Leslie - Thanks so much for writing! I am glad you enjoyed St. Petersburg. Were the cottonwood trees blowing off a lot of fuzz while you were there (we went the beginning of July)?

We had a similar experience with our Red October guide. The first one was very careful not to comment about much in her life; the other one on the third day was very forthcoming. We want to go back (after we've seen a few more places first) and spend some time on the ground.

Aren't Ngaire and Ken the best at getting the St. Petersburg & cruise arrangements made? Traveling with them on that particular itinerary really made it special. That's also where we met Peggy & Jerry and Mary Ellen & Jim. Can't wait to see all of them again in Africa.

Cheers, Anne