On my way to Botswana...

At the airport now to start our 2 plane trip to Okavango Delta in Botswana.

This is what I learned so far:

1. Johannesburg is at 6000 ft above sea level or higher than Denver
2. Johannesburg only exists because of the gold mines
3. I can still be delighted by the service at a hotel
4. Winter means winter.  It's cold here.  I knew it was winter here but I did not think it would be cold because it's Africa and Africa is always hot.  
5. People can be unbelievably stupid.  How did they think that forcing 80% of their population into tiny houses with no running water and no electricity and no jobs was ever going to work?
6. Nelson Mandela is more amazing than I realized
7. The South African people are exceptionally warm and friendly

With our blue-haired guide

With Angela's well traveled friend Ceri

Next update from Botswana provided that I have wifi at the camp.