Cynthia Wrote:
Everything was so well thought out to the smallest detail. There is not a single thing I can think of was lacking. It's a shame that you don't get the feedback you deserve, since after the trip was over we didn't get to see you again. Everyone was so happy and so sorry that it was over.
Newman was wonderful, he is truly a great man. I have great respect for his wisdom and insight in people's characters, and his knowledge of animals, birds, insects, and so on. He dealt quite elegantly with the odd ball in our group,He seemed tireless, although I know he must have had shorter night rests than any of us. His driving was flawless, getting us safely through muddy roads and shallow pools. That Toyota Landcruiser was a gem, big and strong. Being so high up to oversee the surroundings, perfect! With the roof up and the windows down, we had the best viewing possible.
The crew was great too, they did a great job getting things ready and breaking up the next day if we were moving. I think they made a very good team. TC was fun, he was the bartender, announced the dishes, and woke us up before dawn with a gentle 'good morning' and a tinkling bucket of warm water to fill the wash basins. Steven, George and Mateo were not so prominent, but very kind. The food was wonderful, impressed by the quality and freshness, I loved sneaking a bit of the vegetarian dishes cooked for Newman (and maybe others in the crew) which were excellent. I'm totally impressed at how meals for nine plus four were prepared under camping circumstances. Once even during a heavy downpour.
The big surprise was the sit down lunch, freshly prepared under a thousand year old baobab tree. But all our lunches were great, a daily differing choice of salad, meats, cheeses, and what not. Served on whatever level surface was available, on a table cloth! Who eats like this at home! It's unthinkable out in the bush! I gained three kilos , thanks to you spoiling us rotten. (some of it due to the Amarula)
But the funny thing is, all those single rare spottings are not all that important to me.
It was the perfect conditions under which we experienced the grandness and richness of wildlife and countryside that made it so awesome. And you facilitated that.
My best wishes, also to Newman, and good luck in obtaining your well deserved awards,
Everything was so well thought out to the smallest detail. There is not a single thing I can think of was lacking. It's a shame that you don't get the feedback you deserve, since after the trip was over we didn't get to see you again. Everyone was so happy and so sorry that it was over.
Newman was wonderful, he is truly a great man. I have great respect for his wisdom and insight in people's characters, and his knowledge of animals, birds, insects, and so on. He dealt quite elegantly with the odd ball in our group,He seemed tireless, although I know he must have had shorter night rests than any of us. His driving was flawless, getting us safely through muddy roads and shallow pools. That Toyota Landcruiser was a gem, big and strong. Being so high up to oversee the surroundings, perfect! With the roof up and the windows down, we had the best viewing possible.
The crew was great too, they did a great job getting things ready and breaking up the next day if we were moving. I think they made a very good team. TC was fun, he was the bartender, announced the dishes, and woke us up before dawn with a gentle 'good morning' and a tinkling bucket of warm water to fill the wash basins. Steven, George and Mateo were not so prominent, but very kind. The food was wonderful, impressed by the quality and freshness, I loved sneaking a bit of the vegetarian dishes cooked for Newman (and maybe others in the crew) which were excellent. I'm totally impressed at how meals for nine plus four were prepared under camping circumstances. Once even during a heavy downpour.
The big surprise was the sit down lunch, freshly prepared under a thousand year old baobab tree. But all our lunches were great, a daily differing choice of salad, meats, cheeses, and what not. Served on whatever level surface was available, on a table cloth! Who eats like this at home! It's unthinkable out in the bush! I gained three kilos , thanks to you spoiling us rotten. (some of it due to the Amarula)
But the funny thing is, all those single rare spottings are not all that important to me.
It was the perfect conditions under which we experienced the grandness and richness of wildlife and countryside that made it so awesome. And you facilitated that.
My best wishes, also to Newman, and good luck in obtaining your well deserved awards,