After 90 votes in my poll, and 40% of people thinking I should go to The Middle East after Asia, I’m happy to announce I’ll get there eventually. Why can’t I skip South Africa?

• the view from Table Mountain in Cape Town
• hanging out with Warren on his home turf
• wild penguins
• learning about apartheid and seeing Nelson Mandela’s old prison
• touring wine country
• cage diving with great white sharks
• riding an ostrich (feel free to claim this as a dare….it never would’ve occurred to me)
• going on safari in Kruger National Park
• my first bush walk (complete with well-armed guide)
• visiting two unexpected countries – Lesotho and Swaziland

I’m sure there is lots more awaiting me. I love experiencing a place like I’ve always imagined it in my mind. It turns the fantasy into a reality, and as much as I want to see Egypt, my image of Africa is in the game parks.

But first….adventures in northern Laos and Thailand await.