This all started because of Passage Theatre. (A fantastic theatre in Trenton producing socially relevant original plays. Check it out.)

Jim and I attended their annual benefit about two years ago, where the big silent auction item was an African safari. After bidding on (and winning) a dinner at Settimo Cielo, a custom made dress and a centerpiece, we started bidding on the safari. In our irrational exuberance (fueled by a few glasses of wine) – and after bidding against each other – we walked away with the safari.

South Africa has always been on our bucket list, but we were more focused on the Wine Country. The Wine Country will be part of this trip, but the focus is definitely on safari. We’re starting with the trip we bought at the auction, then going to a more high-end camp in Kruger National Park, the place to go in South Africa.

Then it’s off to Cape Town and then the Wine Country.

Since we’ll be traveling in very small planes, we have to pack light. Here’s our luggage (yes, for both of us) for 2 1/2 weeks of travel.

Mom, Steve and Mary – You think we’re good packers, but even we surprised ourselves here.

We’ll do our best to post daily, but wifi will be spotty. Hang in there – the animal photos will be coming soon!