Day 24: July 17, Goodbye Africa

This is our last day in Africa, and this afternoon we have a flight to London, and then back to the states. We had one last trip down to the Waterfront today for some last minute shopping:Ostrich pate anyone?
And as a final farewell, Table Mountain showed us a little tablecloth effect just to see us off:
Africa has been amazing... it has far surpassed everything I expected it to be. It surprised me, warmed me, chilled me, amused me, and showed me how large and how small the world can be.

I look forward to seeing friends and family again, though I know it will be quite a culture shock when I return. I have new beginnings to look forward to, in my personal life and my professional life. Reality is going to be quite a culture shock, and it's beginning to come crashing back into my head. But the entire previous 18 months of my life has been quite shocking, and I'm learning that life - if nothing else - is teaching me to roll with the punches, and to appreciate the joys of life when they are near.

I will miss Joanne, Mary Anne, Kathryn, Joe, Carol, Bob, Kathleen, Pam, Katie, Nancy, Sel and Bev. I will miss Godfrey, Priscilla and Kim. But I've learned that missing people is also about recognizing the value of their presence in your life when they are around, and I have appreciated - and loved - every moment with these wonderful people.

I'm sitting on the plane in Cape Town now, heading to London, with a bag full of souvenirs, a camera full of photos, and a head full of memories... and a lot of mixed feelings. I loathe to leave, but am ready to see the people that I love. I may be homeless, but home is where the heart is, so I'm heading home.

Thank you, Africa... I will always carry a piece of you with me in my heart.
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