted land trip was a daunting thought with all the transfers and complications of the trip. Most group tours have little flexibility, and the A&K and Tauck tour people have done it a 1000 times and have it down to a science. This was fresh terrority and many people in the industry told me I was crazy! However, with this group of wonderful,happy and flexible people it was pretty much a breeze. I will take them anywhere they want to go!

Walking through Victoria and Albert waterfront with our flashing lions presented to us by Suzie! The addition of the flashing lion paw to our flashing lion presented by Pam on the Rovos rail - formal night. The guys had ties but also flashing jewelry and the girls had the sunglass and nose masks. We did not take the formality too seriously. The lights went out for a minute in the train dining car and all the flashing colors of our jewelry lit the room. It was a hoot.

The sunset cruise on the African Princess was wonderful, we had the whole deck and the night was as calm and beautiful as it could be with a fantastic sunset. We missed Suzanne that night but she was with us in spirit.

I am going to come back and add more but have to run to the office now - work awaits.