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africa word cloud borrowed from #1 ladies detective agency books by alexander mccall smith, if you haven't read this series they are about botswana and it's lovely people and are wonderful! at the end of each book mr. mccall smith writes out africa nine times, just like this. love it.
we've begun countdown, only fifty nine more days to go, two more months, a bit less than eight weeks, (haven't figured out the hours, hee he). going over our map, marking the route, it'll be a very zigzaging loop we'll follow. right now the challenge is to not wish these waiting days away. i'm doing my best. xxx lori
p.s. all animal photos were mostly taken with a zoom lens. sometimes though one isn't necessary. :)
lovely love lovely
ReplyDeletei love mma ramotswe and her bush tea
(its delicious!)
and would love to meet the people of
botswana one day...a dream.
not long now for you xxxxxxx
ps. i just finished his most recent #1 ladies detective agency book - it was hilarious !
she gets her... oops. i wont say.
oooh thanks for not saying! i have had the last book since it came out and still haven't read it. shame! aren't they lovely?!
DeleteDon't mean to gloat - but I'M OFF TO CENTRAL KALAHARI for two weeks on Monday!!!! yippee yippee yippee yay yay.
ReplyDeleteInbox me your itinerary dates please and I'll see if I can get to Namibia for work around that time. You just never know xxxxxxx
have a wonderful time, lucky! crossing fingers here janet!
DeleteIt sounds wonderful. No wonder you're excited. I'm reading one of his books now. Loved it from the start x
ReplyDeleteDear Lori, you must be so exited! I am so exited when thinking that you have really been there with the zebras and lions! My favourite movie is 'My Africa' with Meryl Streep, book written by Danish Karen Blixen. I have visited only the Karen Blixen's cafeteria in Kopenhagen's airport - that was the best capuccino!
ReplyDeleteAnd soon you'll be there again - just amazing!
xxx Teje
teje, it's one of my favorite movies too! on my first trip to the continent we visited karen's house, right outside nairobi, now a museum. i sat at the council table and looked out at the ngong hills, a dream come true!
DeleteThe last 8 weeks are always the worst for me! I'm torn between wishing the time away for you, and telling you to enjoy the build up (conversely, one of my favourite parts - I'm a contradictory sort of person!)
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! I love that series as well, and I've eyed the red bush tea at the grocery store but haven't yet brought myself to buy it!
ReplyDeleteThis is so awesome. - you are going to have such a good time. But I just had a sinking feeling...I am going to SLO around June 14. ,,,,, are you going to be away???
ReplyDeleteAlso - have you seen the TVSeries? I got the first season on iTunes and it's lovely.
we'll be gone the month of may, so i'll see you in june mim :)
Deleteyes! love that series, it was filmed in botswana, love it.
Oh Lori and Janet, how lucky you are! And wouldn`t it be just GREAT for you to meet in Namibia? Call me again!!!!
ReplyDeleteTo teach my Bulgarian student, I am using the German version of the Mma Ramotswe-books, and she is now also determined to visit Africa!
Enjoy your last eight weeks for packing and getting things done, and then you`ll be ready to goooooo!
Much much love (and envy) from Geli
absolutly geli, your number is in my mobile. i hope janet and i connect this time!
DeleteHow exciting for you. and such beautiful photos
ReplyDeleteHi Lori! Love those books, he is such a great writer, and has made me feel like I know people there. :) You are going to have so much fun. I don't think I will ever get to see Africa in person, so be sure and say hello for me. xox
ReplyDeleteYour excitement is palpabable. And why wouldn't it be?! Africa by zigzags. Perfect. Just perfect.
ReplyDeleteI am excited for you!
jealous,jealous, jealous, JEALOUS! Oh Lori - I am so excited for you (and also to see the resulting pics!!). Since I left Kenyan soil I have spent many hours thinking about how to get back! There is so much to experience -- Tanzania, Botswana, Rwanda. I read the series and watched the tv series based on the books. L O V E. Can you feel my enthusiasm for you? I am bursting. You deserve this trip especially after the difficult year you have had. I will be right there along with you - in sisterly spirit! Can't wait!
ReplyDeletelyn, it has been difficult not knowing what made me ill on our last trip to zimbabwe in 2009, it's still got drs. baffled. the plan is to visit a medical facility in namibia. crossing fingers!
DeleteI hope your eight weeks flies by!
ReplyDeleteOh the places you'll go! I brush away tears. But I am excited to see it through your eyes. Do not forget the trees... oh, I would almost want to commission you to take pictures of all my favorites. I usually make a point of not counting down days, but I may just be counting down with you. Will we have to wait, or can you blog from there?
ReplyDeletewe'll be to namibia this time emma, i'm not sure but i think trees are few and far between, but i'll photograph every one i can! i'm only bringing my ipad, and i've not blogged on a trip before, but we'll see. internet service may be spotty too. as soon as we're back though! after our trip in 2009 i made something like 10 related posts. so much to share!
DeleteYou're right trees are few and far between, but there are some really really special species!!!
Deleteis it the quiver that is the dramatic looking one? i need to read up. have you seen this?
Deletehttp://treeatlas.biodiversity.org.na/index.php
Yes, it could be the quiver that is the most famous. I know it is Namibia this time - my mother and sister lives there, that is why my ears perked up :) Camel thorn and quiver in the Nabib, Mopane in Etosha, many acacia species. Phantom trees (moringa ovalifolia) in the Etosha... you'll see. They are quite special.
DeleteI am so very very excited for you!!! I think you must do trips like I do.....sort of live them before you go--while you are there--then relive when you get home. The trifecta!!!! I can't believe that I haven't read a single mccall smith book....queue 'em up!!! Heavenly dreams!!!
ReplyDeleteWow, how exciting, I would LOVE to go to Africa....someday
ReplyDeleteI think my bags would be packed and already in the trunk of my car!
ReplyDeleteI am so very excited for you Lori! Happy Friday.
How fantastic that you are making your Dream a Reality ♥♥
ReplyDeletegorgeous, gorgeous photos!!
thank you deb :)
Deletei have the first book of that series on my shelf to read, so glad you mentioned it...need to move it higher in the queue ;-)
ReplyDeleteand yay! africa. such a wonderful time. i've only been in the north and west...would love to know where you'll be adventuring.
namibia, from windhoek to swakopmund to etosha (and points inbetween). this will be my first time to the country, and my fourth time to the continent (since the year 2000). i hope you read the #1 ladies detective agency!
DeleteOh here I read the answer :)
DeleteHow nice!!! I am sure you will love it!
I know I wouldn't be able to wait, either. Have fun being patient, though I don't know how you're doing it!
ReplyDeletehow exciting! I went to africa in 2006 and I have dreamed of going back ever since.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so excited for you! And what amazingly beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
G
thank you gigi!
DeleteOh, I love those books! Alexander McCall Smith has done such a lovely job capturing the spirit and beauty of the people of Africa and their way of life. When I was a kid we lived in Uganda, East Africa for 2.5 years. Those were the happiest years of my childhood. Someday I'm going back...
ReplyDeleteHi lori, I too am africa-bound very soon. It'll be my 4th trip and it won't be the last. Your pictures are stunning. I'm looking forward to seeing more :)
ReplyDeleteStunning images Lori, and exciting plans. What a time you will have :D
ReplyDeleteDreaming of you dreaming of Africa.
ReplyDeletexoxoxoxox
We might go to Kenya this summer. Looking forward to hearing about your trip and the pictures :)
ReplyDeleteI love your dreams Lori... you truly are beautiful x
ReplyDeleteLori, Have you seen The Flame Trees of Thika with Haley Mills? ITs about Africa and such a wonderful film.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the McCall Smith books but this is my year for them.
I'm so happy for you!
xx
julie
Such a wonderful dream to soon be a reality...and we are lucky to see it come true...can't wait for the pics!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos! Stunning! Yes, try to stay in the moment, but there is nothing wrong with a little dreaming and planning :-).
ReplyDeletexoxo
Hello Lori. Me again, back to let you know that you've won my giveaway! If you pop over to knitsofacto you'll find details of how to claim your book and your block :D
ReplyDeleteHey Lori (x5) pleased to meet you. I've popped over from Annie's blog - and how beautiful is yours!? Africa you say? How exciting.
ReplyDeleteI'm off for a little nosey round here...fee x
(look forward to making your block!)
Stunning photos, Lori, and what a wonderful trip to be anticipating! I love the Mama Ramotswe books,they are unique! Enjoy the planning and the dreaming of your African trip.
ReplyDeleteHelen x
what an exciting prospect you have!
ReplyDeleteSure you are counting the days. To which countries will you go?
Will you go in a company or all by yourself?
Well I guess I just have to be more patient to see all your pictures and read all your adventures :)
Have beautiful dreams dear ♥
Lori, I have arrived a little late to this fabulous post. Lori I am so very excited for you about your fast approaching trip. Your photographs have an amazing elegance to them. Elegant Africa...
ReplyDeleteStephanie
your black and white photos make me want to kneel down. i'm serious.
ReplyDeleteoh that bathtub. REALLY?! like, right there in the open? (YES!)
i am so happy for you. i know how much this means and i know your photos will be incredible.
and, i know you will not fritter the days until the trip day comes.
love
kj
I'm going to have to dream through your photos Lori................ they communicate an idyll.............. the wonderful amazing photos of the animals, the bath, the chairs in front of the tent, the bed, all a beautiful dream. I now feel as excited as you Lori about your trip to Africa! A wonderful series dramatising the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency was on t.v. here last year, if you can get to see them, I do recommend them to watch, though they give a view of the towns rather than the spectacular scenery you have seen in real life. Love Vanessa xxx
ReplyDeleteooh namibia is a photographer's paradise! Wish you were swinging by here!
ReplyDeleteHello Lori Ann
ReplyDeleteMy are you Visiting Africa...that is wonderful! My sister in law lives in Botswana . Are you going to be passing by a town called 'Maun'.? If so , let me know and I can give you her number. They have lived in Botswana for 15 years. She owns the health shop in Maun. You will love Botswana. We have also been during May and we got to see the great zebra and wildebees mirgration...it is an experience from heaven. This is all so exciting.
Lots of love
Suzanne
X
Gorgeous! My hubs felt the same about the zoom lens. ;)
ReplyDeleteI love that book series; the author is so respectful and loving of Africa and his protagonist-just love those stories. I can't wait for your trip too!
incredible photographs, lori - the countdown to africa begins.... even though the images of the animals are amazing, i know I won't be able to get that shot of the open air tub out of my head any time soon!
ReplyDeletexo
ooooooooooooooh my goodness! Love the photos...especially the Zebras. Something about black & white photos is so calming to me.
ReplyDeleteAfrica? Again? Lucky girl! Wait...lucky us! We get to enjoy more beautiful photographs!
Oh my, Lori, how exciting it is! I admire their textile design and patterns so much! Would you take some photos to share with us, please? Can´t wait to read your African memories ...
ReplyDeletexoxo
stunning moments captured...no wonder you're dreaming :)
ReplyDeleteps..any room in your luggage for a stow away?!x
Those pictures are really beautiful! What a wonderfull trip you're going to have!! :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Lori! My sister and her husband are leaving for Africa tomorrow! They are staying mainly in Kenya, but also plan to visit some missionary friends. She said that intercontinental travel in Africa is rather expensive so they plan to get around the best they can. I am so excited for your trip as well!
DeleteOH how exciting exciting exciting!!!! Your photos give me something to dream about--another adventure, a magical land, how wonderful for you Lori!!! And I know what you mean about wishing the waiting days away, but I'm sure your trip will be here before you know it :).
ReplyDeleteCheers dear friend!
xo
ps. thanks for the book rec.!
Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous. I love his books. They are both moving and very funny. Your photos are wonderful. Such a quiet beauty to all of them. Did you take them all during the day or with special equipment at night as well? Is the photograph of the couple on the beach you and your husband?
ReplyDeleteoops sorry ellen, thank you. yes, all were taken during the day and all but one with film. it is chuck and i on our wedding day.
Deletexxx lori
I do ♥ those books, too. I look forward to his next one in that series. Right now, I'm reading his book called "La's orchestra saves the world" which is pretty good. It's about this young woman named Lavender who starts up a community orchestra during WW2. Riding her bicycle around the English countryside taking care of hens and making music, trying not to think of Hitler.
ReplyDeleteAre you really going to Botswana?
ReplyDeletei really want to read more of his other series. no, we're going to namibia. we were to botswana almost 3 years ago though. :)
DeleteI can't wait to see the photos you and Chuck will get this time. I'm already saying "WOW!!"
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy that you'll be going back. Please don't get a buggie :(
One is emough. Stay strong and enjoy the hell out of the experience!
xoxo
Lo♥