Itinerary Update - Soweto Tour

Pre-Scheduled Post: Sunday - Soweto Tour
As per our trip itinerary (bar any issues/changes/complications etc.) we will ....

After an early breakfast depart on a half day tour of Soweto. Experience a fascinating glimpse of the bustling neighborhood life of Soweto, the most metropolitan township in the country, setting trends in politics, fashion, music, dance, and language. Drive by the former residence of Bishop Desmond Tutu and visit Nelson Mandela's former home, before proceeding to the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum, dedicated to one of the first casualties of the Soweto uprising of 1976. Continue to the Apartheid Museum, journey through the racial segregation experienced by millions of South Africans. This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner with the Tour Manager and fellow travelers.

Itinerary Update - Johannesburg

Pre-Scheduled Post: Saturday - Panorama Route to Johannesburg
As per our trip itinerary (bar any issues/changes/complications etc.) we will ....

Depart after breakfast and travel to Mpumalanga Province, known as "Paradise Country," driving the spectacular "Panorama Route." Stop to admire the views of amazing scenery along the 16-mile-long Blyde River Canyon, cut deep into red sandstone, and God's Window (weather permitting), a breathtaking, edenic vista at the edge of the escarpment overlooking Kruger National Park. Visit Bourke's Luck Potholes, a series of waterfalls and distinctive rock formations created by countless millennia of water erosion before proceeding this afternoon to Johannesburg.

Itinerary Update - Kruger National Park

Pre-Scheduled Post: Friday - Kruger National Park Game Drive
As per our trip itinerary (bar any issues/changes/complications etc.) we will ....

Begin at dawn with coffee, tea, and rusks, a South African dry biscuit, a pre-packed breakfast is also provided. Then, on to Kruger National Park for a thrilling full day open-vehicle game drive. Larger than the state of Connecticut, the park offers some of the best game and wildlife viewing opportunities in the world, and early morning is an optimal time of day. The chance to maybe see lion, elephant, giraffe, or zebra in their natural habitat. After stopping at a rest camp for lunch continue the game drive. With any luck, might even see cheetah and leopard. After the day's excitement, relax by the pool and enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Itinerary Update - Swaziland

Pre-Scheduled Post: Thursday - Swaziland Sightseeing and Matsamo Village Visit
As per our trip itinerary (bar any issues/changes/complications etc.) we will ....

After breakfast, visit the Ngwenya glass factory, where visitors can watch talented glass blowers create a range of enchanting African animals, birds, and fish, as well as tableware, made from recycled glass that is collected by the children of Swaziland. Transfer to the South African border and visit Matsamo Cultural Village, learn more about the Swazi traditions and customs. Enjoy traditional dance and song performances with authentic African instruments as well as traditional Swazi cuisine. Wander through the village with its many traditional huts and interact with the locals.

Itinerary Update - Hluhluwe-Imfolozi

Pre-Scheduled Post: Wednesday - Game Drive in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, Travel to Swaziland
As per our trip itinerary (bar any issues/changes/complications etc.) we will ....

After an early breakfast, travel to the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, situated in northern KwaZulu-Natal, which contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora and is particularly famous for its conservation of black and white rhinos. Home to Africa's "Big Five," we may have a chance to see elephant, Cape buffalo, lion, and leopard, in addition to rhino during the morning game drive through the reserve. The park also boasts warthog, crocodile, and antelope. Following the safari, continue to the border of the Kingdom of Swaziland. This independent kingdom within the borders of South Africa is known for its lovely scenery and vibrant indigenous culture. Stop at a handicraft market this afternoon before arriving at the hotel in the early evening.

Itinerary Update - Game Viewing Cruise

Pre-Scheduled Post: Tuesday - Flight to Durban, Game Viewing Cruise on the St. Lucia Estuary
As per our trip itinerary (bar any issues/changes/complications etc.) we will ....

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Durban. Upon arrival in the early afternoon, drive to St. Lucia. Later, embark on a game viewing cruise on the St. Lucia Estuary. This tidal estuary is home to Nile crocodiles, hippopotami, sea turtles, and even sharks, making it a fascinating and uniquely diverse ecosystem.

Itinerary Update - Bit Of A Split Up

Pre-Scheduled Post: Sunday - Cape Town City Tour
As per our trip itinerary (bar any issues/changes/complications etc.) we will split up ....

Mom and Tessa will join the Winelands Tour along the country's principal wine route to the scenic towns of Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch with tastings along the way.

Kristen, Noah, Jason, and I will take a full-day excursion to "Shark Alley" to experience great white shark cage diving.

Itinerary Update - Cape Town City Tour

Pre-Scheduled Post: Sunday - Cape Town City Tour
As per our trip itinerary (bar any issues/changes/complications etc.) we will ....

After a leisurely breakfast depart on a half day Cape Town city and Table Mountain tour. Driving to the city center, pass famous landmarks such as the Castle of Good Hope built in 1666 by the Dutch East India Company and City Hall, a splendid baroque building, and of course the Grand Parade. See St. George's Cathedral, the Anglican Diocese of Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Pass the Company Gardens and the Malay Quarter. The route then leads to Kloof Nek and the magnificent Table Mountain. Ascend to the top (weather permitting) by means of a cable car. At the summit, see wildflowers, the famous silver tree, and marvel at a birds-eye view of the city and its beaches. On a clear day, it is even possible to see Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, on one side, and Cape Point on the other. Descend from the upper cableway station and proceed to the Milnerton Lighthouse. Later, you will have the opportunity to learn the three-billion-year-old story of diamonds while touring the prominent Shimansky Jewelers & Museum at Cape Town's famous V & A Waterfront. The 45-minute tour reveals the origins of diamond mining and includes explanations of color, cut and clarity. Following the tour (or for those who do not wish to participate) stroll through the adjacent V & A Shopping Mall with its endless shopping and dining opportunities before returning to your hotel.

Itinerary Update - Cape Peninsula

Pre-Scheduled Post: Saturday - Cape Peninsula Tour
As per our trip itinerary (bar any issues/changes/complications etc.) today we will ....

Depart on a full day Cape Peninsula Tour with lunch along the way. Drive to Cape Point at the southwestern tip of the Cape Peninsula, passing steep mountains, secluded coves, and sweeping beaches en route. After a stop at the fishing village of Hout Bay, one of Cape Town's best-kept secrets, continue to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, comprising over 17,300 acres of indigenous flora and fauna, where you may see baboons by the roadside, rheboks, cape mountain zebras, bonteboks and the elusive eland. The native plant life, known as fynbos, forms one of only six floral kingdoms in the world. Following the coastline along False Bay, return to Cape Town after lunch by way of Simon's Town. Here, visit the penguin colonies at Boulders Beach, and continue with a scenic drive over Muizenberg Mountain. Lastly, visit the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, resting at the foot of Table Mountain, for a short walking tour of the beautiful gardens before arriving in Cape Town. This evening enjoy a Welcome Dinner at the hotel

Itinerary Update - Travel To South Africa

Pre-Scheduled Post: Thursday/Friday - Travel to South Africa
As per our trip itinerary (bar any issues/changes/complications etc.) today we will ....

Be flying to South Africa!

Kristen and Noah are going separately, through Amsterdam.

Mom, Tessa, Jason, and I will be on Air France Flight AF351 leaving Toronto at 6:35pm tonight, getting into Paris Charles de Gaulle, France tomorrow (Friday) morning at 8:00am. It is about 6.5 hours in the air. The longer flight is a full day one for all of Friday. Leaving Paris at 10:10am and flying AF864 to Cape Town, getting in at 10:40pm. It is over 11 hours of flying (not much of a time change going straight south I guess.

Alberta Trip - Flight Home

Pre-Scheduled Post:
As per our trip itinerary (bar any issues/changes/complications etc.) 
Jason and I should be ....
Flying to Home
We have a late night flight back to Hamilton from Calgary this evening. Jason's car has been parked at Greg and Teri's new house and Teri has been kind enough to agree to come get us at the airport. Jason and I both have to work tomorrow.

Alberta Trip - Lake Louise Luxury

Pre-Scheduled Post:
As per our trip itinerary (bar any issues/changes/complications etc.) 
Jason and I should be ....
Staying at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise!!
Thanks so my cousin, Kev, who got us the Friends & Family rate, Jason and I will be spending tonight in The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel.

Alberta Trip - Banff Luxury

Pre-Scheduled Post:
As per our trip itinerary (bar any issues/changes/complications etc.) 
Jason and I should be ....
Staying at The Fairmont Banff Springs!!
Thanks so my cousin, Kev, who got us the Friends & Family rate, Jason and I will be spending tonight in The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.

Alberta Trip - Waterton Hike

Pre-Scheduled Post:
As per our trip itinerary (bar any issues/changes/complications etc.) 
Jason and I should be ....
Hiking in Waterton!
Today Jason and I are going to attempt a pretty hard hike - The Crypt Lake Trail.

Alberta Trip - Waterton Camping

Pre-Scheduled Post:
As per our trip itinerary (bar any issues/changes/complications etc.) 
Jason and I should be ....
Going to Waterton, Alberta, to camp!
Jason and I will be spending the next couple of days camping in Waterton Lakes National Park in the southern part of Alberta.

Alberta Trip - Calgary

Pre-Scheduled Post:
As per our trip itinerary (bar any issues/changes/complications etc.) 
Jason and I should be ....
Visiting Calgary!!
Jason and I will be enjoying Stampede for the next few days in Calgary. While we are here, we will be staying with Anne.

Alberta Trip - Badlands Hikes

Pre-Scheduled Post:
As per our trip itinerary (bar any issues/changes/complications etc.) 
Jason and I should be ....
Hiking in the Badlands!
Dinosaur Provincial Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Most of the park is a natural preserve. To protect the natural preserve and to ensure public safety, access is only by guided interpretive programs. So Jason and I have booked two guided hikes for today - The Centrosaurus Quary Hike and The Sunset Tour.

Alberta Trip - Badlands Camping

Pre-Scheduled Post:
As per our trip itinerary (bar any issues/changes/complications etc.) 
Jason and I should be ....
Going to the Alberta Badlands to camp!
Jason and I will be spending the next couple of days camping in Dinosaur Provincial Park in the Alberta Badlands.

Alberta Trip - Flight There

Pre-Scheduled Post:
As per our trip itinerary (bar any issues/changes/complications etc.) 
Jason and I should be ....
Flying to Calgary!!
For my birthday, Jason gave me a summer trip to Alberta! We are starting the trip today, flying to Calgary from Hamilton in the evening. We are then renting a car and staying in a hotel near the airport because we will have an early morning tomorrow.

USA 2012 - Roadtrip Update #4

Pre-Scheduled Post:
As per my trip itinerary (bar any issues/changes/complications etc.)
I should be ....

Heading home. This is our longest driving day. I need to be back in Toronto by tonight since I have to work tomorrow.