It’s about 6 am outside the Airport Game Lodge watching the large orange ball of the sun rise in the distance. We are gathering at the bus heading out 615 in the morning heavy traffic outside of Johannesburg it’ll pass and then will be on less travelled roads.

We had breakfast this morning of eggs, fruit, yogurt and beans for me. Refilled water bottles, dropped off room keys by 5:30 am, ready, bags packed at the van by 10 to 6.  We are running a little bit behind but it’s anticipated to be a 12 hour travel day , certainly not all the roads are going to be like highway. I will keep on reporting as we move through the day.

Later:

It’s after lunch now and we’re back on the road. We’re off the big toll highway. In South Africa the main highway is 3000 km long.  

We had a beautiful lunch in the outdoor seating area and we’re served food in the shade of a tree.  It is very scenic. 

Now we’re on the road with first real significant wildlife sighting a bunch (Google says it is a Congress) of baboons just ran across the road. Some look like they had little baboons on their backs and they ran fast so no picture.  Probably a dozen or 20 of them.  

It’s about 2 o’clock in the afternoon and we’ve been on the road since 6 o’clock this morning with 4 stops so far, mostly driving.

Our guide François was telling us about a tree called the upside down tree, Baobab.  It looks like the roots are sticking out above the ground and the story is that when God created the Earth, he gave each animal an opportunity to plant a particular kind of tree. Which one of the monkeys – chose to plant that tree upside down. 

A lot of very interesting looking trees – very different than we would have back home. Some beautiful trees here in Africa, many of them have nests.  

There are some shacks along the side of the road made out of tin and a lot of poor people, or workers who are here from elsewhere – Other countries that come here to work – stay in rent one of those little shacks, and then they send all their money that they make back home.  

We have arrived at Awelani Lodge where we will stay two nights.  A lot of the gals have requested their own rooms so there is a bit of a shuffle.  We are shown our accommodations- Manon and I have tent number 8. Very adequate, private,quiet.  I head for a swim in the pool.  After – a nice shower and get to know the geiko that lives atop the bathroom door … we call him George!  Later we spy a large rain spider … if it is down on floor it is not going to rain … but our spider is on the roof above my bed …. Francois came and escorted it out the door using our cup and saucer.  

We had happy hour and off to dinner with the group.  Now back in our tent.  Early morning safari walk then afternoon safari drive …. For now … good night George.  Good night my family and friends.  More tomorrow

It’s morning and I must have slept. Some of the other girls say the sounds of the night were wild … howling, maybe wolves?  Peacocks on the roof.  Some kind of antelope this morning out my window could be seen from my bed.  The sun was already up when I woke, brightly pouring light into my cute little adequate room.  One of the gals I met, who will be a good travel buddy, decided to pay for a private room for tonight again so split the cost of that so we can stay in our little solo rooms for a second night.  What extravagance!  Maybe $15 extra.  

Everything in South Africa costs much less it seems …. Well maybe not everything,but water and accommodation etc.  we paid and shared the cost for transfer last evening.  It was less than we would have paid at home but more than others are paying using Uber to arrange rides.  Note to others coming here, Uber maybe the way to go.  And if you want food delivered as not near restaurant… Uber eats.  I don’t currently use Uber but highly recommended by some of the travel gals here. You don’t exchange money … you do it through an app and the whole experience is tracked by you.  Interesting and probably useful to try.  Certainly much cheaper.

4 of us had breakfast (included) then relaxed and planned a quick trip to a mall as one gal needed new shoes.  Off we went.  Not at all recommended to go into  Johannesburg by the lodge staff.  So we did not. 

Dropped my travel clothes at the office to get laundered for about $2 CAD.  Took an Uber to the mall.  While I was gone my room was cleaned, my clothes are back clean and folded.  The air is warm (not hot) and sun is out … mid afternoon here and I went swimming in the outdoor pool. It is cold water from the tap, no heater … ha ha and cold here at night.  So it was fresh for me, but much warmer than ocean dipping so kind of a treat.  No one else would venture in and would not even let their feet dangle as they said it is too cold …. Hmmmmm

Then lovely shower, and decided to write this.  In an hour I will go meet the group, then we all go to barbecue dinner together, apparently nearby.  

I found out the transfer to airport on 28 August is complimentary… so I will be doing that and then fly out to my next destination.  For now …. Trying to stay present and notice the bird song and animals around me.  Ostrich, antelope, deer, peacocks … I have seen them all so far, all living around the edges of our park like setting.  A list of birds that frequent the area.  I highly recommend this place.  It feels safe and wild, clean, affordable, local and far away from the bustle of big city or airport.  

Exotic and beautiful.  Looking forward to Kruger National Park tomorrow…. 

• 
  be as present as I can, as often as I can. To notice.
• Breathe, walk, be gentle with my self and others I am with
• Be openly curious about this place, whatever place I am in.  Try to suspend judgement and assumptions.  
• Always be friendlier and kinder than how I am greeted.  
• Be with nature, listen to the sounds and take pictures. Stop to notice sun and moon movements 
• Write for myself and share with family and friends to follow

ARRIVED JOHANNESBURG 

It is late now here in South Africa.  Just after midnight local time.  I have arrived and staying two nights at Airport Game Lodge.  So far I saw a rabbit.  Lol.  First night in my own room ….. which is cute and cozy, clean and nice to be done flying!  I am off to sleep soon … meeting the tour folks tomorrow…. Stay tuned.  I have mostly been in airports or planes for more than 30 hours so it’s nice to see nature, even though it is dark outside.  Tomorrow I will post something more exciting I am sure.  

EARLIER TODAY …

Last evening, between the ferry from Vancouver Island and  the early morning flight out of Vancouver, a magical conversation happened.

I am a member of the Western Canada Online club of Soroptimist International of the Americas.  I was staying with a friend who introduced me to  Soroptimist years ago.  On this evening she made a call and connected me with a woman, fellow Soroptimist, from Kenya who is currently in Canada.  Joined with intention to share friendship. Khayanga and I shared common and different stories of inspiring women and girls around the world.  A fine connection.  I asked her thoughts on the Barbie movie and was delighted we shared very similar views of some deeper meaning mixed with entertaining scenes.  Layers of thoughtful nuanced and more obvious scenes, a revolutionary film for our time.  I recommend it. I learned about her camp for girls and young women in leadership.  She will introduce me to and connect me with some other women in Africa for the time I am here.  Women holding hands around the world …my vision, my why.

There are movies on this long nine to ten hours flight.  And there is this …. Just this.  Jon Kabat-Zinn master class on mindfulness.  Starting at the top …. Here are some learnings, some matterings… some of what he says. -There are a lot of doors into the very same room.  – I will pour energy into what’s right with me. – I am the curriculum starting from exactly where I am now. Mindfulness / wakefulness is way of being …. awareness, pay attention, on purpose in the present moment.  Be in the present – here and now and be non judgmental about the judgement.  Caring about myself enough to not contract into wanting or not wanting.  Liberate from likes and dislikes.  In a friendly way.  Non-doing. How things are.  Develop a quality of patience.  Not try to push the river.  No where to go.  – Healing is not curing.  Healing is to embrace how things are.  Suffering is driven by self-diminishing narrative stories.  Beginners mind, “don’t know” mind.  Power of not knowing. 

Listening to Elizabeth Gilbert …Big Magic.  On and off with a timer to guide my mind and to let go of being awake.  Brene Brown, Atlas of the Heart series exploring emotions and connection. 

That is all for now …. Time to sleep. Here is my cute resting spot at Airport Game Lodge outside of Johannesburg, South Africa

The first day did not start out at all as planned.  Already.  And even more now it feels a bit surreal.  

A while back, before Covid was a word in the international vocabulary…. A very good friend of mine (referred to hereafter as C) suggested we plan a trip to Africa.  Her dream …. The animals, the wild wide open spaces … she is a beautiful spirit of the land, of nature, the soil, growing things.  We have travelled together on past trips.

I am a travel agent but even more importantly, her friend.  We planned and dreamt of a trip.  The sweet wild haunting noises of the night from a safari tent, the taste of unique wine blends of South Africa.  Hot sun on desert land and lush green jungles.  

Time plugged along, interrupted by illness and cancelled – postponed vacation plans.   C is not with me on this trip.  Oh how I long for her to be.  Her health has other plans … the medical system has taken over her itinerary.  I am afraid she won’t get to experience this …. So …. My part now …. Is to do it for both of us.  I travel with the intention to write as if I am telling her of my experiences and hopeful, ever hopeful she will be healthy enough to accompany me again one day.  It is all I have to give her … my stories.  

Dear C, I love you.  This is for you.

Another sweet travelling friend and member of the Women’s Travel Club (I host a meetup for Women’s travel and have for 14 years now, I think) who had been previously to South Africa,had a dream….  Let’s call her G …. She wants to experience an eye to eye, moment with mountain gorillas.  She heard about the possibility through a guest speaker of GAdventures a few years back.  Her dream is to do this before her health steps in her way.

We are all senior women, meaning we are wise, sage and on the retiring end of a woman’s life.  

As this blog continues you will hear how the trip comes together.  For now, in brief …. This is what is in store ….

I left Victoria BC by walk on ferry to Vancouver, stayed overnight at my dear friend and Soroptimist sister Darlene and her wonderful husband, Matt.  Up before morning … 3 a.m. local time and at YVR to catch the first flight to Seattle, on route to Johannesburg through Amsterdam.

My first GAdventures tour will commence 21 August 2023 out of Johannesburg and I will experience Kruger in Depth.  Flying then to Zanzibar for four glorious fun filled friend nights exploring beaches and relaxing with G and 3 other women travel club gals …. 5 of us together living this dream.  On 1 September we fly to Nairobi to begin16 night East Africa in Depth safari tour and then I begin this long reverse trek home.  

I am packed with no checked bags, for the second time in my travel life …. This time two backpacks.  Phew.  It is hard to pack this way for me,having spent a fortune on beautiful clothes to travel with and now finding they won’t fit in carry on bags or not suitable for safari intense in-tents travel.  

Here we go … I intended to tell you about my day yesterday and already that moment is past.  My iwatch a reminder to take some quiet reflective time to live in this moment.  This.  Just this.

Stay tuned dear C for travel stories.  Climb with me dear Debra as my tensing norguay ….  Can you see me from here?  I am taking the next step ….

For my family,mother, brother, daughters, grand people and all the other very important family members I have the privilege to live and love with …. For my precious friends and helpers along the way …. Rachel, Marni, Mary, Christa, the Leah’s, Darlene, Terry, Rosemarie, Jenni, Gail, Chelle, Janie, Penny, Anita, Tana, Elaine and countless others who impact and inspire me … for the cold water addicts community I proudly belong to.  I am so glad you are joining me on this journey and support me in my life …. Thank you.  Thank you. So very grateful.  

The last night in Italy

Today we woke up in Rome and had a breakfast buffet at the Yes Hotel.  The four of us went for a walk to find Campo di Fiori for some last minute purchases and to explore an area of Rome that most of the gals had not seen before.  As it is near Piazza Navona, and we had seen that a few weeks ago, we trekked through the streets and took some last photos of the magnificent Rome buildings and alleys.

We scattered for 45 minutes of shopping, and sight seeing.   Mary and I found the Grom gluten free sorbet shop so I could have my last gelato in Rome.  Yum.  The server was very pleasant and spoke very good English!

Then we walked back to Yes Hotel to catch our shared cab.  The taxi was to drop off the other two gals to catch their flight to Paris for a few days of fun there on their own.  Mary and I went to the Yellow House, a b and b near the airport that Mary found when she was doing research for the trip.  Delightful little home.  We dropped our bags and headed out for a walk to explore …. And walk ….. and explore…. And walk and explore. Today, over 32,000 steps and 23 kms, we became familiar with Fiumicino!

We saw a lot!  We found where the Tiber River meets the Tyrrhenian Sea of the Mediterranean and marvelled for a few minutes at that spot.  That river starts at the Mount Fumaiolo in Central Italy.  We enjoyed walking along it when in Rome a few weeks ago.

We enjoyed the walkway by the water and then walked back to the hotel spot.  Just after 7 pm we took in a pretty good gluten free pizza at Vera Napoli Pizzeria.  The food was excellent, filling and inexpensive.  Mary was able to get rid of a lot of her Euro change.

We have a taxi picking us up tomorrow morning to take us to the airport for our first flight to London Heathrow and then premium economy flight to Vancouver.  Yay!  

Stay tuned for the last travels.  Here are a few pics from today.

Pamella of Italy

After a few weeks of a fun and travel, we begin our trek homeward.  Luigi gave us a ride to the Sorrento train station so we could catch a train to Rome via Naples.  A regional train was inexpensive and took a scenic route to Naples.  Beautiful.  

In Naples train station we found a ticket spot to purchase a  fast train to Rome with Italia bullet train,245 kms per hour.  Car 5, seats 17,18, 19, 20 ….

Upon arrival to Rome we walked to the Yes Hotel, the four of us have our old room 215 back like at the start of the trip.  We are happy happy to be back together. A little Prosecco and then out for dinner at Strada Romana.  We were the first at the restaurant but shortly after Fern and Lisa from the GAdventures tour also arrived.  After some texts another five gals arrived, Janie, Adrienne, Judy, Marion and Kathie also were present for dinner.  So fun.  

Tomorrow Mary and I head out for last night at the Yellow House close to the airport.  Eileen and Marni head to Paris.  This leg of the trip is winding up.

Time to sign off for tonight,

Pamella of Italy.

Capri for the day

Today we met mid morning for a drive to the boat marina in Massa Lubrense.  This is the town where the lemon farm is located, next to Sorrento.  I was in the first group that arrived in the shuttle van and walked through the small coastal town, along the sea and large rocks protecting the walkway from splashing surf.  It was beautiful and interesting, wild and fun.  I am interested in returning when we have more time, maybe tomorrow?

Then the boat arrived to pick us up.  Holding about 12 of us, we set out for Capri island.  The surf was high, I thought, and some bumps and rougher areas.  A few of the girls felt some motion sickness as we rode across to the island and then travelled around half of the island from the boat following the coastline.  Beautiful scenery.  We watched sea gulls soar in the wind, interesting rock formations, other boats navigating the surf and some residences and resorts scattered on the coastline.  It is a beautiful island with lots to see and discover about its history.  The sailor of our boat told stories and provided trivia information in his strong Italian accent.  I could not understand much, was focused on the sound of the sea, surf and wind.

We landed and shared a taxi to AniCapri, the town on top of the island.  Some cloud cover up high so we did not try the cable car to get better views.  We walked down streets and enjoyed the sights.

After a few hours we took a shared cab down to Capri and walked the rest of the way down stairs and walk ways to Marina Piccalo, the small marina where we had been dropped off.

Marni and I took turns taking a short dip in the sea and changed on the beach while waiting for the pick up to travel back to the mainland beach area.

More boat ride looking at the rock formations on the outside of the island before heading back to the agritourismo for pizza making and our evening chatter and fun.

Good morning, heading to CAPRI island today

I have long since lost track of days of the week or date in the month.  I think this coming weekend might be Mothers’ Day – wishing my wonderful mother the very best day.  I am so fortunate to have a loving, caring mom in touch with me daily and who is so supportive of my every experience.  So grateful.

The day before yesterday we had a wonderful day at the lemon farm.  We started after breakfast with a tour of the farm, an explanation of its history and present farming practices.  We have a limoncello making demonstration and tasting – yum. 

After lunch we head to Sorrento for a few hours to wander the town.  Local artisan stores selling limoncellos and other ‘kinds’ of cellos, dried red chillies outside the shop.  We spend some time and money here, finding some unique items we want to try.  

We walked toward the edge of town, a cliff walk down to the beach (we don’t take that today) but there is a ‘lift’ elevator that takes 20 seconds (says the sign) and costs 1 Euro per person.  Hmmmmm.  The drop of doom?  

We saw an artist collection by “Rafael somebody” who had a display of black and white photos of Mother Theresa and some other subjects local to the area and these times.  Beautifully displayed in a large courtyard that appeared to be magical with stone columns and a garden in the centre.  The girls had cappuccino and cannoli (Mary had her first cannoli, pistachio and walnut on sweet cream center rolled in a crunchy sweet pasty.)  

We caught the van back with Luigi and arrived to a large multi course dinner.  Every dinner is at least 4 courses, wine and some form of lemon liguor.  One of the delights of this place is authentic local dining in the private home, prepared by the people who live this experience every day.  it creates such a sense of appreciation and familiarity with the local pace and people.  Warmly hosted by the family we stay with.  

Yesterday we had a ‘free day’, meaning that we could do whatever activities we wanted to arrange.  The GAdventures tour leader has moved around activity days to try to accommodate for the weather.  We meet for breakfast in the large dining area at the agritourismo we call home for this week.

Many of the participants prefer to make arrangements to visit Ravello and Amalfi for a drive through the Amalfi coast.  I have done this previously when here a few years ago, but also when on the cruise a week or two ago so four of us decided to stay local.  Three of us walked the steep curvy stone walk down down to the sea.  Beautiful vistas, we stop along the way to notice stone walls, vegetation, views, and I was trying to stay present enough to not worry about how it would be to walk back up.  Ha ha.  Heading to the sea for a swim is one of my favourite things.  Onward!  

One person goes by us on a motorcycle, we see a few cats and then we reach the bottom where there are a few resort beach places, restaurants, a parking lot (there must be another way down than the stone narrow pathway we walked).  There are a few fishermen and mostly the area is quiet with no visitors today.  Some beach change rooms attached to resorts and some boats tied up to the small piers.  Mostly a ghost area with some beach access to the sand and sea.  Several fig trees with full fruit on the heavy branches.  The local vegetation is lovely to notice.  We take some pictures.  

Mary and Eileen patiently wait for me to have a short ten minute swim in the sea (it was beautiful clear, warm and refreshing.)  The sandy beach area is pleasant for walking and access to sea glass and pieces of broken ceramic that had washed up.  Getting changed with the onlooking gaze of the locals was challenging and a two to three person job to cover me as I juggled and tried to balance.  All a fun experience and removing sand and small stones was simply impossible.  

We head back up and up the familiar rocky ‘cliff’.  Part way home, the sky opened up to a torrential downpour.  Yes, cactus growing promises desert dry air …. And today it rained hard and instantly we were soaked to the skin.  Onward we walked.  Up, up.  Taking short stops on even surfaces and then trudging onward.  At one point shortly after the rain started we notice a small pipe used for drainage pouring water like a hose, a fast flowing creek and covering the rock way … it was raining hard!!

Home at the agritourismo we warm up, get together the four of us, and decide to stay home, watch the rain and play cards all afternoon.  Euchre and cribbage, one gal has a deck of cards.  We had some Prosecco and limoncello from previous purchases, we enjoyed a beautiful, relaxing and fun afternoon laughing, safe and warm-ish.  

Today we awake to rooster crows, bird song, sunshine (wet clothes from yesterday) and blue skies. Off to the island of Capri for sightseeing and maybe I will get in another swim!

Pamella of Italy

ARRIVED at Il Giardino di Vigliano, Sorrento Italy

I believe it is my fifth time here.  Once a while back I stayed a week on the GAdventure tour, three times bringing groups I travel with from the cruise ship (Oceania) when docked in Sorrento or Naples and I am now back, returned for another week on GAdventures tour.

This is a magical place.  Up the twisty driveway, hairpin turns for the larger vans.  Luigi meets us at the walkway to his home, the agritourismo that becomes our home for the next week.  9 of the women from the travel club coming together for this experience.  14 guests being led by the CEO, Silvia.  

I believe this building has been in the family since 14th century. We settled in to our room last night.  Up up and up the stairs, some older grey stone, others marble.   Our balcony overlooks a stunning view of the bay, the special tree that is iconic in this area and on the slope of this land.  One light curtain pulled to one side.  The yellow, blue and white tile floor is stopping us each time we enter the room – with its beauty and design.  Beds are comfy and room uncluttered and spacious.  

I can’t stop staring out the window at the beauty that is this place.  Even in the grey morning after a rain day in Pompeii yesterday.  This is magic, this is adventure and I feel the love from this family as they care for my food needs and also opening their home to strangers in such a warm way.

It is time now to go on a tour with Luigi to the lemon farm lands and hear the family story and feel the legacy.  This afternoon Sorrento.  Prego.  Andiamo.  Ti amo

Pamella of Italy