Here I am, on a plane headed to Africa, and if you did not know me, you would think it was my first time. The plane is on the runway and I am the one with the silly smile on my face, looking like I am going on

my first vacation ever. As we head d

own the runway at full speed, I want to stand up and shout, “isn’t this the most exciting thing ever!!”.  I would probably be arrested, so I silently picture myself do

ing this, while I picture everyone else jumping up and down with me.

This trip marks almost a decade of going to Africa. What amazes me most is that when the wheels clear the tarmac, it feels more exciting than that first trip in May 2004.  There just are no words to describe the awe and wonder of this magical

place.  I am often asked, “why Africa?”

My first response generally takes me back to my childhood. I grew up in Southern California, where we had a “real life” safari park in Irvine California called, Lion Country Safari. At that time, the animals roamed free within the boundaries, including the predators. Not like today’s parks with all the regulations due to the liabilities of a “sue happy nation”, as the result of down right greed; rather than taking responsibilities for ones own actions.

My father would drive our very cool baby blue station wagon, with the Woodside paneling, though the park, just like a safari in Africa. The giraffes, elephants, and even the lions would come up to the cars. Although, I remember being scared, I always wanted to find the lions. Most children wanted to go to Disneyland for their birthdays; I wanted to go on safari!!

The story is as long as your own story of how you got to be where you are today, but I can tell you this, if you have a passion, follow it!!  Live your life trying rather than you wish you could do? It w ill the hardest path you take w

ith more hurdle as brick walls you can imagine, but I can tell you this, from my own experience, the life’s journey you will take along the way, is priceless.

I have just arrived in Africa and once again I feel I have come home.  I encourage taking a risk and coming on safari: see in which magical ways it may change your own life!! And experience one of the greatest ecological system anywhere in the world. Living in harmony with the tribal people.

More than an photograph; an Experience