Comments on: Destination Africa

By: Paul

Paul — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 23:16:02 +0000

Thomas, thanks for the offer. I will certainly take you up on it. I plan to stay there a couple of days, I’m guessing. I’d love to meet you and to ride the train into Germany and wherever else the path may lead. I’ve never been to Europe, so I would be the typical gawking American tourist, but in a nice way!

By: Thomas

Thomas — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 23:11:59 +0000

Sounds quite a trip, congratulations to that decision – and my heartfelt compliments to your wife!

Amsterdam in January? Brr… you might have to have some luck with the weather. On the other hand the city holds enough in-sights to keep you occupied for a while. Say 1-2 years…

Just let me know when you are entering the more concrete planning phase! Amsterdam is just a comparatively short trainride (3-4 hours) from Bremen where I live when I’m in Germany. I would definitely consider coming over.

By: AndrÃ©

AndrÃ© — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:13:15 +0000

Hi Paul,
This will be great trip. I think a life-changing event. Years (30) ago I’ve been in South Africa and it changed my perspective on people and how they interact. Beside this I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the country. And I’m sure it will be the same for you.

I live in The Netherlands but not in the surroundings of Amsterdam. For me it’s a two drive (not that much ) So, if you want to know something, just let me know. Maybe we’ll meet each other. Happy planning… The pleasure before is as great as the trip itself.

By: Martin Doonan

Martin Doonan — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 19:57:44 +0000

Sounds like a good trip. Several from my Tanzania trip earlier in the year also did the A’dam stopover. It can be quite chilly in Jan but is usually quite dry.
Although I now live in The Hague (just down the road I also used to live in A’dam. Drop me a line if you’d like to know some more.

By: Kate

Kate — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 06:01:24 +0000

Hi Paul,
Sounds tempting. I haven’t been to Kenya yet, hmmm…. however Amsterdam in January doesn’t appeal that much – but hey, I haven’t been their either so I shouldn’t be judgemental. Did you consider traveling to Kenya from Toronto? Also, you may want to consider the single supplement.

Anyhow, give me a call some time, and I’ll be happy to give you some tips on packing/lens/etc. Would be good to catch up.

Suggest you find your local travel clinic, and start on the shots and other prep. There are a couple its probably a good idea to have, that have to happen in multiple stages, if I remember correctly.

Glad to hear you’re venturing off the continent – just think 1 trip and you’ll visit 2 more continents.

By: Billie

Billie — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 23:47:40 +0000

What a wife!
Go for it!

By: Paul

Paul — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 22:29:15 +0000

@Mark. I know! I’m planning to see if I can leave early, spend a few days in Amsterdam, then continue on my journey to Africa.

By: Mark

Mark — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 22:24:09 +0000

That’s sweet Paul. I have also always wanted to go….someday. That does seem like a pretty good price, but a week will be really quick.

By: Laurie

Laurie — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:16:26 +0000

It sounds like the trip of a lifetime. What an amazing opportunity.

By: Anita Jesse

Anita Jesse — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:55:02 +0000

What great news! And, I say hooray for your wife. We will all be with you in spirit, and when you begin showing us your magnificent pictures from Africa we will be happy for you (and us!) all over again.

I know that you will find tons of material on traveling with camera gear. David’s site (along with his answers to your specific questions) will provide valuable information and you might check the sites of Scott Kelby and David Ziser, as well.