"We're going to South Africa!!!!!"

(TOM) That was all I said to Miranda on the phone, standing outside her school fund raiser auction. I had, amazingly, just won a trip for two to South Africa and I couldn't wait to tell her. Ier head was already spinning with thoughts of her upcoming trip to Costa Rica with Sheri in august 2007. Now she is hearing that a year later she is going to South Africa. I can't believe it myself.

I suggested to Sheri that she and Miranda take a mother/daughter adventure, never expecting they would end up planning to go to Costa Rica. I was happy for them ad excited for them, but when fate (and a sweet deal, and a ton of frequent flyer miles) allowed for Miranda and i to do a father/daughter trip to SA the following year we were beside ourselves.

So, we have 6 days/nights at a private game reserve in KwaZulu Natal province. What else' so much to see, such a large country, so much history, incredible riches, and stunning poverty. How can we possibly experience this great country, connect with these amazing people, and try to give back at least a little.

So, I'm going to do plans for our time in KZN. We've already agreed that we are going to spend at least 3 days volunteering and have picked Knysna because we can help both people of a local township, and the worlds most endangered seahorse (on alternating days).

And Miranda is responsible for planning our time in Cape Town. that was a negotiation. she really wanted to go (me too), but it required an extra flight and some extra cost. so she's working extra (mowing grass, babysitting), being frugal, and saving an amount we agreed to in order to help with the extra cost (have I mentioned yet that she is amazing?).

As we plan the trip, take the trip, then re-live it as much as possible, we'll both be posting here. We hope you can enjoyour trip with us vicariously.

T