OUR ROCKJUMPER GUIDE

I would be remiss if I did not spend some time extolling the virtues of our Rockjumper Guide, Glen Valentine.  From the moment we met him in the Johannesburg airport, he made us feel at ease.   God knows what impression we made on him at first - frazzled as we were because of the hold-ups we had experienced at immigration and security and because we had been travelling for well over 24 hours at that point.  He shepherded us through airports - remember we had 19 flights after he met us in Jo'burg - carrying our bags and taking care of our tickets.  We really missed the attention on our way home.  "Where's Glen?" was a constant refrain on our last two flights home.  

We got along famously - he put up with our foibles and our stories.  He got used to Norma's surprises (there was more than one!) and appreciated my sense of humour.  We shared so much fun and laughter on the trip.  In addition, he was an expert guide.  He knew birds by sound and could pish them in.  He was very patient with us as we struggled to see the birds he pointed out to us.  We wouldn't have gotten nearly as much out of our trip if he hadn't accompanied us.  

Every time we went to a new camp, he talked with the manager to ensure that our wants were understood.  He looked after everything.  We shared the same joy in watching bird and animal behaviour.  He also knew his wines - introducing us to some new varieties.  Tit for tat, we introduced him to some new drinks as well.

Glen, if you are reading this, you were a big part of making this trip so fantastic and "faaaaaabulous".  Take a bow and give yourself a pat on the back.