Well those little brown boxes are piled up in my office ready for Ken to take them to the post office tomorrow. Wonder who will get theirs first.

Please carefully check them and be sure everything is clear to you. All the itineraries are manually done and if you find anything out of order just email me. We were rushed getting this out this week so they would (a) not be late and (b) all next week I can focus on ROAR before I leave on Saturday for South Africa.

Even though it is not as complicated as ROAR there are still people doing some pre and post, we are using Madikwe Hills, Mateya, Lion Sands, Savanna and Kings camp, some for Birkenhead House some not, some from the ship and some flying into Johannesburg. Even some spending time in Cape Town. So most itineraries are unique.

I think things are 99% correct but there is always one small detail that is missed. I think it is impossible to have things perfect.

Personally I think I am going to have a BIG glass of wine now and celebrate that the documents are out.

Thanks for all your hard work, Ngaire. Can't wait to get my GAME box and devour it. I will celebrate with my favorite South African Shariz!!

You mean there's more? I'd assumed that the booklet you sent a while back was it. How exciting--more docs to devour!

It's been said that anticipation is half the fun. I have to say, I'm certainly enjoying mine.

Can't wait for the little brown box to arrive. I'am like Crystal the booklet was so complete I can not wait to see what the box holds.

Ngaire you are the best. The work you do for your clients is amazing. Thanks for making it so easy for us.

Oh, I can hardly wait! First, yellow fever shots on Friday, then the little brown box. Guess I better go read the notebook you sent us months ago. Ngaire, I agree with Crystal, you are the best. Of course you already know I think that since I tell you every time I see you. Have a BIG glass of wine.

The little brown box did not come today maybe tomorrow.

My little brown box just arrived complete with a practical surprise wrapped in leopard skin paper plus everything I ever wanted to know about my trip from Richards Bay to Birkenhead and back to the ship. Love the box, the itinerary and most of all the fact that we can now start getting excited about this trip!!!!

Congrats, Peggy!!!

Very excited for you.

I keep peeking out my front door. No brown boxes yet. Congratulations, Peggy!

Yea, the little brown box has arrived. Filled with wonderful information and goodies. Ngaire you spoil us, but we love it. Thanks

Yeah...ours arrived yesterday. Our first experience with Ngaire's creativity! We are so excited!

Nothing yet - perhaps Pony Express is having trouble crossing the Mississippi.

The fabled "Brown Box" arrived today! I especially like the great plug adaptor - I have an adaptor set but the SA adaptor went missing.

I bought a Universal adaptor but returned it because it was so cheesy.

Thank you Ngaire

TedC, I ordered my own adaptor (just for SA) before ROAR 1 and never could get the thing to work. I'm sure Ngaire's version has been tested!

Since then, I bought a Universal one that worked in England. We shall see whether it works when I want to plug in a couple of things on safari.

My box actually arrived on Wednesday, but I got it in my hot little hands today. Love the adaptor, GAME pin, flashlight and the tissue paper is sooooo cool. Thanks, Ngaire!!!

Ours arrived on Tuesday but I've been too busy to post. It really ups the anticipation, plus it's a great reminder that I still have lots of trip preparations to do...safari clothes, duffle bag, etc. Thanks for the goodies, Ngaire.

OMG what a neat package - I did not expect it thinking it was only for full safari folks - a wonderful treat, Ngaire thank you!!!!

The package sounds wonderful. You guys really know how to make us non GAMErs feel jealous. :)

Arggh. Still waiting here in Virginia. Maybe tomorrow....

Got ours this afternoon!!!

What a nice surprise to come home too.

Thanks Ngaire!

The countdown begins!!!!!!

We got ours too along with a seperate itinerary for the 8 of us joining the safari from Richards Bay. Only 4 weeks until embarkation in Athens and we can hardly wait. I think the 8 of us are on the Navigator from at least Athens so we'll have the staff primed for the LCT gang boarding in Cape Town.

Jim--we'll help with the priming when we board in Mumbai. See you then!

Am I the only GAMEr who hasn't received the package yet?

No Crystal, BUT I am the only one who already got the goodies in my ROAR packet, and I am not going on safari for GAME! I just hope Ngaire will save me some pins, as my collection is precious, and I'm sure I will find them on my door when I arrive!

I reviewed the information Ngaire sent about Mateya...I am so excited. Looking forward to seeing Jim and Pat again and meeting Stephan and Martha...the 3 couples at Mateya. This is our first time in South Africa and I can't imagine a better place with better company!

We will Join Jim & Pat, and Crystal and Beth in Athens! And, I agree with Jim...we will have the Navigator all ready to "party" with the rest of you when you join us .... whenever you join us!

Olivia fear not - you have a game box coming with the same assortment of goodies as all the game people received.

Still nothing in today's mail. Perhaps the one sent to Beth was intended for both of us? If so, that's fine--I can get the info from her.

No Brown box for us yet!

Ngaire, no need to send it to me, I just want my SAMBA pins! I already got all the other treats!

Sorry, Crystal, I'm not sharing my GAME pin with you.

I may have to mug someone for it :)

Sitting in Heathrow right now on my way to ROAR.

Crystal, both you and Beth get your own boxes. They all went out at the exact same time just shows you the inconsistency in the delivery from the post office. Eventually all the ROAR people got their boxes. If any go missing we will simply recreate a box and then send it UPS to be sure it gets there the second time.

Olivia, too late your box is in the mail, with a GAME pin included. The SAMBA pin is yet to come that is for the cruise so that you will get on the ship. This is a two pin affair for those on GAME and SAMBA. The pins do make a nice collection the girls in the office have them on their computer screen stand. They are running out of room.

Thanks, Ngaire. Beth has been known to claim slower mail delivery in Wilson than in the larger cities, but given that Cindy, David and I all reside in major metro areas, I don't know how true that is.

I'll try to be patient. (Only 29 days to departure!!)

Sounds like it is "GAME on!" Safe travels from the stateside GAME and ROAR fan club.

Crystal, i will try to be patient with you !!We went shopping today...bought the safari hats, and each of us bought one pair of the zip off pants. you know......when it gets this close we really get excited. We don't get "much" in the vacation thing so it is HUGE for us. We are so excited to meet old friends and New friends!!!!

Crystal and Cindy, hope your boxes arrive tomorrow.

And, Cindy, you just reminded me that Alan and need to start shopping. Can't wait to see you guys.

Cindy & Donna,

Luckily you two have a little more time to shop and wait for your GAME docs. My counter will flip over to 27 days until leaving today!!!

My little brown box arrived today. Thanks, Ngaire. What a cute pin, and useful accessories. I'll be diving into the docs shortly.

Glad your box finally arrived Crystal. Now I don't have to share my stuff with you. ;)

Crystal and Beth, another step closer to the Big Trip!

Yeah! I got my box....I haven't had this much fun in ages! Donna, the shopping trip was fun, we found a Northface and Columbia outlet. Now we are on the hunt for those nifty duffels Freddie talked about. I am starting to get excited...........

On clothes....2 pair of khakis...2 short sleeve blouses ....1 windbreaker and maybe 1 sweater. Dont need much more...as Ngaire said...no one gives a hoot what you are wearing everyone looks the same.Lighter is better.

For all of you on GAME who are heading to Birkenhead:

This is your roving ROAR reporter checking in.

I have it on good authority you are here at the prime time for visits. You'll still have good whale sightings (we've got three or four youngsters playing keep away out front as I'm writing) and better (ie, warmer) weather.

This place is simply great. The hotel and staff are superb.

Those of you in #11, 10 and 9 have the back building. #9 has lovely view of sea; #10 has a slice view of the sea; #11 has a wonderful bath & view of mountain. Advantage: closest to computer and gift shop. Larger rooms, too. Disadvantage: All rooms are on second floor accessed through stairs, plus longest walk from main area if raining or cold.

We do recommend the occupants of #10 offer tours of the artwork. It's memorable. #10 bed is built up on stairs - careful if you've got a middle of the night urgent call from Mother Nature. #9 has steps up to bedroom & steps down to toilet - same caution for mother nature missives in the nighttime.

#8, 7, 6 & 5 - middle building. Closest to gym, spa and loungers near inside swimming pool. This area has the wind breaks. You can get to your rooms under cover if it's windy or rainy. #5 is a stunner on the first floor (ie, no stairs) IMHO (but that's because I haven't toured #6, 7 or 8 - all of which are on the second floor).

Front building #1-4. #3 & 4 on main floor. Spare toilet if you need it down the hall. Close to central areas & bar. #3 larger than #4 and good views of the sea. #2 and #1 on the second floor accessed through stairs. #1 larger bed & bath than #2. These 2 rooms have the balconies fronting the sea and are simply lovely.

Drink of the day? Simple - hot chocolate (or decaf cappucino if you are so inclined) with a shot of amurula cream. Wine? Champers, of course. Pinotage if you fancy red wine. Cindy liked the cosmos with fresh orange juice.

Springbok carpaccio - yum. Chicken caesar with avocado for lunch - crack some pepper and it's great. Fish salad looked great. Filet of beef - as tender as can be (order medium rare). Good veggies on the side. Lemon tart - lovely and reasonable size. Cheese plate - enormous with oodles of grapes.

Radiant floor heat in bed & bath. Central heating? Maybe later. It will be cool in the evenings close to the sea.

Internet? Hey, I'm getting through so it's fine.

Spa? Great aromatherapy hour long massage for $70 equiv plus tip.

Dinner set-up is 2 or 4. They will move tables for larger groups on request. If weather's fine, lunch is outside near the sea. We will not have that unless one wants to dine in a warm fleece with gloves (although one couple did today - they seem to like blue lips)

Cheers, Anne

Anne, thank you for the comprehensive Birkenhead information - it whets our already heightened anticipation.

We were worried we might not see as many whales in November and will welcome the hopefully warmer weather.

(How much do you think we can charge for the art tour?)

Anne,
Thanks so much for the info!! Yeah!! We are in 5. Can't wait..........Have fun....
xo

We are in #8. This is looking better and better.
The only thing missing will be Anne and Gary!

Thanks Anne for the update...#9 sounds like it will be perfect for Tom and me. You're not staying at BH again in November ?? I didn't know this. Hopefully we will have nice weather but regardless, it will be a wonderful trip!

Doing the Doc dance, our documents arrived today. YEA YEA, see all of you soon, some on GAME and the rest of you on SAMBA.
Carolyn and Don
:woh:

I love a good doc dance!! Congrats!