Celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary took us on an incredible journey to South Africa, turning a postponed dream into a reality. At the top of our travel bucket list has been to go on a safari, which was temporarily put on hold due to the pandemic. Undeterred, my wife, Chris, and I seized the opportunity to plan for 2023, turning our long-awaited dream into a reality. The meticulous planning that began in early 2022 set the stage for an adventure of a lifetime. More on the safari portion of this trip later - stay tuned! On September 14, 2023, eight of us embarked on a long flight to South Africa. Despite the hours in the air, the excitement of exploring a new country and the promise of the adventures ahead made every moment worthwhile. Our base for the first five nights was the world-famous Mt. Nelson Hotel in Cape Town, offering a perfect retreat to unwind after the lengthy journey. As avid culinary enthusiasts, our group had prearranged dinner reservations at local gems. One such gem was Willoughby, nestled in the V&A shopping mall, where we indulged in South African delicacies, local beer, and wine, setting the tone for the culinary exploration that lay ahead. Another culinary adventure led us to Emazul Wini, an authentic South African restaurant with a menu crafted from the finest local ingredients. I, being the adventurous eater, even tried my hand at sardines, embracing the unique flavors of South African cuisine. For those who appreciate a good drink, Cape Town Gin was a must-try. A pink concoction that, when mixed with the right tonic and herbs, brought a burst of flavors to life. As a self-proclaimed gin aficionado, I couldn't resist sampling these delightful concoctions each night, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to our South African experience. As a history buff, a visit to Robben Island was on the itinerary. Unfortunately, the weather had different plans, canceling our boat ride. Undeterred, we explored the museum, gaining insights into the tumultuous history of South Africa. Weather hiccups aside, we had three full days of planned sightseeing, each day unraveling new wonders. From the awe-inspiring Cape of Good Horn to the breathtaking views where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans converged, every moment was etched in our memories. Foggy weather may have kept us from Table Mountain's summit, but the lower part provided a glimpse of Cape Town's diverse landscape. The city, with its unique blend of residential and business areas, offered a visual feast even from the mountain's foothills. No South African adventure would be complete without indulging in world-class wines. Our group ventured into the countryside for a wine-tasting tour, discovering and savoring the exquisite flavors of South African wines. As I conclude this first part of my South African journey, I invite you to stay tuned for more tales from the heart of this captivating land. From culinary delights to historical insights and breathtaking sights, our adventure has only just begun. Join me as we continue to explore and celebrate life in South Africa.

FRANCE After our 7-night cruise around Italy, we flew to Paris to start our 7-night Seine River cruise aboard AmaWaterways. They seem to never disappoint me with their impeccable service, delicious food, and comfort. One of the highlights included a stop in Normandy. We had been to the D-Day beaches before, so we choose to see the beautiful countryside and this was both serene and stunning. We ended our cruise with an overnight in Paris aboard the boat. Our captain took us as a close as he could to see the LIGHTS come on the Eiffel Tower! In a word, WOW. Our adventure continued with a train ride thought the hills and valleys of France from Paris to Lyon. Some of the most scenic countryside around. Our short stay in Lyon was a good. Needed more time there, as usual. We enjoyed a traditional French dinner as well as an Italian dinner so we could leave for home with the both tastes of Europe. Au revoir! - Gary

ITALY Many of you know that when you travel something, at some point, usually goes awry. Late flights, misplaced luggage, etc. The list could go on and on. However, our recent journey to Italy, France, and Malta was as close to perfect as you can get. Of course, I used a Travel Agent. (See what I did there??) We had the honor of attending the naming ceremony for Oceania’s VISTA, taking place in Malta. Each naming ceremony I have had the good fortune to be invited to has never let me down, and this one was no exception. During the 7-night cruise from Rome, Chris and I finally had a chance to see the southern part of Italy. Highlighted by our stop in Sorrento (it rained cats and dogs). Then as we drove further south, we came upon Pompeii. Another boxed check off the bucket list. You could take 3 days to see it all, but we had only several hours, so we did our best to make the most of it. By the way, rain or shine, the pizza in Sorrento was some of the best we’ve EVER had!! Can’t wait to go back. Livin' la dolce vita... - Gary