make a point of going to ethiopia and somaliland. grt people

Ah, this brought back memories. My brother and I went to South Africa and Namibia for three weeks in late May and early June, 2008. We spent a week in Kruger National Park, a couple of days driving the south coast and the rest of that week in the Cape Town area, then the third week in Namibia. I so wished I'd had my motorcycle for that trip. I'm jealous. I was amazed at the size of South Africa (later I found out it's twice as big as Texas), and how long it takes to get around. Even so, it's such an exquisitely beautiful country that you don't mind the distances. I would go again in a heartbeat. Namibia was also quite large (twice as big as Colorado), and distances are deceiving. It reminded me, in large part, of driving I-80 across Nevada. At least, until you get to Namib-Naukluft. Then, all bets are off. After driving into Namib-Naukluft park, I found The Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado is just a kid's sandbox. The oranges of those dunes is otherworldly -- almost like being on Mars. And the sheer size was extraordinary. We, too, got up to Etosha, and Namutomi. It's a pity you didn't get to take the night drive. That is an experience that I will take to the grave. I've NEVER seen so many stars as I saw that night, each crisp and sharp, almost laser-like in their brilliance. It's also the first time I've seen the Large and Small Magellanic clouds, neighbor "galaxies" to the Milky Way. As I said, I'll never forget it. Anyway, thanks for triggering my memories. Hope the next trip is just as wonderful.

Hey Chris!