On my way to Africa by Pauline Baker

54 days to go!
I have a list of notes I have made from so much research I have done on what to bring, what to get, what not to forget etc, etc, etc. Over the past 2 years I have been slowly making my way down the list until I have only 10 things left on a list of over a hundred items.
The thing about planning your own trip (thanks Enchanting travel for helping with the first leg of my trip)is that one doesn't exactly know where to start. What cities and sights must I include, what can I skip, what is a must see etc. Then the where do I want to stay, while I see the things I must.
Then a budget, always a hard part for me. And then more research into what kind of food and where to eat at each place I stay and what to drink.
I have had some unexpected challenges while planning this trip. I hadn't planned on going solo originally but being really determined to go and not wanting to cancel knowing I may never get the chance again, so forging ahead on my own even though some people think I am crazy. They may be right.
Having my return flight from Johannesburg cancelled by British Air (Thank you British Air) so that now I am running from Heathrow to Gatwick on an express train at 0530 in the morning to catch a direct flight home from WestJet. It really has been a process just to get to here on this trip.

It's different than any other trip I have planned because I have 9 flights, therefore carry on luggage was the only real option. I have never in my life just gone carry on. Dave says he will believe it when he sees it mind you he said that about my budgeting too....
I am travelling to 3 countries, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa with 3 different currencies and phone plans and I have ridiculous amounts of time spent in airports.
Thank goodness I found out about Priority Pass. A paid membership to get me into all the first class business lounges for free food and drink and shower facilities with recliners and free Wifi. This is what research has taught me. That if people have hints and tips, some you may not use but every once in a while you come across a real gem. I am hoping the Priority Pass is the gem I need it to be. With so much waiting in big airports, and especially three times in Johannesburg airport which may or may not be anymore full of pick pockets and scoundrels than Heathrow, at least I will be safely tucked away in a private lounge that has either a membership card or a $30USD price tag to get in. Hopefully that will keep the scoundrels to a minimum.

Someone recently asked me if I was scared because I am traveling solo to South Africa. I don't think its fear exactly. Its more like anxiety over what will happen that I haven't planned for. I am good at

thinking quickly on my feet. I think it is one of the qualities that I have developed that makes me a good nurse. Something comes up, you work with what you have to come up with a solution and do the best you can with what you are given.

There is this little bunch of butterflies that has been living in my chest since I starting counting down from 100 days. It grows everyday. It's partly why I decided that I needed to start a travel journal. I wanted to remember everything about this trip.
Having said that, this is crossing 5 things off my bucket list. Not bad for one trip.
Ride in a helicopter.
Go on a real walking African Safari.
Ride in a Safari Jeep through the Jungle.
See a lion with its pride.
See an elephant.

The next few pictures are all the flights I have to take, all on British Air except the last flight from Heathrow to Calgary. Now its a train ride to Gatwick then home with West Jet.