The Czech Republic

Nothing could be more different from Rwanda amd even Johannesburg than the Czech Republic. The journey there takes hours and hours and once you arrive in the country, the ancient buildings, tall spires and cobbled streets immediately give one a fairy tale feel.

Prague is not as beautiful as Paris or Rome with the Place de la Concorde and vast piazzas but it has small alleys, brass spires and of course Charles Bridge which has centuries of history to follow.

The weather was chilly and overcast most of the time, but that did not detract from our enjoyment.
David and I trudged the streets of old Prague: explored the Jewish quarter with its magnificent Spanish synagogue, climbed to the largest castle, visited Wenceslas square (which is really a long boulevard where the horse sales took place) and experienced many other quant and wonderful sights. We did not meet Kafka's ghost but did buy a few books from a book store near where he lived. We heard Mozart's music and went to a concert every evening and sometimes lunch time too.

We also visited the ancient town of Chesky Krumlov about two hours out of Prague near the Austrian border with its intriguing history which includes a shooting of the owner of the castle by a king and the story of a mad prince who chopped up a village maiden.

We however came home unscathed but delighted by the food, the concerts and the beauty of the buildings.

Here are a few of David's images. Do enjoy them.

 Rooftops from a cafe

 Domes

 Reflection which Kafka might have enjoyed

 Doorway

The Castle - Chesky Krumlov

Rwanda and the Gorillas

David and I are always looking for new places to explore and David in particular looks for 'another image to take'. Photographers will understand that concept.

I look forward an adventure to experience in the hope that I will be inspired to find some inspiration for a poem or story.

Gorillas and Rwanda was this year's plan.

Rwanda is a beautiful country. The land of a thousand hills is just that  and we stayed in a lodge surrounded by seven volcanoes which sheltered many animals including the much written about mountain gorillas. As you know Dian Fossey fought for the gorillas, losing her own life in the struggle.

The permits are expensive for South Africans: US$ 750 for one hour spent with the animals. But money is returned to the park for guides, guards and families, so of course it is less worth while to poach the gorillas now. [Thoughts for rhinos perhaps?].

Unless you are young and super fit, the hies up and down the volcanoes searching for the gorillas are strenuous and sometimes difficult. However, once you reach the gorillas and spend time with them, theses hardships dissipate as you watch the families interact with one another.

Would we recommend the tour to the gorillas? Without a doubt.

Here are two of David's images. One of a golden monkey and one of two gorillas of the Hirwa family.

 Goldren monkey

Tender moment

Kenya - 2013

The entry into JKIA was easier than expected and after our arrival and collection of luggage we drove to a small new boutique hotel where we enjoyed a much needed breakfast. Off to Wilson airport and the wait for our Kichwa flight. Thank goodness we flew in a larger plane so the camera equipment was not an issue.

We landed at Kichwa and experienced our usual warm welcome, had our luggage loaded onto a vehicle and went on a quick game drive where we enjoyed the golden savannah and large-sky landscapes of the Mara.

The wildebeest had 'left the grasslands' as it had rained in the Serengeti, but we held out hope that the rains would fall again in the Mara. And fall they did. We did managed to see four crossings much to our relief for the guests who hadn't seen them before or hadn't had a chance to in previous years.

David took some exquisite images. Here are a few to enjoy.

 2013 guests

 In flight

 Morning catch

 The boys

Brothers

 Survey

Time to hunt

We again had a most wonderful wildlife experience.

We will celebrate 10 amazing years in the Masai Mara in 2014. We invite you to join us.

16 to 23 August 2014. Please contact us for details.