With the weight limitations on this trip I'm not sure we can fit BOTH pick and shovel in with our luggage.
Seriously, I think we have done it. With many decisions about clothing, cameras, computers and schedules made, we are ready to go.
It is so interesting to once again experience the effect of travel on one's perspective. The prospect of being a third of the way around the world so soon is very exciting. — Steve
Judy here — We're sorting stacks of notes and memos about South African diamond treats and surprises that folks have asked us to find for them. Hoping to find a match to the diamond in Mrs. D's heirloom ring so we can create a complementary pendant.
One bag is stuffed with soaps, fabrics, crayons and notebooks to offer to the folks at Refilwe. It's lucky that we'll be emptying that bag or we'd be "busted" when we tried to board the plane for Mala Mala Camp!
Chris, our host, showed us photos of his recent trip to the mines. We might get a new fashion option on this trip: bright orange, instead of blue, coveralls when we don the outfit that is de rigeur in the mines!
So long for now...
The Browns
Home again
Dénouement: Cape Town
The depths of the diamond mine
Final visit with our diamond cutters
Farewell to the bush
Buffalos, rhinos and giraffes — oh, my!
In the bush
Safari wildlife
“The smoke that thunders”
Hand-picking future heirlooms
The African “Diamond Safari” Begins
Unjani (oon JAH nee)
Bricks & “dagga” become a home
The floors are finished & the rafters are up!
Habitat for Humanity
En Route
Ready for the mines!
Just two days to go!
Less than two weeks to go!
Next stop ... South Africa!
