Just back today and getting some final details on ROAR done. May start payoffs tomorrow or Monday.

Here are some details to research.

http://www.blackmarlin.co.za/home.htm

This is where we will have lunch on our Cape Point Tour which is now INCLUDED in the package (prior to this it was not included). GOOD NEWS.

Seidelberg Wine Estate is where we are having lunch on our wine tour day. I saw this winery last year and loved it. They also have incredible glass blowing and a wonderful deck with a view over the vineyards for lunch.

Confirmation for 6 tables of 6 people each at the Baia Restaurant at 7.00 pm. We can all go at the same time - full menu no set menus for a group.

Vans will be three 10 seaters and then one 7 seater. We move in and out of vans as we please we do not always have to share the same van together. There are 35 of us so that leaves two seats free.

Confirmed African Queen with our group on a private deck. Now everyone should be happy.

Also we did much better locking in rates when we did. The Rand has gone down recently so it would have cost us more if we had not locked in. GOOD decision everyone.

Currency Conversion Results
Symbol U.S. Dollar Exchange
Rate South African Rand Bid Ask
USDZAR=X 100 Feb 2 6.0712 607.1250 6.0712 6.0813

Working on some good news as well. Will let you know how all this shakes out in the next few days.

You guys drive me nuts! The Black Marlin is the place to stop on the way to Cape Town - not far from the African (Jackass) penguin colony. Simonstown and off shore Seal Island is the place for Great White shark action. We spent a week there back in '01 going out every day with the sharks. I will be living every day with you. Sure do wish that the Rand would stabilize. Planning a trip to South Africa is like playing the arbitrage game.

Ted, I'm so glad you've been providing your perspectives all along the way. We'll do our best to uphold your standard.

Cheers, Anne

Ted, I agree with Anne, you have truly been so sharing of your knowledge. I know you are the ultimate "adventure" travel person! Are we driving you nuts because you want to join us? Oh, no, you have that 2007 WC to think about!

Ngaire, great news all around!!!

Ted, I echo everyone else's thanks; you have been a very valuable resource in our planning.

The Blue Marlin looks fabulous! I "took" the virtual tour..... looks absolutly beautiful. Next took a look at the menu.... first thing listed was one of my all time favorits - lobster bisque. :app: :app: So... count me in... I cant wait!

The rest of the arrangements look great too. This is going to be a wonderful trip

Someone help me make it through the next 72 days <img border="0" alt="[vhappy]" title="" src="graemlins/icon_vhappy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[vhappy]" title="" src="graemlins/icon_vhappy.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[vhappy]" title="" src="graemlins/icon_vhappy.gif" />

Sounds great to me! I started my immunizations today - so my aching arms need to know it's all worth it in the end.

What night are we dining at Baia?

April 19th at Baia.

Arlene, I too love lobster bisque!

Andrea, I am not planning on any immunizations for this trip, just getting malaria pills. Am I missing something?

Oh Geez, I thought Baia was the 18th. I need to get myself in order. I always do, in time, when I look at the written word on my tickets. I guess I am rushing things.

I CAN"T WAIT TO SEE YOU GUYS AGAIN! THE TIME IS NEARING, ISN'T IT?

Not the first night of the 18th Olivia because some come in that day and would be too tired so it is the second night, 19th. That is also the day we have a morning tour and a free afternoon so everyone should be up for it.

The next two days we have full day tours and including a lunch so I think it is best that we can all make our own decisions on those other nights. IF you all want to make reservations somewhere that is fine but I think one night of a "group" dinner I plan is enough.

We will be together all the time on Rovos and at Singita so a little privacy may be nice if someone just wants to just crash one night or spend the time walking the waterfront instead.

Not that any of you know them yet but Tommie (female) and Mike are getting married mid March and ROAR is in essence going to be their honeymoon. They are perfectly matched and I am delighted to see them "tie the knot". So we can all help them celebrate on ROAR.

Thanks Ngaire!

Olivia - maybe we can go to that Indian restaurant we had talked about on the 18th? No, you're not missing any immunizations. I decided to go ahead and get a TwinRx of Hep A/B and it was time for a tentanus update.

We have our travel med appointment next week - we're probably due for a tetanus update - we had that Hepatitis A series that lasts 10 years about 8 years ago.

Ngaire, this sounds great. Are we getting a set menu? If so, can we make some special requests?

The menu at Baia will be the normal full menu at diners own expense.

Most groups of this size do have a set menu and this is determined by the tour operator K&D and the restaurant, it is part of the package. I am sure the winery and the Blue Marlin will have set menus. It is too confusing to try to have 36 people agree or even make menu requests. I am sure they will make a good selection that they know from experience suits most Americans tastes.

Ngaire, THANKS!!!!!

Just noticed that you were able to get Cape Point Tour for FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.

Ok, it is less than 1% of the total cost but still, every bit helps!

Oops...I guess the whole tour is included. Being quiet now.

Well I have some updates.

I paid most everyone off today and bought CSA insurance also for those that wanted it. I will try to get all the invoices out to you tomorrow.

Unfortunately the African Queen has been chartered for both April 28 and April 29 after all of that we went through. I have found out a little more about the Zamcruiser and dont think we should go this way. It was difficult to research anything while I was on the ship when this request for our choice came in.

We are moving to the last night April 29 and taking the African Princess (little sister to the African Queen). The African Princess is also chartered for April 28. I really think this is a better choice. Might be fun too on our last night to do the cruise. I am just more comfortable with this ship.

It is a long story but the bottom line is that I was able to get the entire Cape Point tour with lunch free. So everyones invoice went down by $86 per person. So that is good news.

For me, I was never wedded to the African Queen, especially when Marc told us that the old Humphrey Bogart movie was filmed in the Congo, on a different river, not the Zambeze. After this long trip, last night to me is not a breaker one way or the other. I'm just happy if you can get us a "ship", and little is better since we will all be together for our our farewell, if it can be arranged. Great news about the entire Cape Point tour now being gratis with K&D!

African Queen....African Princess.....I'm happy whatever :D Strolling around in a daze waiting for the magic day to depart. :3smile:

Ngaire, I assume the timing of river cruise on 29th won't impact our Four Corners tour. Also, need to figure out time to go over to Zimbabwe side of the falls; Suzie, are you planning on the bungee jumping off the bridge over the falls?

If Suzie bungie jumps, somebody had better send me a picture! Or better yet, a video (WITH audio)!

We will work out the timing of the 4 corners tour Marc. It wont be a problem. The tour of the falls we take will usually take in both sides of the falls. I am also trying to find out about elephant rides for those who may want to do that. There are still lots of details to fine tune.

Elephant Rides!...Bungee jumping?! :eek:
Zambezi Bombs can be hazardess to your health.

Alright-y, elephant rides! ..before or after that Baby African Queen/Princess boating bash? ..we will definitely cheer you on, Suzie! - Michele

Elephant rides? Whoopee--count me in!!!!!!

Peggy, check your email I need to talk to you or call me, I think you are still away.

Count me in for an elephant ride. Not sure about the bungee jumping though.

Mark said he can definitely picture Marilyn doing the bungee thing...he isn't quite as sure on Suzie.

Pam, Tell Mark Marilyn is a wuss, I'm the fearless daredevil ;) Not sure about bungee jumping but if Marc L. will, I will :ohmy:

He's stunned; she sure fooled him!

Not me!!!! :eek:

I don't even ride roller coasters!!

We did the Elephant riding in Cambodia; feel no need to go again. Of course, I am still saddened that I can't ride an ostrich due to weight limits. :(

Maybe they have Giraffe rides? ;)

My younger son bungee jumped in New Zealand, holding video camera - the audio was definitely X-rated!!

Did anyone watch that Richard Branson Rebel Billionaire show episode set at Victoria Falls? They had to do some incredible daredevil feat - like flying through the air over the falls with the goal of being "caught" by a partner - that's what we want to see ya'll doing! :woh:

FOOD - ALWAYS IMPORTANT.

BAHIA RESTAURANT
Reserved for 36 people in 6 tables of 6 people for the night of April 19th at 7.00 pm.

BLACK MARLIN RESTAURANT
Lobster Bisque or Fresh Garden Salad

Choice of Mains
A crayfish and 5 delectable prawns, grilled to perfection and served with lemon-butter and savory rice
Chicken dish (sorry don’t have the details on the dish they will serve)

Dessert: Vanilla ice cream topped with seasonal berries.
Coffee or Tea. Beverages and tip on guests own account.

SIEDELBERG WINERY
Garden Salad
With cherry tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, olives and Danish feta
Served with a grape seed oil and lime dressing

Choice of Mains
Grilled beef fillet
Served with honey-roasted sweet potatoes, shredded vegetables and topped with a mushroom & black pepper sauce

Grilled Chicken Breast
Served on potato bake and pan-fried vegetables with a lightly curried mango sauce

Penne pasta in tomato and basil
Tossed with fresh asparagus, parmesan cheese and your choice of either crispy sesame-crusted fish or Cajun-style beef strips

Dessert: Creme Brulee.
Coffee and tea and tip included. Other beverages on own account. Here I do need everyone to make a choice of the main so they can prepare enough of each dish. Please just email me and let me know.

TIME TABLE FOR VICTORIA FALLS
Arrive on April 28th
Afternoon tour of the falls

April 29th
Morning 4 corners – 10 people - free time for other guests. There are many attractions here available through the hotel they have a very active tour desk.
Afternoon (4:00ish) sunset cruise on the African Princess – all guests

Unfortunately in checking out the elephant rides there were no more spaces left. There must be a huge group at Livingstone that is taking the African Queen and also all the spaces on the elephant rides. There are some elephant rides bookable at the hotel but the places are in Zimbabwe which makes it more complicated (have to buy a visa to get into Zimbabwe but you can do it right on the spot of course) and adds to the expense. These are less popular of course than the ones on the Zambia side. I think it best to wait until you get there and see if you really want to do this.


TIME OF THE FLIGHTS FOR SINGITA
These charter flights are on two Beechcraft 1900- 18 seater planes

Arrive in Pretoria at around noon - transfer to Johannesburg airport for the charter flight. Store luggage at the storage facility at the airport. Estimated time of departure for Singita is 1.30 pm. Be in time for the afternoon game drive ---- yippee I am in game drive withdrawal!!!

Depart Singita early (sorry has to be but you will be up for the last game drive anyway) at 7.30 am and fly to Johannesburg. If necessary mess with your luggage situation again. Flight for Livingstone departs at 11.00 am and arrives in Livingstone at 12.35 pm (Regular scheduled flight)

Luggage allowance confirmed at 44lbs per person in soft-sided duffle bags, wheeled duffle bags are acceptable as long as they are fully soft side everywhere except the wheeling mechanism.

ROVOS RAIL
All your preferences for bed arrangements have been sent to Rovos Rail. Men WILL need a jacket and tie of some kind for dinner on the train.

MET AT THE AIRPORT
Everyone will be met at the airport on arrival and transferred to their hotel accommodations.

It just keeps sounding better and better!! Maybe there will be some elephant ride cancellations in Zambia--we'll just have to check when we get there. Can't wait.

Just thought of something: since we're doing the four corners trip, will we have to have a Zimbabwe visa for that? If so, will it work for an elephant ride the next day? No worry though, if we don't get to do it...that will just give me an excuse to have to go to Thailand. ;)