LASTLY, AFRICA PART 8: HITS & MISSES

Herewith, my Hits & Misses from the recent vacation in Africa (in no particular order) ... Hit:   South African Airways -- excellent planes; on-time flights; lovely staff; no baggage issues.  We were told (by a retired pilot) that their maintenance standards are so high, many other airlines use them to service their planes. Major Hit:  The Saxon Hotel, Johannesburg -- beyond gorgeous and luxurious with impeccable service. Miss:  No Oprah sightings (the girls school she founded is roughly an hour from the hotel and she is a frequent visitor). Miss:  The mosquito bands and repellents purchased from REI -- good news the mosquitoes were an issue only in one location (The Elephant Camp, Victoria Falls).  Bad news:  Ridiculous amount of bites.   Hit:   My boots  -- Dunham by New Balance from Zappos.  My surgically-repaired foot was still recovering and these were amazing.  And fashion forward, no?  I also recommend compression socks -- mine were knee-hi's -- from TravelSmith.  On long flights, who needs DVT (deep vein thrombosis which is actually very serious). Hit:  Four Seasons Mauritius with the magnificent scenery and international flair. Miss:  American Airlines for changing equipment (i.e. the plane) at the last minute on the overnight Dallas-London.  If you want to compete with the foreign big boys, step up your game. Note that in a recent conversation (after this trip), an AA representative told me that equipment switching is practically ubiquitous and will continue to be so until all the dust settles from the U.S. Airways merger.   Hit:  British Airways -- Loved the first class from London to Cape Town. Hit:  All those photography classes taken years ago.  I am a serial deleter, which not only makes everyone think all my shots are really good (get rid of the bad ones, folks), but reduces the process at home when I make a Shutterfly book.  Many have asked about my camera.  It is a Samsung Galaxy with 21X optical zoom (purchased three years ago).  I saw lots of people carrying enormous cameras and zoom lenses .. just not for me anymore; and perhaps not even necessary with sophistication of today's cameras.   Hit:  The Royal Portfolio, which company operates both La Residence in Franschhoek and Royal Malewane in Kruger National Park.  Cannot say enough about this company, particularly their personnel -- just fabulous. Hit:  The people of Africa.  We met so many wonderful people and loved hearing their stories.  What a joy.

Are you thinking about going somewhere but are stuck getting started? Do you need some ideas and/or expertise in planning your next adventure?   Instead of spending your valuable time, send me an email (travelwithterib@gmail.com) -- and let me help you with all your travel needs!

AFRICA, PART 7: TWO DAYS IN JOHANNESBURG AND THE LONG RETURN TO LAX

If ever there were an oasis in the middle of a big city, then The Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg is the perfect example.  Frankly, I'm hard pressed to find anywhere that I'd rather not leave ... ever.  So if you can't find the hubby and me at some point, check this spectacular hotel first. Indeed, I declared in a previous post that I was never leaving (in the Cape Winelands), but that only reinforced how many incredible spots there are to enjoy in South Africa (click for previous posts). This hotel has major provenance as it was where Nelson Mandela stayed after his prison release, and where he likewise stayed while writing "The Long Walk to Freedom."  His presence can be felt everywhere on the premises, owned by South African insurance magnate Douw Steyn.  The hotel was previously Mr. Steyn's personal residence in the Sandhurst area of J'berg.  For a bit of context, my daily commute in Los Angeles regularly goes through some extremely pricey real estate.  NEVER have I seen such huge estates as exist in the hotel's area -- with walls that are at least 12' high on top of which is barbed wire, plus massive gates with manned security booths prior to entry and guards on top of that. Not sure if that is a status symbol or an unfortunate statement about what is necessary for protection.  Our driver Mpho told us things have gotten better in recent times ... Beyond those walls are extraordinary estates ...  We had two nights at the hotel -- book-ended by four nights in Mauritius (read here), and would have loved more time to just soak it all in.   I would route a future trip via J'berg just to go back ...