An Overview

It began in December, 2007. Future International Conventions were announced at the meeting. Of course I immediately plan to apply. Then they announced AFRICA as a convention site. Are you kidding?! I have to go! After the meeting, I turn to Corrine – and before I have the chance to say it – she says “I so want to go to Africa!” Got the application from the elders that night. Corrine got a phone call from her mother “Corrine! There’s gonna be an International Covention in Africa! We have to go!” They’re in. Next day, set up a new savings account at the bank which would drain my checking on a regular basis with the hopes of accumulating enough to pay for the trip. Just made it. Two years later, the final payments have been made, vaccinations have been underway, and we are now the proud owners of more pairs of kakhis and cotton pants (and flat shoes!) than ever before – I think we are ready to go!

We can’t believe it is almost time. So many of you have been so excited for us, and so supportive of our plan, we really wanted to be able to share it with everyone. We will try to update it when possible with quick stories and/or photos. We plan on having a blast, and honestly, it’s never dull around here =) Please check back regularly and, when you do – make sure you leave a comment so we know you are out there.

For those who are curious, here is a quick synopsis of our itinerary, some with links if you are so inclined:
Dec. 3-4 - Leave from JFK – fly to Johannesburg, South Africa. 16 hours. Yes, 16 hours.
4 hour layover – then 1 hour flight to Durban.
Dec. 5-7 - Phinda Private Game Reserve in Zululand, Phinda Forest Lodge for Safari. http://www.phinda.com/Accommodation/forest.aspx
Dec. 7 - Leave Phinda Forest and head back to The Royal Hotel http://www.theroyal.co.za/ in Durban.
Dec. 8- Drakensberg World Heritage Tour http://www.drakensberg-tourism.com/world-heritage-site.html
Dec. 9 - Durban City Tour with uShaka Marine World http://www.sa-venues.com/attractionskzn/ushaka-marine-world.htm
Dec. 10-13 - Durban International Convention! http://www.rugby.com.au/venue/absa_stadium,_durban,1505.html/section/
Dec. 14 - Flight to Johannesburg. http://www.southernsun.com/SSH/VHB/d6ad77afe6449010VgnVCM1000001b3d17acRCRD/14/47
Dec. 15 - Johannesburg City Tour and South Africa Branch Tour. And hopefully this place: http://www.sanbi.org/frames/sisulufram.htm
Dec. 16 - Depart Johannesburg headed back to the US.
Dec. 17 - Home.