Well whoever had the idea in the first place, it was a good one.

 

As TS Eliot says, the end of our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know it for the first time.​ After a month of travelling we were keen to get home and two long flights later we were there - very much appreciating what we have here in New Zealand.

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We had learned so much about other cultures and ways of life. We experienced luxurious surroundings and delicious food and wines and found out what it was like to go on an ocean cruise. We had some ups and downs that are normal when you travel - some that pushed us out of our comfort zone. But all the way we had each other - and that meant everything.

 

On the way we made lots of new friends, especially the Australians and New Zealanders who were in our Imagine Holidays group. We now have an enhanced appreciation for the challenges facing South Africa - its people and wildlife. Seeing the animals in the game reserves is so different from seeing them locked up in a zoo. The guides on our game drives are dedicated professionals, committed to looking after the animals and eager to relate their knowledge.

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Not many were keen to talk about the politics in South Africa. I found it a very different place from the country I lived in 40 years ago. But hey, it's a brand new democracy and the growing pains are inevitable. Our favourite place was Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls. The hotel was such a beautiful mix of the old colonial style and new modern. We would definitely go back there. We could show that David Livingstone what intrepid travelers we have become.