The first glimmer

Trip Start Oct 08, 2008

Trip End Oct 25, 2008

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Flag of United States Miami, Florida
Monday, September 29, 2008

I (Art) first started thinking about going to Africa many years ago after a short stopover. Just kicking around ideas for a vacation I mentioned Africa and my wife (Yo) and our friend Xuchi jumped on the idea. As ideas go, we shared it with another friend, Karrie, who in turn shared it with her family, Shinja (Mom), Alan (Dad) and Amy (sister). From the three we grew rapidly to seven. For seven people to come together with the same goal is good but to have these seven people become friends is great. Each person selected different reaponsibilites and, working together, we decided where we were going, how we were getting there and what we were doing. Sure makes life a lot easier that way.

We have also met, via email, some of the nicest and most helpful people. Everyone we have been in contact with in South Africa is willing, and happy, to help and give advice. We hope to meet as many of them as we can. And, as they are representative of the people there, we know we'll have a great time and make new friends.

We left Miami for Madrid on the October 8th. We spent a day in Madrid. From what we've seen a week or longer would have been better but, alas, time is short.

Latest Note (November 17th, 2008):

We have added most of the photos. We still have to aggregate the photos from the rest of the group.

We hope you all will enjoy our trip by following along. We know we had the trip of a lifetime. Please feel free to make comments as this is our first travel blog and any help or tips are always appreciated. We will, as well, answer any questions concerning all aspects of it.

Any comments or ratings are greatly appreciated. This is our first attempt at a blog so let us know how we can improve it.

Art, for the group

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Comments

shinja on

Our Hero-- ART!!
Hello this is Shinja, third from the left, mother of Karrie and Amy and Married to Alan. I am making comments on Art's blog after we have returned from the trip of a life time to SA. I will say it was a trip that was worth all the effort and time put into planning. I will also say the trip would never have happened without the dream and the effort of Art. Not only did I have a trip but great memories and three new people who I felt like became part of my familly. Thank you Art from all the Towsley's -- with Art's help I will add some of my family's pictures and tell you how it really was (just kidding)

shinja on

Art-- our hero!
Hi this is Shinja-- one of the African7.
I am late in adding my comments to Art's blog, and will start doing so now. I would like to say this was the most amazing trip of a life time. We owe this to Art, he has the dream did the research and the planning and provided us a trip that will not be forgotten. And we all added 'members' to our families and circle of friends-- I now dream of another trip back and maybe a few thousand more pictures!!!