Blogs from Southern, Botswana, Africa

I've put off writing this entry as I've had a hard time finding the perfect way to describe my time spent in the African bush of Southern Botswana. Where do I even begin? Do I start with the ever-present sounds of monkeys and birds, the smell of dead elephants, or the sunsets that truly took my breath away? Some of the aspects are amazing, some are less than desirable, but they mixed together to form a priceless week. I left Botswana feeling accomplished, proud, at peace, and completely unready for my time to be over. But I suppose the best place to start is, in fact, the beginning. We arrived at the teeny airport of Polokwane in the afternoon of November 30th. In typical African style, our driver was MIA upon our arrival, but we targeted ... read more

“If you reject the food,ignore the customs,fear the religion and avoid the people,you might better stay at home”.James Michener.The addiction is growing with each day and there was once again a sense of wondering what lay ahead as we negotiated the sand and water channels back to the main road to then point vehicles south.Destination Maun.The countryside in this region was desperately dry which was in stark contrast to the highest flood levels seen in 75 years.Trees are somewhat stunted and there are many dead ones that,at some stage,succumbed to the ravages of drought.The little villages we passed had a moonscape look to them with sand and dust being the dominant features.At some point on any journey there is a need for a comfort break.This involves a leg stretch and a cup of that fine instant ... read more

Return to Botswana Having worked in Botswana for 17 years it was an amazing feeling to be heading back there for a visit after 11 years away! Our sons, Michael and Joel, who had been studying in Singapore, met us at Joburg airport. Amidst the excitement of not having seen Joel for 6 months and Michael for a year, we still remembered to take the family self-portrait! After a special evening with friends in Joburg, we were in the air again and touching down in Gaborone. It was sooo good to see so many of our friends at the Sir Serestse Khama International Airport to meet us. In some ways it almost felt like we hadn't left! Surprisingly, our Setswana came back and we had fun using it again! Gaborone has really changed: new shopping complexes, ... read more