Sea to Safari

I want to tell you everything but as of right now it’s 9:30 am, I leave this evening for Zurich and I still have to get my malaria prescription filled and buy a new Nikon (that is of course unless my friends at Nikon decide the sponsorship is a go). I’m sitting in a cafe in New York surrounded by two backpacks well over packed. I know that raises a lot of questions when I am “sailing around the world.” So here’s a quick update:

Dan and I were working with US Virgin Island Echo Tours, and while rewarding it’s not exactly lucrative. Ultima Noche (the boat) was in a good position to cross the Atlantic and the window (May-August) was approaching. Meanwhile, Dan kept getting emails from the boys in Alaska asking him if he wanted to work. After weighing his options of making money and still being able to sail, it seemed working in Alaska for a bit made the most sense. So that takes care of the boat and Dan–the boat still in St. Thomas and Dan headed for Alsaka, but where does Africa come in.

As for me, I had a different opportunity knock. Africa has always been a dream. After my last round the world adventure, it jumped right to the top of the list of “must sees”. However, in case you haven’t looked at a map recently, Africa is pretty far away and not quite as easy to get to as some places. Which brings me to Life Lesson #4.

I mentioned Lessons 1-3 in my last entry, but 4 is also very valuable. It is as follows: When choosing friends in life make sure one of those friends is or has the potential of working for an airline. It also helps if that friend shares an interest in Africa, and has contacts in the continent.

My schedule is still fairly up in the air but as of right now it looks like I’ll be spending the next 3-4 weeks in Kenya, Tanzania and Malawi. But here’s the best part, that whole “see the world, change the world” idea is still alive and kicking. I will definitely be visiting at least one orphanage, probably more. I also just met someone last night who has a contact doing a prison educational program and another friend of mine will be visiting schools in the villages. Lots of exciting options.

For those of you who are interested in or have been donating, thank you. I wish I had specific plan and goal we could shoot for, but a lot of this has happened quickly and I haven’t had time to formulate much. Once I get to Africa, I’ll take a look at what we have and what the need is and I’ll keep you posted. Otherwise stay tuned and if there is another way to help I’ll let you know.

In the meantime, I have some anti-skeeto pills. Talk to you soon.