Friday, February 5, 2010

Destination Revealed......and

..............the winner is Claudia at Mockingbird Hill Cottage


Congratulations Claudia - please e-mail me your mailing address. You picked all four countries on the African continent, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe, and mentioned Victoria Falls which I'll be visiting.

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever expect to visit Africa.

In May, thanks to the amazing generosity of my friend Paula, the Four Broads Abroad (Paula, Jen, Babs and me) will be going on a two week safari to South Africa, Botswana and Zambia. At Victoria Falls we hope to also cross into Zimbabwe to view the falls from the opposite side.

When people say they are 'going camping' many enjoy roughing it! I'll be honest, I have never been a camper! Sleeping in a flimsy tent, on the ground, without the comforts of a real bathroom and the thoughts of wild animals and creepy crawlies hunting for supper and sharing my sleeping bag, just isn't my thing...........and that's here in a relatively safe national park situation! In Africa, where the animals are even bigger and wilder, the creepy crawlies more deadly, safari camping for the Four Broads Abroad will, thankfully, be a lot different as we are going in high style!

I'll be sharing more details of our amazing trip in the coming weeks.

Thank you so much for joining in the guessing game. Many of you came very close and I really enjoyed all your answers..............especially as you had me traveling all over the globe!

19 comments:

  1. How amazing, what a fabulous trip you have to look forward to.
    ~Maggie~

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  2. Oh Mary! I am so happy for you! Africa! Kind of reminds me of Clark Gable, Stewart Granger, and this other 50's actor who died young, had a shock of white and black hair, what a hunk! All of those old movies with Africa, and seeing it! Well, congratulations to Claudia! I wasn't sure where you would be going so I just watched your posts. Looking forward to all the tidbits of info you will be passing along. Even more so, all the photos!! Will you be stopping over in France too? I know you will be in Frankfurt since that is where most of the flights go, or at least I'm assuming. Hope you are staying warm, here all we are having is a very cold rain again!
    Take Care!!
    Ulrike

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  3. Whoohoo for you! Africa! What excitement...and one reason I'm so happy is that with yoru lovely photos, I feel like you take us along in your pocket :-) So, safe travels and can't wait to see the photos and congratulations to the winner as well :-)

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  4. Mary, that sounds like an exciting adventure! The four of you are going to have so much fun. What memeories you are going to make!
    xo
    Penny

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  5. Missing you already! How exciting will this trip be huh? I'm so happy for you!! You will certainly have a wonderful time. Love, Vanessa

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  6. That is just fantastic Mary! I know you will have a wonderful trip. What amazing posts you can do when you get back!

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  7. Wow! This is so exciting. I imagine you girls will leave them smiling in Africa.

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  8. Whew! I'm so glad the secret is out. I was about to bust!
    Anna

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  9. Going in high style is the best way to go! I'm so pleased for you...I can just imagine all the fun and adventure the four of you will be experiencing and I know we'll all get to share some of it when you get back (or maybe even during?) from the trip. It's exciting...!

    That is a fabulous globe with the elephant stand!

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  10. You will adore Africa.. I was prepared for the animals and the people ,but was blown away by the beauty of the country it self..and the camping is like nothing you have expierenced before..Posh most of the time..

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  11. You will have the best time, Mary! Thank you for the opportunity to win this!

    xo
    Claudia

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  12. I had an acquaintance who went on safari a few years ago and she Almost made camping sound fun. It was certainly more upscale than any camping I have ever done. What a generous friend you have and I am sure her husband is smiling down on all of you!

    Janet

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  13. Fantastic vacation Mary, one that I would have loved. However, if you remember me mentioning going home to England in Spring and also Europe, well I have planned the visit to include Aix en Provence and Apt, so am hoping that there is a vacancy at La Madone. Will let you know how that fares, meanwhile enjoy, enjoy your vacation!!

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  14. How very, very exciting! This is not a place I would ever imagine going; so I really look forward to hearing every little bit about it, plus seeing pictures when you return. How special!

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  15. How awesome, Mary! This could be an adventure of a lifetime! I'm sure you will record all the details for us............love sharing in your travels.
    Herbal Blessings, Mandy

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  16. Oh my gosh, Africa! I think I would have loved to see Africa during the time of Karen Blixen and Denys Finch-Hatton, especially flying over it in a small plane like they did. To that end, if I had to choose I think I would select Kenya.

    I am not a camper either. And being an outdoorsman's wife, I've had to do plenty. I now insist on an air mattress and flannel sleeping bag.

    I hope you have an unforgettable journey, you world traveler you.

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  17. Africa, OMG - you lucky girl! That is one of my life's dearest goals. Botswana - diamond capital of the world whose Setswana people are unfailingly polite and gentle. Dumela, Mma!! Take loads of pictures - and deep breaths!! You are indeed fortunate! Hugs, Cathy

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  18. WOW!!!! THAT IS SO AWESOME!!!!

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