Packed and ready to go. Tired beyond belief and I haven't even left yet. I almost think a 21 hour journey will seem like a relaxing respite at this point.

You know in the movies, how people just up and take off - they just run to the airport, buy a ticket and away they go? Yeah, it doesn't work that way. Getting ready for this trip is one of the most mentally taxing things I have ever done. Not getting together things I'll need in Africa, but rather tying up all the loose ends here at home - making sure that I've wrapped up everything before I go. Aye carumba....I'm going to have a nice big glass of red wine on the plane. Maybe 2 or 3 if it'll help me sleep ;-)