Preparation, Travel Plan, and First Farewells

Pretty much exactly seven years after our big trip, we are back at the same point. Wanderlust and the thirst for adventure have taken over. Jobs have been quit. The first flight booked. Visa regulations have been studied, and the long overdue dental operation has finally been done (Steffi's lower left wisdom tooth will stay in Switzerland 😊). The to-do list is getting smaller each day, and the first travel essentials are piling up.

Our travel plan for the first leg looks as follows:
On November 21, 2018, we will fly from Zurich to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where we will stay for about two weeks. The next fixed appointment is on December 8, 2018, at 5:00 PM in Nairobi, Kenya. We will be expected for the pre-briefing because our two-month safari starts early in the morning on December 9. So, we will be trading the comfortable box-spring bed at home for a tent with a sleeping mat in the African savannah. Together with a group, we will travel through the countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia, hopefully arriving unharmed in Cape Town, South Africa in February. Where we will go next, we will decide then. An idea is already in our heads.

The anticipation for the adventure is great. However, the new beginning is also associated with farewells. At the end of October, we will have to say goodbye to dear friends from work. The realization that this beautiful chapter is now closed probably only sinks in when leaving the office on the last day. Kwa heri, dear team and dear learners.

Those who want can accompany us on our journey through this blog. We will report on our experiences with the 'Big Five' (who knows them all?) probably irregularly (as we will be away from any civilization for days at a time).