What’s happening at the Newark Airport in New Jersey, USA?…

Two hornbills were enjoying the seeds from the above-ground tray in the garden.

With many of our worldwide readers traveling this summer, we felt it was imperative we post an update on what is transpiring at Newark Airport in Newark, New Jersey, USA, that may impact travel plans. When flying back to the US from anywhere in the world, we may have a layover in Newark.

There are quite a few mongooses in this particular band who visit almost daily.

Fortunately, for our upcoming flight in 12 days, our layover will be in London, but unfortunately, it will last nine hours. We’d rather have such a long layover than be stuck in an airport due to technical or infrastructural issues, especially when we don’t know when we’ll be in the air again.

Thus, today’s less-than-exciting post aims to alert those who have booked or are booking travel plans to be aware of potential delays and, if possible, reroute to other airports. This may be an added issue with many flights booked as non-refundable/non-changeable, but it never hurts to check to determine your options. As the Travel and Leisure online magazine article indicates below, “Some airlines are offering free flight changes for travelers who are nervous about flying into the hub.”

“Newark Airport Faces Another Radar Outage (Again)—What Travelers Should Know

By Michael Cappetta, Published on May 9, 2025

Back to our lives of two…Lisa is still flying after leaving 18 hours ago…Is it safe to fly on a helicopter?…

Sunsets over the Crocodile River can be stunning.

It was hard to say goodbye to Lisa after such a fantastic time together. The month she was here sailed by so quickly, with many memorable activities, that we hardly had time to catch our breath. We gave her the option of visiting us anywhere in the world we may be in the future. Most visitors to Africa often say that once Africa gets in your blood, you can’t wait to return. I imagine this notion will befall her as well.

Sunset at Ngwenya.

We had a lovely evening last night. I made a big pan of our favorite dishes, Keto Chicken, Sausage, Mushroom, and Cauliflower Bake, with a Greek salad and keto blueberry muffins, which we enjoyed around 6:00 pm. After dinner, we sat outdoors and headed to our bedroom to stream a few shows on my laptop.

A lovely female bushbuck is resting in the garden. She recently gave birth, and her baby is nearby.

Although I awoke a few times during the night as usual, I slept for eight hours overall and feel fantastic today. Tom did the same. As we’re sitting outdoors at the table on the veranda now, it’s raining in buckets. Besides a flock of helmeted guinea fowls, no animals are nearby, who seem not to mind getting wet.

Today is an easy day. We’ll drive to the Butchery at the Bush Centre to buy more biltong, which we’ve both enjoyed eating while still on our diets. I didn’t lose weight while Lisa was here since we dined out so often. But now, I can focus on home-cooked meals that suit our way of eating.

A cute little yellow bird checks out the seeds in the basket.

Tom is doing great. He has lost 14 pounds, or 6.4 kg, since March 4. His clothes fit better already. He plans to lose another 10 pounds, or 4.5 kg, in the coming months. We’re both feeling better without the extra weight.

On another note, we stumbled across the following article about flying in a helicopter. Many tourists embark on helicopter tours while traveling to embrace the beauty of a particular country/area from the air. Here are some stats from Travel and Leisure that may help you decide on helicopter tours or general travel. Remember that these stats may be very different in countries other than this US.

Hornbill swinging on the seed basket.

“Is it Safe to Fly in a Helicopter? Here’s What the Data Shows

Photo from ten years ago today, May 2, 2015:

This Bird of Paradise is the best example of a bloom that appears to be a bird’s head. For more photos, please click here.

Part 1…32 tips for making a long-haul flight more comfortable…

A hornbill brought a treat to her reflection in the kitchen window.

With more dear friends, Karen and Rich,  coming to visit us from the US in July, we started thinking about how the flight can be more comfortable for those traveling long distances. Today, and tomorrow, we’re sharing this article from Travel and Leisure online magazine;

“32 Tips for Making a Long-haul Flight More Comfortable…

These in-flight hacks will help you enjoy the journey and feel more relaxed upon arrival.

An exciting nocturnal visitor…Soon, Tom leaves for Nelspruit to pick up Lisa at the airport…Tom’s fun night out without me…

Last night, our trail cam picked up this photo of a genet. We’ll start putting meat out for him. “A genet is a member of the genus Genetta, which consists of 17 species of small African carnivorans. The common genet is the only one in Europe, and it occurs on the Iberian Peninsula, Italy, and France. Genet fossils from the Late Miocene have later been found at sites in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Morocco.”

What a delightful sighting on the trail cam last night while we slept. This genet stopped by inspiring us to leave meat out for her or him in the future. As carnivores, they’ll eat any meat, raw or cooked.

Most nights, the trail cam picks up sightings of the same wildlife we take photos of during daylight hours. As a result, we only post unusual sightings from the trail cam.

With no luck finding meat, he ended his search and jumped off the railing. Genets are carnivores, like other feline species.

At the moment, Lisa is in a long immigration queue in Johannesburg, unsure if she’ll make the Airlink flight to Nelspruit. Tom won’t leave for the airport until we hear from her that she made the flight. If not, she’ll have to take the 4:00 pm flight, arriving at 4:50, which is cutting it close for driving on the N4 before dark. The sunset is at 5:50. Driving on the N4 in the dark is too dangerous.

We’ll wait to hear from her about whether she will make the flight. As of this writing, the flight leaves in 40 minutes.

At this table, from left to right, is Sidney, his wife Patty Pan, Lorraine, Michael, friend Don’s cousins, all of whom we know. Tom played trivia with this group.

Last night was unusual for us. Tom went out without me. I would have gone to “Trivia Night” at Giraffe, but I was suffering from a gastrointestinal issue, which resolved overnight. We had committed to Patty Pan, who coordinates the event each week, that we’d both come since there were limited seats. It made sense for Tom to go without me.

He left the house at about 5:30 and returned at 9:30. They started playing at 6:30 and continued until just before he returned. I stayed in the bedroom watching movies while he was gone. He said he had a great time during the game. Since it was April Fool’s Day, many participants wore hilarious costumes and hats, as shown in today’s photos.

We don’t recognize anyone at this table since the men are dressed like women due to April Fool’s Day!

We just heard from Lisa that she made it through immigration and picked up her one piece of luggage. She’s now waiting in the security queue, which is also long; Tom won’t leave until we know she made the flight. Oh, dear.

I’ll start chopping and dicing once Tom leaves for the airport and I upload this post. For dinner, I am making a chicken peanut stir-fry with rice and a salad. I’m making enough for two nights, and then on Friday, we’ll all go to Jabula for dinner.

Tom recognized some of these participants but not necessarily by name.

It will be a fun month with Lisa here with us. It’s so enjoyable for us to share the wonders of the bush with friends. No word from her yet. Will update her arrival tomorrow!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, April 2, 2015:

On a walk in Princeville, Kauai, I was enthralled by the view as I approached our condo (not shown in this photo). For more photos, please click here.

Exciting airline WiFi changes…Our friend Lisa is on her way, after several delays…

While driving along the fence between Marloth Park and Kruger National Park, we spotted this lone elephant, which is included in all of today’s photos.

The following is an article from Breaking Travel News found here.

“United Receives FAA Certification on Starlink Aircraft and Schedules First Commercial Flight for May

United announced that the FAA had approved its first Starlink-equipped aircraft type and that the first commercial flight was planned for May, less than eight months after the deal was first announced.

The FAA issued a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the Embraer 175, and the airline expects the first commercial flight to be onboard a United Express Embraer 175. United’s rollout of this new technology continues to accelerate, with approximately 40 regional jet installs planned monthly and the expectation that the entire two-cabin regional fleet—more than 300 planes—will be completed by the end of the year.

She seemed content to lounge in the water rather than swim, which elephants often do. They are excellent swimmers.

In addition to securing the STC, United will also run a beta test of the new technology on select flights between now and the first customer flight in May to ensure all aspects deliver an incredible onboard experience for passengers.

“We know customers are going to love this experience, and we think it will give them yet another reason to choose United,” said Grant Milstead, United’s Vice President of Digital Technology. “We’re working closely with Starlink and the FAA to finish installs on our regional fleet this year and bring the best inflight experience in the sky to more and more people.”

United will work with Starlink to secure an FAA STC to install Starlink on every United aircraft type, getting the new equipment (e.g., Embraer 175)—more than 16 regional and mainline aircraft models in total. According to the FAA, the process to secure each STC can include design, installation, testing, and submitting the package for FAA approval.

With the hot weather, we were surprised we didn’t see more elephants in the river.

Earlier this month, United unveiled the Starlink install process, underscoring the technical operations benefits of the equipment, including size and weight and ease of installation and maintenance. The Starlink system, when compared to non-Starlink equipment, allows for a faster and simpler install, is lighter, requires less fuel to operate, and is more reliable and weather-proofed.

Starlink access will be free for all MileagePlus® customers and include game-changing inflight entertainment experiences like streaming services, shopping, gaming, and more, thanks to Wi-Fi speeds up to 250 megabits per second (Mbps), which is 50 times faster than current regional aircraft speeds. Membership to MileagePlus is also free, and people can sign up now at united.com/starlink.”

She was at quite a distance, which impacted the quality of the photos.

Surely, other airlines will follow suit by upgrading their systems to offer the same benefit to their customers. This would be a big bonus since we’d love to be online during long flights without paying outrageous fees. Of course, I imagine the airlines will increase costs over time to compensate for this change. That’s what they do.

Today and tonight, we’re following Lisa’s flight path, hoping she makes her connections and arrives as planned. She had a rocky start, with a three-hour traffic delay on her way to Orlando Airport and a flight delay for her first flight from Orlando to Frankfurt. She is staying in close contact with us. It’s her first time in Africa, and we hope for a seamless experience.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, April 1, 2015:

This sunset in Kauai made us squeal with delight! How magical! For more photos, please click here.

Finally, we’re off to South Africa tonight!…

Agave plants in Hawaii can grow these snake-like protrusions.

It’s been a busy few days. At 10:00 am on Saturday, we only have to pack the clothes we are wearing, change into our travel clothes, weigh the bags, and load the condo’s luggage rack. A moment ago, I ordered an Uber SUV for $102. It was pricey, but we have more luggage than usual and needed to ensure enough room for our large checked and carry-on bags.

Once we eventually leave South Africa in September, we will discard one of the large bags, leaving us with three bags with carry-on, our usual load. We’ve read stories about nomads only traveling with backpacks. We could travel lighter if we didn’t stay in locations for extended periods.

Every nomadic traveler has to decide what works best for them, and for the past 12 years, this system has worked well for us. We have no complaints. With luggage carts and porters in most locations, we manage just fine.

When we arrive at Nelspruit/Mpumalanga/Kruger Airport on Monday, we’ll use their free luggage carts to load everything into the rental car and be on our way. Tom suggested that if we are exhausted, we stay overnight at the lovely hotel at the airport. However, many times we arrived in Nelspruit, we’ve managed to make the 90-minute drive, arriving in Marloth Park before dark, which is vital since driving on the N4 highway at night is dangerous due to rampant crime and carjackings.

Am I anxious to travel this far after so long? A little, I suppose. Luckily, the two legs of the journey each are 10 -12 hours long, with a layover in Heathrow for 1 hour 40 minutes and then Cape Town for almost 3 hours. Although we don’t like layovers, they allow us to move around freely and recharge a little.

If we get lucky and can get empty seats next to us, we can lay down to sleep on the flights. But, these flights are usually packed and we’ll unlikely encounter such a situation aboard the planes. Neither of us is very good at sleeping sitting up, although we may occasionally nod off for a few minutes.

Well folks, that’s all I have for today. If time allows, I will update our itinerary along the way. If you don’t see a post, we’ll return on Tuesday, March 4, about eight hours later than usual, due to the time difference.

Thanks for all of the thoughtful well wishes!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 1, 2015:

It’s no wonder the chicken proliferates and hang out at the beaches when surfers and bathers can’t resist feeding them their lunch. No one seems to mind the chickens and roosters, instead finding humor in their presence, as we do. Fr more photos, please click here.

We’re back!…Hot, hot, hot!…Four days and counting!…

Unusual tree trunk at the Botanical Garden in Kauai, Hawaii.

Yesterday was a busy day. To use the food we had on hand, I made taco salads (no shell) using organic, grass-fed ground beef, two small jars of green olives, which I sliced, grape tomatoes I cut in half, one whole yellow onion chopped, diced celery, grated cheddar cheese, and homemade Greek yogurt salad dressing.

After cooking and draining the ground beef, I seasoned it with keto taco salad seasoning and one can of low-sugar tomato sauce and let it cook for another 30 minutes on low heat to absorb the flavors. Once it cooled, I put it in the refrigerator with portions to be heated in the microwave at dinner time.

There was enough meat, cheese, and vegetables to last for three nights, and we’ll do takeaway (delivered) meals for the remaining four nights. Our flight isn’t until 10:20 on Saturday night, so we’ll order food in the late afternoon to ensure we’ve eaten before the flight, which may or may not provide food on this late flight. Plus, most of the items they serve on flights aren’t suitable for my way of eating.

Once we arrive in Marloth Park on Monday afternoon, it will have been a long haul before we eat dinner again. We’ll be fine, as always. Going without eating for a day or more is not a big deal.

Yesterday, I packed most of my clothes, and we weighed my bag. It’s at the 50-pound maximum. Today, I will pack another bag of supplies. After being in the US for so long, we accumulated several items we’ll be able to use in Marloth Park during the six months there, which includes two stays, three months each, less the time we stay in Minnesota in June.

When we eventually leave South Africa, we will have to donate the items in the overflow extra bag and return to three checked bags: one clothing bag for each of us and one supply bag, our preferred maximum. When we go to the US in June for Maisie’s graduation, we won’t need to bring everything, only enough to last the two weeks we’ll be in the US.

The cooling system in the condo isn’t working. I awoke at 3:00 am from being too hot when we went to bed on Sunday night. I got up and saw the thermostat reading that the indoor temperature was 90F, 32C. Today, a repairman was scheduled to arrive at 8:30 am, and now it is 9:3,0, and no one has arrived. We’ll see how that goes.

The aircon isn’t working. When we set it to 70F when we went to bed, it was 90F when I got up sweating at 3:00 am to discover this. Hopefully, the HVAC person will be here soon.

As soon as I upload this post, I will return to work on the packing. I prefer to do a little each day rather than all at once. Gosh, it’s hard to believe we’ll be flying away in only four days!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, February 25, 2015:

Barking Sands Beach is located on the west side of Kauai on the Pacific Missile Range Facility grounds. This beach is part of a 17-mile-long stretch that extends from Polihale Beach to Kehaka Beach, close to the end of Highway 50. For more photos, please click here.

New fears of flying…How can we avoid terror in the skies…See video below…Seven days and counting…

This is the Kilauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge, which is located near the condo we rented in Princeville, Kauai, for four months in 2015.

Experiencing a fear of flying, especially after recent aviation incidents in 2025, is entirely understandable. While air travel remains statistically one of the safest modes of transportation, the clustering of events can heighten anxiety. Here are some strategies to help manage this fear:

1. Understand the Nature of Recent Incidents

Experts explain that the recent series of aviation accidents is due to “random clustering,” where multiple incidents occur in a short period purely by chance. This can alter public perception, making air travel seem riskier than it statistically is. Despite these events, air travel remains the safest mode of transport.

2. Educate Yourself on Aviation Safety

Gaining knowledge about aviation safety can provide reassurance. Understanding the rigorous training pilots undergo and the strict maintenance protocols aircraft follow can help alleviate fears. For instance, pilots are trained extensively to handle various in-flight situations, ensuring passenger safety.

3. Practice Anxiety-Reduction Techniques

  • Implementing relaxation strategies can be beneficial:
  • Controlled Breathing: Deep, rhythmic breathing can help calm the nervous system.
  • Mindfulness and Meditation: Focusing on the present moment can reduce anxious thoughts.
  • Visualization: Imagining a successful flight and arrival at your destination can create a positive mindset.
  • These techniques can help manage anxiety before and during flights.

4. Limit Exposure to Distressing News

Continuous exposure to news about aviation incidents can amplify fear. Consider moderating your consumption of such news, especially before a flight, to maintain a calmer mindset.

5. Seek Professional Support

If your fear significantly impacts your life, consulting a mental health professional can be beneficial. Therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) have been effective in addressing phobias, including the fear of flying.

6. Engage in Pre-Flight Rituals

Some individuals find comfort in personal rituals before flying. For example, a traveler shared her practice of using holy oil to bless the plane before boarding, which provided her with a sense of control and peace. While such rituals are personal and may not appeal to everyone, they can comfort some.

7. Focus on the Purpose of Your Trip

Shifting attention to the positive reasons for your travel—such as visiting loved ones, exploring new places, or professional opportunities—can help divert focus from anxiety and remind you of the benefits of flying.

Remember, while recent events can be unsettling, air travel remains exceptionally safe. Implementing these strategies can help manage your fear and make flying a more comfortable experience.

For additional expert advice, consider watching the following video:

It’s not possible for us, with the upcoming two travel days to South Africa, not to be somewhat concerned. However, we both will rely upon statistical data to provide peace of mind and reduce anxiety. We will be in the air for almost 24 hours with multiple layovers. Worrying for such an extended period is pointless.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, February 22, 2015:

This guy explained the roasting process at the Kauai Coffee Company. For more photos, please click here.

For now, we’ll continue to post travel news updates that may save you time and money…

Ten years ago in Kauai, Hawaii, we began to experience the joy of watching, almost daily, the Laysan Albatross couples nesting with their single eggs, which eventually hatched while we observed the chicks growing, planning to fledge months later. It was an experience we’ll never forget.

There are only 34 days until we leave Nevada for South Africa; with little activity happening on our end as I continue to recover from this two-week virus, we don’t have a lot of news to share. I should be back to normal within a week and be able to return to working out, after which I’ll feel even better.

My son Greg and his girlfriend Heather arrive here in 11 days, and I plan to be up to the flurry of activities that will ensue while they are here for five days. Once they leave, it will only be a few weeks until we start packing and preparing to depart. The month of February will fly by.

As a result, most of our upcoming posts will consist of the latest travel news that may impact your travel experiences, expenses, and booking processes. Unfortunately, I don’t have the time and stamina right now to delve into more detailed topics. Once we settle in Marloth Park, we’ll post stories and countless photos of the world around us.  We can hardly wait.

One of our dear readers/friends, Lisa, wrote that we don’t have to be concerned about our readers judging our content. Few have said anything negative or pressured us to add more entertaining content during quiet times. Thanks, Lisa, for the vote of confidence. Of course, our goal is always to provide interesting and fun content.

For today’s bit of current travel news, this article may be of interest to those considering travel during Spring Break:

“American Airlines Has Spring Break Flight Deals to Cancun, Miami, and More — Starting at Under $200

A variety of popular destinations are available. By Michael Cappetta

Photo from ten years ago today, January 26, 2015:

Our new friend Richard gave us the gift of The Majestic Albatross by Robert Waid, a neighbor whom we later met, as we began to experience the wonder of the Laysan Albatross in Kauai. For more photos, please click here.

Updated information on ETA (electronic travel authorization) fees for the UK…

Hanalei Beach in Kauai.

On January 7, we posted new information about the UK requiring ETAs (electronic travel authorization) even when only flying through on a flight layover. This policy change would directly impact us when we fly to South Africa on March 1. See our post here.

We had noted the calendar to apply for the UK ETA in plenty of time for our upcoming flight in only 35 days. Now, we won’t have to.

Their new policy, which went into effect on January 8, 2025, received much criticism from flight passengers who never left the airport during a layover. According to the article below, the ETA for transit passenger layovers will not be required. However, all other listed requirements will remain the same.

Weirdly, the UK is proposing an increase in the ETA fees, established on January 8, as described below:

From Travel and Leisure

“The UK Is Dropping Its ETA Fee for These Specific Passengers — What to Know

It also is proposing an increase in the fee just weeks after launch. By Alison Fox