I Plead Jet Lag

Elephant Walk Market in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

I returned to New York City exactly a week ago today and I'm just mostly being to feel oriented in time and place. I'm still falling asleep by 9:00 and walking up at 1 or 2 or 3 a.m., but I've now managed more days than not to avoid an afternoon nap, which throws everything totally off. I've sat down at the computer to catch up on my neglected blog and blog buddies, but I wasn't good at putting two thoughts together, let alone an entire blog post. 

I was looking forward to this trip, but the reality far exceeded any of my expectations. Five countries in sixteen days, plus two visits to the airport in Dubai. Yes, it was a whirlwind, but a great opportunity to see many (fabulous) sights and have a wonderful range of experiences.  The three quick posts I wrote are just the tip of the iceberg and I hope to share much more of the trip during June. 

As promised I'm doing a giveaway to two readers of change purses made by the talented woman in the photograph. I didn't buy a lot during the trip and now reflecting on the array of merchandise pictured, I regret it. The black and white tote bag in the photo is calling out to me. I will just need to make a return trip. 

 

These two change purses will be sent to two blog buddies

The "rules" for the giveaway are easy-peasy. Please leave a comment with your summer plans through next Sunday, June 8. Travel, books you plan to read or favorite hobbies that you'd like to do are all plans, and so is sitting in front of the air conditioner and drinking iced tea. It doesn't have to be an ambitious plan. I'll do a post next Monday with the two names chosen by Random Number Generator.  

I'm delighted to have gotten through my first post after getting back and my next step is visiting blogs. Hope to catch up in the next few days. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care. 

Z Is for Zimbabwe

 

Z is for Zimbabwe

This is definitely a better late, than never post. April and the A to Z Blogging Challenge for 2025 have ended, but since I will be visiting Zimbabwe in eight days, it seemed a very fitting finish to the Challenge, and a "Z" unlike any others that I've posted. 

I leave on Thursday for two plus weeks in Southern Africa. I've already mentioned our visit to Botswana, but we will also be visiting Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. The stops in South Africa are in Johannesburg and Capetown. In Zimbabwe we will be staying in Victoria Falls and driving to Chobe National Park in Botswana, which will include a game drive -- zebra, lion, hippo and giraffe are among the animals we may see -- and a game cruise. There are three stops in Namibia, and we're able to visit both the extraordinary Namibian desert and the coastline. 

The sand dunes of Namibia

The trip doesn't seem real to me and probably won't until I am on the plane or perhaps when I am in the airport in Johannesburg. Even typing "the airport in Johannesburg," it's a totally unreal feeling. But I'm starting to put things aside that I know I will be packing and just ordered binoculars and a new pair of sneakers. I'm excited about seeing Victoria Falls, going on a rhino safari in Zimbabwe, seeing the dunes in Namibia and Table Mountain in Capetown. But one thing I 've learned about travel -- which extends to almost everything in life -- is that very often the things I most look forward to aren't the most memorable. There are sights, people and places that are waiting for me that I can't anticipate, but will leave immense footprints in my heart and in my memory. 

I'm going to try and post often, but it's not the easiest on my phone, which is the only device I'm taking with me. I will much more likely post on Facebook and Instagram. I don't expect to buy much in the way of souvenirs, but will be on the lookout for something for a blog giveaway when I get back. 

I plan to do a few more posts before I leave and catch up on more regular content. I've loved doing the travel posts, but it's time for coffee, spring in New York City and a few random reflections. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care.