OFF TO AFRICA

Well, it's only 7 days until we depart for Africa.  During the last week Skip and I have been frantically trying to organize everthing that we need to take so that we will meet the 33 pound weight limit AND still have enough room left over to bring home souvenirs.  Today I think we finally got everything right.  My bags (duffel and backpack) weighed in at 29.5 lbs and Skip's weighed 26.7 lbs.  Actually, even if we brought EVERYTHING back that we are taking we would still have room for souvenirs.  But, we know that a good bit of stuff will be consumed, given away, or simply will be tossed before we return home.  For example, we will consume the shampoo and many other toiletries during the trip, not to mention all the bug sprays, and medicines we needed to have on hand.  Also, we were advised to bring some small gifts for the family who will be hosting a dinner for us in a small village.  Likewise, we will be visiting a school and we were told that it's a nice gesture to bring them some supplies like pencils, dry markers, deflatable balls, protractors, etc.  We were also told that we would be well-fed, but snacks usually weren't included, so if we wanted snacks we should bring our own.  All in all I'm now confident that both Skip and I will have at least 5 lbs. each to bring things back home AND we will have the space in our bags to do so.  

Now that the packing is done, I only have a few things I need to do this week to be all ready.  First thing Monday morning I'm going to the AT&T store to sort out the international calling/text/email options.  I'll be able to use my iPhone (where service is available) but I want to make sure I understand EXACTLY what service I will have and how much it will cost.  I might not be able to blog while I'm there unless I find some available hot spots,  but I will know lots more after I talk to the people at AT&T.

Skip and I are very much looking forward to this trip.  We've never traveled anywhere that has taken more preparation.  I mean we had to apply for our visas months ago, not to mention beginning all the vaccinations.  Skip had to go for 3 rounds of shots over many weeks.  His shots cost over $800.  I already had more of the shots so I only had to go once (but got 5 shots in that one visit!).  Also, we've never been anywhere that we've had to take malaria pills before departing, while there, and for a week upon our return to the USA.  We learned that it was standard procedure to take along Cipro in case we contracted an infection while there.  My doctor said that we should begin it at the very first sign of an infection.  Also we've never been anywhere that we were told to ABSOLUTELY NEVER drink the water... to not even brush your teeth with the water.  Additionally, we've been advised to not even eat fresh fruit and vegetables, even those that we have personally peeled.  I'm not sure how the home meal that has been planned for us will work, especially if there are fresh (uncooked) vegetables (like lettuce, tomato, etc.) and fruits.  We certainly won't want to be rude, but the travel nurse was clearly emphatic about not eating anything that was not thoroughly cooked.  So, there will be lots of firsts for us on this trip.  Undoubtedly, the beauty of the land and the animals will more than make up for some of my concerns about the food.