Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms in the world…Before we know it…Fishing?

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While we were at Jabula last evening, my son Greg called, and I moved to their office to chat with him for a few minutes without disturbing anyone in the bar. As always, it’s wonderful to hear our kids’ voices with updates on the grandchildren and recent events in their lives.

Greg, his girlfriend Heather, and the grandchildren look forward to our upcoming visit. They are making plans for us for when we arrive, amid all the plans we’ll make with Tom’s family. It will be a busy three weeks.

Last night, Greg asked me if I’d go fishing with them, an activity we often did when we lived in Minnesota years ago. Living on a lake for 26 years resulted in many fun times, sitting at the end of the dock, fishing rods in hand, and spending hours in anticipation of who’s going to catch the next and biggest fish.

I consider myself a good fisherperson. Tom always teases that the only time I’d get jealous was when someone caught a fish bigger than mine. So true. But with the necessity of buying a non-resident fishing license for only a few hours, I will join them and won’t fish, but will watch them and help bait their hooks. Even with my long fingernails, I had no problem grabbing a worm, maggot, or leech to bait mine or the kids’ hooks.

In any case, hanging out with the kids and engaging in idle chatter as we watch the bobbers will be fun. As always, there will be many times when Tom is with the kids’ family and I am with mine. Although we both make every effort to spend time with each other’s families, it doesn’t always work out that way.

We’ll arrive in Minnesota at 3:15 pm on May 25, two weeks from today. We won’t see anyone that day or evening since we’ll have been traveling for over 30 hours, plus time on the road getting to and from the airport in Nelspruit and the airport in Minneapolis. I hope we can sleep on the plane and be refreshed the following day.

Maisie’s graduation isn’t until May 29, which prompted us to leave here a little earlier than necessary to ensure we had ample time to recover from the long travel period. When we arrived in South Africa at the beginning of March, it was the first time either of us had suffered from jet lag over the past 12½ years of world travel. We’re hoping that was an isolated situation and that we’ll do better this time after our outgoing and return flights.

This will be my first roundtrip flight from South Africa to the US. But in March 2023, Tom did a round trip when he left here to return to the US for his dear brother Jerome’s funeral, returning ten days later. It was the first time I was alone here in the bush, but I did fine, especially when our many friends made a point of keeping me busy at social events.

I continued to go to Jabula every Friday and Saturday night, with friends driving me each way, particularly my old friend Sindee. Louise and Danie invited me for dinner, and the time flew by quickly until Tom returned.

One might think that living amongst wild animals and the nighttime darkness would make one feel unsafe, but I have never felt unsafe. Plus, I kept the emergency remote in the bedroom with me, and I would only need to press the red button to have security staff here within a few minutes.

The bush is a wild place, and nighttime sounds can be frightening, but the risks are minimal, even when lions roam the park. At any given time, there are leopards, but they are rarely seen.

Today, we are making a prime rib roast on the braai and will enjoy a quiet day. It’s very warm, and we don’t have a complaint in the world.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms in the world. Enjoy a day about YOU.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 11, 2015:

The locomotive/coach formerly used for tours of the Kilauea Sugar Plantation in Kauai has been closed for many years. For more photos, please click here.

Feeling better…Our dear friends Karen and Rich booked their fights to visit us in South Africa!…

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There were 12 kudus in the garden looking for pellets.

This morning I awoke feeling better than I had in days. I hadn’t missed a beat preparing meals, doing laundry, or attending Quiz Night on Tuesday evening. But on this gorgeous sunny day, I feel renewed and refreshed after sleeping through the night, although I awoke at 5:30. A short nap may be on the agenda this early afternoon.

Wildebeest Hal and a friend.

Late yesterday afternoon, my dear friend Karen and I chatted on the phone, figuring out good flights for her and her husband Rich’s arrival. They’d originally planned to arrive in early July, but flights to the US during the 4th of July holiday week resulted in higher fares.

Giraffes visited again yesterday.

By changing their departure date to June 26, they saved around US $600, ZAR 10957, making the fare savings worth the changes. We’ll be returning from the US to Marloth Park on June 17, and they’ll arrive on June 28, a mere 11 days later, giving us plenty of time to prepare for their arrival.

It’s always exciting to see them in the garden.

We are so excited to finally be able to reciprocate after we’ve stayed at their home several times since we began traveling the world. Add the excitement of sharing this magical place with them, and we couldn’t be more thrilled.

It’s not as if we have much to do before they arrive, other than grocery shopping and visiting the liquor store for some of their favorites. We won’t buy too much since they will enjoy shopping with us after recovering from the long flight. It’s a cultural experience one wouldn’t want to miss.

They rarely stay for long periods.

We won’t book any activities until after they arrive and we get a feel for what they’d enjoy. Karen said they’d be content to sit on the veranda with us rather than do much sightseeing, but that could change once they get here, with so much to do.

We originally planned to return to Nwenya tonight for the Thursday night buffet. After making dinner yesterday with excellent leftovers for tonight, we decided to stay in and enjoy the upcoming beautiful evening in the bush, since so many animals have returned to the garden after the holidaymakers left on Sunday.

Starlings hover around the garden all day.

Today will be a quiet day, which we are treasuring. The sounds of birds and wildlife are all we need to fully entertain us on such an exquisite weather day. The humidity and dew point are low, and the temperature will be a high of 87F, 31C. Right now, it’s only 76F, 24C. The freshly washed laundry is drying quickly in the sun while Vusi is in the garden watering the grass. It’s a perfect day.

We hope you have a fantastic day.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 8, 2015:

A view of the drive to the Kilauea Lighthouse when it was closed. My sister Julie took the photo during her visit. For more of Julie’s photos, please click here.

A final dinner with old friends…Dining out a lot with much more to come…

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Last night, Don, Kathy, and Kathy’s sister Connie joined us for dinner at Jabula. It was our last evening together before they returned to their home in Hawaii in a few days. We will miss them.

In 20 days, we’ll arrive in Minnesota for granddaughter Maisie’s graduation on May 29. Her graduation party will follow on Saturday, May 31. We’ll have three days to recover from the long journey before the festivities begin.

We’ve decided we won’t be cooking our meals while in the US, so we are staying at a Marriott Residence Inn that will have a small kitchen. Why won’t we prepare meals in a convenient kitchen with a full-sized stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher?

From our past experiences, these short stays, in this case, three weeks, isn’t long enough to warrant buying spices and other ingredients required to make our keto meals. Sure, on occasion, we may order from GrubHub or a similar service, without a delivery fee from our membership in Amazon Prime.

But, overall, we’ll be dining out with family and friends. Undoubtedly, we expect to pay a minimum of US $100, ZAR 1839, daily for the two of us to dine out for dinners, even in the most modest restaurants. The cost will increase exponentially when we take our kids and grandkids to dinner.

We won’t eat out for breakfast since the hotel offers a complimentary breakfast with eggs, bacon, or sausages. We continue to avoid eating lunch, except when we get together with friends or family. On those days, we won’t eat breakfast.

However, to continue on our path of healthy eating and hopefully lose more weight, we will observe the following to maintain our ketogenic lifestyle.

Dining out on a keto diet can absolutely work with a little planning and confidence. Here’s a practical guide to help you stay low-carb without feeling restricted or awkward at restaurants:

1. Choose the Right Type of Restaurant

Some cuisines are more naturally keto-friendly:

  • Steakhouses, seafood places, BBQ joints – Easy to order meat + veggies.

  • Mexican – Skip the tortillas/rice/beans, go for fajitas or taco salads without the shell.

  • Burgers – Ask for a lettuce wrap instead of a bun, skip the fries.

  • Asian – Choose stir-fry without sauce or with minimal sauce (ask for steamed instead of battered). Be wary of hidden sugars in sauces like teriyaki, hoisin, and sweet chili.

  • Breakfast spots – Omelets, eggs, sausage, bacon, and avocado are your friends.

2. Master the Art of Modifying Your Order

Be polite but assertive:

  • Swap starchy sides (fries, rice, mashed potatoes) for a side salad, sautéed greens, or steamed broccoli.

  • Ask for no bread, no croutons, or sauce on the side.

  • Many places will accommodate custom meals if you ask kindly.

Example:
“Could I please have the grilled salmon, but instead of rice, could I get a side of spinach or another vegetable?”

3. Watch for Hidden Carbs

Be cautious with:

  • Sauces and dressings – Often loaded with sugar or starch. Ask for oil & vinegar, ranch, blue cheese, or Caesar (but double-check).

  • Soups – Many are thickened with flour or cornstarch.

  • Breaded or fried items – Stick to grilled, roasted, or baked options.

4. Alcohol: Yes, But Mindfully

  • Stick to dry wines, clear spirits (vodka, gin, tequila) with soda water or on the rocks.

  • Avoid beer, sweet cocktails, and liqueurs.

5. Be Prepared and Stay Flexible

  • Check the menu online beforehand if possible.

  • Eat a small keto-friendly snack before dining out if you’re unsure of the options.

  • If nothing fits perfectly, aim for the closest option and don’t stress – one meal won’t derail you.

6. Speak Up – You’re Not Alone

Restaurants are used to food restrictions (gluten-free, vegan, etc.), so don’t be shy. You might even inspire someone at your table to think twice about their own choices!

Once we leave Marloth Park in September, we won’t be cooking meals again until December after we arrive in New Zealand. In the interim, we’ll continue to be mindful of what we eat and how it’s prepared, if possible.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 4, 2015:

Tom’s hair stood up before a haircut in Kauai. For more photos,  please click here.

Lisa missed it by one day!…We knew they’d eventually come to call…

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Sitting at the table on the veranda, doing my nails, I looked up to see this giraffe, which moments later proved to be eight giraffes.

While Lisa was here for the full month, we often discussed the possibility of giraffes walking through the garden and stopping to graze. It never happened, although she saw many giraffes when we drove along the roads in Marloth Park and Kruger National Park.

However, seeing these magnificent animals walking through the garden of our holiday home is very special. It’s happened many times over the years we’ve spent in Marloth Park, but it hadn’t occurred to us since we arrived on March 3, two months ago, until yesterday early afternoon, one day after Lisa left.

Since no other giraffes had visited our garden recently, the treetops were abundant with leaves that they prefer to eat.

She has since arrived safely back in Florida, and I couldn’t resist sending her photos of these amazing visitors. Although she was undoubtedly disappointed she’d missed this momentous event, she felt satisfied with all she’d witnessed in this magical place.

The giraffes could easily have visited when we were out during the day or evening. Based on our busy schedule while she was here, we often took a short nap during the day and could have easily missed their arrival since they are so quiet. In any case, Tom and I were outrageously excited to see them.

With their heads always in the treetops, getting good face shots of giraffes is difficult.

As mentioned in one of today’s captions, getting good face shots was impossible while they were here yesterday. Their heads stayed buried in the treetops, munching on the remaining vegetation they chose to eat.

Here are some interesting facts about giraffes, some of which we may have shared years ago, but not most recently.

They found as many morsels as they could.

Fascinating Facts About Giraffes

Giraffes are among the most iconic and beloved animals in the world. Their towering necks, gentle demeanor, and striking patterns capture attention wherever they roam. Native to the savannas and open woodlands of Africa, giraffes are not just tall—they’re full of surprises. Here are some of the most interesting facts about these graceful giants.

1. Tallest Land Mammal on Earth
A fully grown giraffe can reach heights of up to 18 feet (5.5 meters), making it the tallest land animal in the world. Males are generally taller than females, with some towering over 6 feet just at the shoulders. Their long legs and necks help them reach leaves high up in acacia trees, which many other herbivores can’t access.

They found a great source of nourishment on the tree line in the rear of the garden.

2. Despite the Long Neck, Only Seven Vertebrae
You might assume a giraffe’s neck has dozens of vertebrae, but surprisingly, it has just seven—the same number as humans! Each vertebra is much longer, around 10 inches (25 centimeters), allowing that signature stretch.

3. Giraffes Barely Sleep
Giraffes are some of the lightest sleepers in the animal kingdom. On average, they sleep only 4.6 hours per day, often in short naps of just a few minutes at a time. In the wild, they often sleep standing up to remain alert to predators.

We love these gentle giants.

4. Their Heart Works Hard
A giraffe’s heart must be incredibly powerful to pump blood up to their brain. It weighs around 25 pounds (11 kilograms) and can generate twice the blood pressure of a human heart. Specialized valves and tight skin on their legs help prevent blood from rushing downward due to gravity.

5. A Unique Form of Communication
For a long time, people thought giraffes were silent, but recent studies show they communicate using low-frequency sounds, or infrasound, that humans can’t hear. They also hum at night, possibly to stay connected with the herd.

They moved throughout the garden as we watched in awe.

6. Tongues Built for Survival
A giraffe’s tongue can be up to 20 inches (50 centimeters) long and is prehensile, meaning it can grasp and twist around branches. It’s also dark blue or purple, likely to protect it from sunburn as it feeds for hours daily in the hot African sun.

7. Each Pattern Is Unique
Just like human fingerprints, no two giraffes have the same coat pattern. Their spots help with camouflage and thermoregulation—patches have a complex vascular system underneath to release body heat.

8. Rapid Newborn Development
When a giraffe calf is born, it drops about six feet to the ground—a rough start to life! But within an hour, it’s already standing and trying to walk, essential for survival in predator-filled environments.

This giraffe was perhaps contemplating a drink from the pool.

9. Giraffes Are in Danger
Despite their gentle image, giraffes are currently listed as vulnerable, with some subspecies critically endangered. Habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict are major threats. Conservation efforts are underway to protect them.

10. They Have a Surprisingly Fierce Kick
A giraffe’s kick can be deadly. Their long, strong legs can deliver a powerful blow capable of killing a lion if threatened.

Last night, we had another wonderful evening at Jabula. It was packed with tourists and locals as the holiday season and school holidays end tomorrow, and people will begin to leave. Again, the locals and Tom and I look forward to many animals returning to our gardens for a quieter and more peaceful bush experience.

Yesterday, we stopped at The Butchery in the Bush Centre to buy more biltong, and they were totally out of any that was dried enough to sell. Biltong hangs on racks to dry and is put into the slicing machine. The thoughtful staff agreed to save some for Monday while they continue the drying process.

Tonight, we’re meeting Kathy, Don, and Connie for our final get-together at Jabula before they return to their home in Hawaii in a few days. We cherished our time together and look forward to seeing them in Hawaii in 2026 when one of our cruises has a 36-hour port-of-call stop.

Have a lovely weekend, and please know that we always think of all of YOU!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 3, 2015:

This Laysan Albatross chick in Kauai was sitting close to the road, wondering what I was doing. For more photos, please click here.

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

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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

By Stacey Leasca

Published on April 11, 2025

On April 10, a helicopter carrying six people, including the pilot, on a sightseeing tour crashed into the Hudson River in New York City, killing those on board. As the Associated Press reported, the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the incident.

The crash is, without question, a tragedy. But if you’re planning a helicopter ride soon, there is some important information about helicopter safety you need to know.

While the answer to the question, “Are helicopters safe?” is nuanced, a glance at accident statistics shows that the industry has made considerable strides in reducing passenger risk.

Lots of zebras stopped by.

According to 2021 data from the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team, there were 146 helicopter accidents in the U.S. in 2013. In 2020, that number dropped to 94, marking a 36 percent decrease in accidents. In 2013, these accidents caused 61 fatalities, while in 2020, there were 35.

“Having these statistics continue to move in a good direction is a positive, and I applaud my colleagues for all they do each day to make our industry safer,” Nick Mayhew, industry co-chair of the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team, shared in the report. “But we can do better. Zero fatalities remain our goal. Here at USHST, we continue to work on safety enhancements based on the accidents we have analyzed, and we’re regularly developing safety materials to support this effort.”

They were looking at us wanting pellets.

The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) does explain that “The accident rate for helicopters has traditionally been higher than the accident rate of fixed-wing aircraft, probably due to the helicopter’s unique capabilities to fly and land in more diverse situations than fixed-wing aircraft.” It also noted that pilot error can play a role, as pilots attempt “to fly the helicopter beyond the limits of his or her abilities or beyond the capabilities of the helicopter.”

It added that National Transportation Safety Board statistics show that approximately 80 percent of all aviation accidents are caused by pilot error, aka “the human factor.”

Additionally, FAA data shows that helicopter safety has improved; however, it is statistically riskier than commercial airline travel, with commercial carriers often reporting zero or near-zero fatal accidents in most years. This could be due to those pilot errors. Still, it is likely due to the highly stringent regulations and multi-pilot crews on most commercial aircraft, making a much more controlled environment than flying a helicopter.

However, helicopters are increasingly equipped with advanced avionics, terrain awareness systems, and crash-resistant fuel systems, all of which reduce accidents and fatalities by eliminating the human factor.

If you are still interested in flying by helicopter for a sightseeing tour, it’s good to research each company’s safety protocols. If you’re nervous, ask about their pre-flight checks, weather assessments, and pilots’ experiences. Like on a commercial plane, passengers must take responsibility by listening intently to the pre-flight safety briefings to prepare themselves for an accident.”

We’re off to Jabula for another night of socialization and good food. We’ll be back with more tomorrow.

Be well.

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.

Last night, dinner at Amazing River View…Winding down time with our friend Lisa…

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Sunset at Amazing Kruger View last night.

Lisa has been an easy houseguest for the past month. Her easy-going nature, enthusiasm, and positive attitude made her time with us inspiring and delightful. Our conversations flowed with ease as the three of us sat on the veranda after dinner most nights, listening for every sound in the bush and relishing the wonders surrounding us.

Tomorrow, around noon, Tom and Lisa will head to the airport in Nelspruit for her to catch her flight around 3:00 pm and for him to swap out the rental car for the next 24 days until we depart for Minnesota on May 24. We’re excited to see family and friends, but when the three weeks end, we’ll be excited to return to Marloth Park.

Then, three months later, we’ll be flying to Spain for the next leg of our journey.

As seen from Amazing Kruger View last night: In Kruger National Park, Lesser Masked Weavers are known for building pocket-like nests called “sac nests”. These nests, typically built by the males, are made of grass, reeds, and palm leaves. They are colonial nesters, meaning multiple nests can be found clustered together in a single tree, often near water.

It’s all very exciting to us. Over these past 12½ years, we haven’t lost an iota of enthusiasm in continuing our world travels. We remain in awe of the world around us and the opportunity to see new places, meet new people, and enhance our vast repertoire of outstanding experiences.

It was fun sharing our stories and adventures with Lisa over this past month, as she shared her travels and adventures with us. We never experience silence in our endless conversations, whether we were sitting outside on the veranda in the morning or at night, or out to dinner.

Now, we are looking forward to our friends Karen and Rich coming here for 18 days at the beginning of July. They, too, have never been to Africa and can’t wait for this enriching experience. Karen and I chatted at length a few days ago while I filled her in on some details about traveling to the continent.

Hippos in the Crocodile River.

Today is an easy day. Later this afternoon, we will return to Le Fera Restaurant at Ngwenya Lodge to watch for wildlife on the Crocodile River and enjoy dinner in their restaurant after sunset.

And then, tomorrow, I’ll be busy cooking midday when Tom and Lisa head to Nelspruit to the airport.

That’s it for today, folks. We’ll be back with more tomorrow.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, April 30, 2015:

We never grew tired of this fantastic view of Hideaways Beach and Hanalei Bay. For more photos, please click here.

More exciting photos…Top airlines for nervous flyers…

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Egyptian geese standing in the Crocodile River as seen from Amazing Kruger View. Restaurant.

This morning, while scouring world travel news, I came across an article that I wanted to share with our readers, especially those who have a fear of flying.

After all these years of world travel, I am still not entirely at ease flying long distances, especially flights that cross the ocean. I frequently check the flight’s path on the video screen to see how much further we have to go. No doubt, I feel more at ease when flying with airlines that have excellent safety records.

More Egyptian geese on the Crocodile River.

Here’s the article from Travel and Leisure Magazine online:

“This Is the Top Airline for Nervous Flyers in 2025—With Impeccable Review and Safety Ratings

Here are the best airlines that cater to nervous travelers.

By Stacey Leasca

Published on April 21, 2025
  • Bounce.com has ranked the top international airlines for nervous fliers.
  • The new ranking factors include carriers’ safety records, cabin crew, and passenger comfort.
  • Three airlines based in Asia nabbed the top spots as the best options for nervous travelers.

Flying can feel like a scary proposition, even for seasoned travelers. However, it’s essential to remember that several generations of highly skilled engineers have designed and constructed extremely sturdy aircraft for experienced pilots to fly from point A to point B. Additionally, the statistics are there to support the fact that flying is remarkably safe.

Species unknown.

Still, if you’re nervous, there are some airlines that are better suited for you. And Bounce.com has the list of the best ones.

The website revealed its list of the best airlines for nervous fliers. It created its ranking by first examining data from SeatGuru to determine the average seat pitch and width of economy seats across all aircraft types. It then collected the average airline review score from Skytrax and the safety score from Airline Ratings.

Next, it surveyed 2,000 UK residents, asking them questions like, “Are you a nervous flier,” and to rate the importance of things like how friendly a cabin crew is, the meal service, if there are pillows and blankets available, and if it matters if there are loud people around you.

After looking at all the data and the survey results, it named Singapore Airlines the most stress-free of all for nervous fliers.

“Singapore Airlines takes the top spot, and it’s easy to see why,” the findings noted. “With perfect review and safety ratings, alongside an overall stress-free score of 8.94 out of 10, this airline excels in passenger experience.” It added that the airline’s most standout feature is its generous seat width at 17.5 inches in economy class, giving you “more room to relax on long-haul flights.” Bounce also noted that the airline provides passengers with in-flight meditation playlists to help them relax as an added bonus.

Driving along the river in Marloth Park, we spotted an elephant that had crossed the river from Kruger National Park.

Following closely behind is Korean Air, which received an impressive stress-free score of 8.82 out of 10. “Korean Air is another strong contender for nervous [fliers]. The airline provides one of the most generous economy seat pitches at 32.5 inches, meaning more legroom than competitors like Cathay Pacific (32.0 inches) and Japan Airlines (31.7 inches),” the findings added.

Rounding out the top three is Cathay Pacific, which nabbed a stress-free score of 8.57. “Like the top two, this airline doesn’t have a dedicated nervous [flier] program, but it offers relaxation playlists on board to help ease anxiety,” Bounce explained. “However, it is the only airline in the top three to have an official partnership with Headspace, which allows it to provide meditation support while in the sky.”

While the listed airlines have excellent ratings, the sounds, turbulence, and process of flying long or even short distances can be disturbing for some flyers.

A white stork.

In 2025, Air New Zealand and Qantas were ranked as the safest airlines in the world, with Air New Zealand holding the top spot for the second consecutive year. The rankings are based on safety record, including accident statistics, regulatory audits, and operational standards. 

From another source:

Top 10 Safest Airlines in 2025 (according to AirlineRatings.com):
  1. Air New Zealand
  2. Qantas Airways
  3. Singapore Airlines
  4. Emirates
  5. Cathay Pacific Airways
  6. ANA (All Nippon Airways)
  7. Finnair Lufthansa 
Other Notable Airlines:
  • Virgin Australia: Ranked fourth.
  • South African Airways: Recognized for its adherence to safety and operational standards. 
Factors considered in the safety rankings:
  • Accident records:

    Airlines with a history of fewer serious incidents are given higher scores. 

  • Regulatory audits:

    Airlines that consistently pass audits by aviation authorities demonstrate a commitment to safety. 

  • Operational standards:

    Practices such as maintenance procedures, pilot training, and flight crew protocols are evaluated and assessed. 

  • Fleet age:
    While not the only factor, the age of the aircraft can be a consideration, as newer fleets are often equipped with advanced safety technology.

We hope this information may be helpful for our nervous flyers.

Be well.

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

The overlook at the Hanalei Wildlife Refuge, where one can see the world’s largest taro fields. For more photos, please click here.

Another busy holiday weekend starts today…Food photos from multiple dining experiences…

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This is my favorite meal at Stoep Cafe in Komatipoort: a smoked trout salad, which I had on Wednesday morning with Lisa, Kathy, and Connie.

This weekend is another busy holiday period in South Africa, as described here.

“Since April 27th, Freedom Day, falls on a Sunday, the following Monday, April 28th, is also a public holiday. Therefore, there is a public holiday this weekend in South Africa, and it falls on Monday, April 28th.”

After a full day of rain, this morning we awoke to sunshine with only a few clouds wafting through the otherwise blue sky. The temperature is delightfully cool at 69°F (21°C) as the three of us sit on the veranda, enjoying the pleasant weather.
Lisa had scrambled eggs on a hash brown patty with a side of bacon and a crepe.
I hadn’t mentioned that Lisa and I joined Kathy and her sister Connie for breakfast at Stoep Cafe  They picked us up at 9:00 am, and off we went to my favorite breakfast restaurant in the world  It was terrific for the four of us to have ‘girl talk,’ which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed with Lisa here over the past weeks  I’ll be sad to see her go next Thursday.
The three of us had a wonderful buffet dinner at Ngwenya last Thursday.
We’ve continued to enjoy dining out frequently. This Wednesday, we headed to Amazing Kruger View for dinner, overlooking the Crocodile River. Today, we’re sharing the meals we had that evening, as shown.
It was rainy and cloudy when we visited Amazing Kruger View on Wednesday night, so we didn’t take many photos of the sunset or wildlife during our visit.

We were thrilled to run into Don and his cousin Michael at Amazing Kruger View when they’d stopped for a bite to eat after their drive to Nelspruit to return their cousin Sandra to the airport after she visited with Kathy and Don for three weeks  After we chatted with them, they left, and we headed to our table for three.

Reminiscent of our ten months in lockdown in India, Tom ordered the chicken penne pasta at Amazing River View. He ate this dish for the first eight months and gained 24 pounds, 11 kg!

We had a pleasant dinner and were visited by the manager a few times to chat  He remembered us from two years ago  We’ve been surprised by the number of locals who have kindly and warmly greeted us, often with enthusiastic hugs and kisses  We love how warm and welcoming the people of South Africa are.

Lisa’s dinner at Amazing River View was a bread bowl filled with beef curry.

Lisa wasn’t thrilled with her meal since the bread bowl was too doughy, but she enjoyed the curry contents. I loved my meal, as shown below, which consisted of grilled squid (calamari) tubes accompanied by a huge side of creamed spinach. Wow, was that ever good!

Last night, we dined in, and Lisa joined us when she returned from her day trip to the Panorama Route. I made yummy tuna patties, accompanied by a huge Greek salad that we all devoured. We dined on the veranda while only a few animals stopped by.

Lisa was exhausted from the rainy day, and the long drive went to bed early. Later, Tom and I drifted off to our room to stream another few episodes of the new Netflix series, Ransom Canyon. It was another lovely day and evening.

I loved my squid dinner with creamed spinach at Amazing River View.

This evening at 4:45 pm, we’ll head to Jabula for another fun Friday night. Tomorrow night, Kathy, Don, Connie, Don’s brother Keith, Keith’s daughter Karen, and the three of us, for a party of eight, will dine at Jabula.

We have thoroughly enjoyed being so busy these past weeks since Lisa arrived. Today at 3:00, I’ll be speaking with our friends Karen and Rich on WhatsApp, who are planning to visit and stay with us in July. They are the wonderful couple whom we’ve stayed with on several occasions since we began our world travels. Karen and I have been friends for many years.

That’s it for today, dear readers. We hope you all have a fantastic weekend.

Be well.

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

Tom and Anderson, our guide in the Maasai Mara, hit it off. This was within moments of their arrival at the dirt runway airport in the Maasai Mara. This is a repost of an event that occurred in 2013. For more photos, please click here.

A busy day in Kruger with stunning sightings…

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We couldn’t have been more thrilled for yet another example of “safari luck.”

It couldn’t have been a better trip to Kruger National Park, when yesterday, after an early morning departure, we headed to the Crocodile Gate to begin our trek in search of the elusive rhino. Here are some stats on the rhino population in 2025:

In Kruger National Park, the rhino population in 2025 is estimated to be approximately 2,060, comprising both white and black rhinos, according to a report by Africa Geographic. This represents a significant decline from a high of 9,383 in 2013. 

“Safari Luck” prevails one more time. We were thrilled Lisa had an opportunity to see a rhino in the wild, a rare occurrence for most tourists.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Why Are Rhinos Being Poached?

Rhinos, magnificent creatures that have roamed the Earth for millions of years, are facing a grave threat: poaching. Despite international efforts to protect them, rhinos continue to be killed illegally, and their populations are dangerously low. Understanding the reasons behind this poaching crisis reveals a complex web of cultural beliefs, economic pressures, and organized crime.

It was as if they stopped foraging to provide us with photo ops.

At the heart of the issue is the demand for rhino horn. Rhino horns are highly valued in certain parts of the world, particularly in Asia. In traditional Chinese medicine, the horn is believed to have healing properties. It has been used for centuries to supposedly treat ailments ranging from fevers to cancer, despite scientific studies proving that rhino horn, primarily composed of keratin— the same substance found in human hair and nails — has no proven medicinal benefits. Still, old beliefs persist, and in places like Vietnam and China, rhino horn is often regarded as a symbol of status. Wealthy individuals might display it or gift it to others as a show of power and prestige.

The monetary value of rhino horn on the black market is staggering. It can fetch prices higher than gold or cocaine, creating a powerful incentive for poachers, especially in impoverished areas where legal employment opportunities are scarce. In some rural communities near rhino habitats, poaching offers a life-changing payout. This economic desperation makes it easier for organized crime networks to recruit locals to hunt rhinos, offering them equipment and bribes.

This rhino had her horn removed to prevent her being killed by poachers, who only sought the horn for financial gain.

Organized crime plays a significant role in the poaching crisis. International criminal syndicates manage the trafficking of rhino horns from Africa and parts of Asia to markets around the world. These groups have the resources to smuggle horns across borders, launder profits, and evade law enforcement. They treat wildlife trafficking with the same seriousness as drugs or arms smuggling, making it a significant global crime issue, not just a conservation problem.

Another layer to the problem is the lack of vigorous enforcement and corruption. In some countries where rhinos are found, wildlife protection agencies are often underfunded, understaffed, or poorly trained. Poachers may bribe park officials, police, or customs agents to look the other way. Even when poachers are caught, legal systems often hand out light punishments that fail to deter future crimes. Without consistent, harsh penalties and real political will, poachers and traffickers feel emboldened to continue their activities.

They were foraging when we encountered them.

Habitat loss adds more pressure to rhino populations. As human populations grow and agriculture expands, rhino habitats are shrinking. When rhinos are confined to smaller areas, they become easier targets for poachers. In addition, fragmented habitats make it harder for rhinos to find mates, reproduce, and thrive, compounding the effects of poaching.

Conservationists and governments are fighting back. Anti-poaching patrols, dehorning programs (where rhinos are humanely sedated and their horns are removed to make them less valuable targets), and community engagement projects are all part of the effort to save rhinos. Some countries, such as Namibia and Botswana, have achieved success with programs that involve local people directly in conservation, giving them a financial stake in protecting wildlife rather than poaching it.

And then, they were gone, disappearing into the bush.

Still, the battle is far from over. As long as there is demand for rhino horn, there will be those willing to risk everything to supply it. To truly end rhino poaching, a global effort is needed — one that addresses the cultural beliefs driving demand, the poverty that drives poachers, and the criminal networks that profit from the slaughter.

The plight of the rhino is a stark reminder that the survival of a species depends not only on the animals themselves but also on the choices humans make. Every horn that is bought, every bribe that is paid, and every rhino that falls to a poacher’s gun brings us closer to losing one of nature’s most iconic giants forever.

Enjoy today’s rhino photos. We cannot disclose where we spotted the rhinos to prevent poachers from learning about our location at the time, which would prompt these evildoers to investigate that area.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today,  April 23, 2015:

The Wai’oli hui’ai Church in Hanalei, Kauai, was built by the congregation in 1841. For more photos, please click here.

Day 8…Kruger National Park…Stunning sighting in Marloth Park last night!…Leopards and lions…

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Last night, Honorary Ranger Jaco Minnaar took this leopard photo in Marloth Park.

South Africa’s Easter holiday season begins today with Good Friday and will continue through the end of the month. With so many tourists in Marloth Park, we will see fewer animals in our garden. As we’ve mentioned many times, when the park is packed with tourists, the wildlife scatters to their holiday homes for not-so-good treats.

Interesting rock formation in Kruger.

Hopefully, animals will visit us in the garden during the remainder of the month, allowing us to continue enjoying activities with Lisa for the next 12 days, until she begins her return journey to the US.

Here is an article we came across today from The Citizen newspaper.

Search for Kruger National Park lions continuing into Easter weekend.

By Jarryd Westerdale\

“Lions were spotted outside the Kruger National Park on Sunday, and provincial authorities are continuing the search.

Elephants in the Sabie River.

The search for escaped lions near the Kruger National Park is continuing into the Easter weekend.

Multiple communities bordering the park have reported possible lion sightings after four of the predators were believed to have escaped the park.

Areas near Bushbuckridge and Hazyview have reported lion sightings, and officials say they will continue searching until the park confirms their return.

There were countless elephant sightings in the park.

Dogs are called to assist.

Two lions were initially reported to be on the loose on Sunday, with that number rising to four by Wednesday.

A resident near Belfast sent a grainy snapshot of a lion on a tar road to the Lowvelder on Sunday, prompting the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) to begin a search.

As of Thursday, MTPA was still searching and had brought in canine reinforcements to assist.

Along the drive, we spotted many giraffes.

“Our team is still on the ground searching for these lions. Today we are searching with dogs. We are confident that we will find the lions if they are still outside the park,” MTPA spokesperson Simphiwe Shungube told The Citizen.

“We advise the community to avoid any confrontation with the lions and to report sightings to the authorities,” he added.

Loss of habitat is a concern.

Loss of habitat and disease are listed as one of the biggest threats to the African lion population, with African Impact warning the animals could go extinct by 2050.

Traffic stop.

“Lions now occupy less than 92% of the land they once did. This loss of habitat has severe consequences. Lions no longer have access to the vast stretches of savanna grasslands they need to find food, viable mating partners, and thrive as a pride,” African Impact states.

This has resulted in increased interaction between lions and communities, while a range of illnesses has affected the lion population.

Our guide explained that elephants brought down this tree. Elephants rub against trees for several reasons, including removing parasites, keeping their tusks sharp, and accessing nutritious bark and roots. They also use rubbing as a form of communication, particularly males during musth, marking their territory with secretions. Additionally, elephants may rub against trees for comfort and to help them fall asleep.

“The spread of feline herpes virus and feline immunodeficiency virus has devastated huge populations due to the low pathogenicity of these diseases,” it said.

May those who observe the Easter Holiday have a blessed Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, April 18, 2015:

Tom donned a huge leather hand and arm protector and was handed a massive chunk of fresh meat to feed this vulture at the rehabilitation center. It was quite a thrill to get this photo. I love the look on Tom’s face! As their injuries healed, these vultures would soon be returned to the wild. For more photos, please click here.