I admit, sleeping in a caravan with nothing to separate us from the wild but canvas kept me "alert." One night we had lions that found the smells coming from our camp intriguing. The girls did not want to stay in hotels, so we went places that tourist do not go. We had two excellent guides that spoke several dialects so traveling from state to state in Africa was not a problem. I also insisted on MRE type of meals so to save our stomachs. That was good for about a week and the girls wanted to eat what everyone else (drivers, guides, and camp helpers) were eating. That is a story in itself. Now for the gorillas, we did see a few. One came close to us with his troop. A very large silver back..... I wanted to introduce myself, but the guides would not allow it. We stayed in the area for 4 days, each day he came closer to us. I think he was a curious about us as we were about him. On the trip we saw a small migration of wilder beast, which according to everyone the cats should have been close. But, other than the lions; no luck.

It was a trip of a life time. The girls, both home schooled, returned home with an education that they could not get from reading books or lectures. Not just the land and animals, but the people of Africa and culture added to their understanding of the world. And t***h be known, I had always wanted to go on a safari but my late husband did not like that sort of thing. He was the good hotels, soft beds, kind of guy. I am getting long in the tooth, but I hope to make one more long trip. I have always wanted to see the great wall of China. My family tree is more like a forest, so I am sure I can find someone who would like to be my escort. Traveling should never be a solo thing, it is best when shared.

I have always loved northern California. Will you be coast line? Very peaceful..... I have not been in that area for many years, I hope that it has not changed too much with developments. When you go, please keep us updated. I hope that you have a wonderful time...

I had intended to just visit Germany. But, I had two of my nieces with me and wound up going to Rome, then to Athens, then Cairo, and finished out in Africa on safari chasing gorillas. Yes, the great ape.

You are as always, very kind. I have missed you as well. It is always nice to vacation; but a real treat to be back home again!

I love it! But, she always has great avatars!!!!!

It is so good to see you! I have missed you and my extended family.

It is so good to see you.....and your lovely lady! Nice!!

So, how is everyone doing? I heard this one the other day and thought I would pass it on..... REMEMBER, it is only humor!

A man took his wife to the doctors. After he had examined her the doctor said "Your wife's mind has completely gone!"

To which the man replied, "I'm not surprised. She's been giving a piece of it to me every day for the past 30 years."

Not only do they spit, they bite and smell like the Dickens.... Up until now, they were freshly washed and well behaved. When I get back, and have more time, I will tell you about the one I got today. She must have thought me quite the burden, because she laid down and refused to move. The camel driver tried everything, and finally gave up and used his cell phone to call home for a new one. Quite funny, he is in a caftan, all traditional, speaking only in Arabic, a page from an Indiana Jones movie and he pulls out a cell phone. I am still laughing!

I tell you, I am worn out! These girls have been nonstop and they still have energy to spare. My only hope is that soon they will start missing hamburgers and milk shakes. Planning for that, I have made sure that we have plenty of freeze dried food for camping and not one cheeseburger in the entire kit! I live just fine on what everyone else is eating, as long as it is vegan, but the girls.............that is another story. Hope they get hungry soon! :lol: :lol: :lol: I need a vacation from this vacation! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Not yet, I am in Egypt with two of my nieces. Wish I had the bandwidth to stay and chat. Saturday we leave on safari, going by caravan and camping out all the way. The girls want to see "real" animals and I detest tour groups. This should be fun, and I so wish you all were with me! It has been fun, but the girls are wearing me out!!!!!! After a couple of weeks camping, I will be ready to get on an airplane and you know how much I enjoy flying........... :thumbdown: But, getting home after being gone for over a month will be soooooooooooooooo good!

I have missed you so very much!!

I was told that you were leaving, and I will miss you so very much! I hope that you will one day return! I enjoyed your company, agreed with many of your posts, and you always gave me something to take away and think about. I wish you well!

I worked for the federal government, and have now retired, but I had to take the polygraph test every year. They never said when it would happen, they just scheduled it and told me the morning of the test. I also had to go through drug screening, unannounced. Perhaps it was the position I held, or my security level, but I had no problem with the requirements. It was just part of the job.

The US has a population of 313 million people, with 2.2 million having enrolled in Obamacare, looks like they have a ways to got.

You and I have had discussions in the past, I hope that you know that I would NEVER try to offend you in any way! I consider you "friendly" and that is refreshing when there is so many bitter people in this world. You are tolerant, until you are pushed and then you "hold no prisoners!" You earned my respect, so I feel that I can joke with you and you with me and no offense will be taken because none is intended. BTW, I am still searching for a prayer lodge/sweat lodge. :thumbup: :thumbup:

I am glad that you took it as I intended. No insult intended!