Botswana has a couple of real draw cards that get the people in.  1 of them is the Okavango Delta, the world's largest inland delta and a haven for animals of every size and shape.  Along with the other Botswana gem, Chobe National Park, it contains the most Elephants aware on Earth and this turned out to be one of the best days of my life.  It all started with an early wake up and then a drive in an old Mercedes truck (converted into a tourist carrier) for 2 hours across a bumpy, dusty road that included a few dodgy bridge crossing before we got onto the Mokono (the local dugout canoes) for another 30 minutes leisurely cruise to our campsite.  The campsite itself were pre-built tents that had beds and ensuites in them and a central area for eating and chatting and doing jack shit.  Audrey and I, once we were settled in, asked one of the guides, Amos, whether he would accompany us on a walk into the wild.  Amos was what I would describe as a typical Botswanian; tall, slim and quiet.  He lead us through the undergrowth, always keeping his eyes and ears open, leading Audrey and I towards certains trees that he said Elephants like to be near.  Only about 600m from camp, we came upon one.  He was a male Bull, approximatley 45 years old AND massive.  We watched him from a "safe" distance of about 20m as he just lazed under the tree.  However he eventually smelt us and started to move which caused the heart to stop briefly as I think he was slightly bigger than massive once he backed out from under the tree.  Amos told us to move, quickly, and the old Boy went straight to where we were just standing.  Then I really did shit myself when he turned his head to look at us, no more than 15m away, flapped his ears and shook his head and those huge tusks in a gentle warning (which I took as "get the hell out of here now or else") before turning a marching off into the Delta.  I didn't see that bit because I'd turned a plowed through a thorn bush, ripping my shirt and losing my hat, before Amos could tell me to stop as it really wasn't a threat.  I must admit that I had left Audrey were she was, she hadn't moved, and I'm not to proud of that but the experience of actually being there for that moment is something that I will always remember.  I have been near Elephants before but nothing can prepare you for a close encounter with these magnificent creatures that are truelly wild.  Breathtaking.

But the day didn't stop there.  The Drey and I were also booked on an open-door helicopter ride over the Delta, the only way to see the size, the lakes and rivers and also the multitude of animals that the Delta contain.  It was an hour that filled us with wonder and joy.  Seeing the Buffalo, Rhino, Croc, Giraffe, Elephants and heaps of others, all mingaling together, in pure harmony, in this paradise can only truely be appreciated from the air.  When we eventually landed, we all couldn't keep the smiles off of our faces.  Today was really one to remember and was the reason that I came back to Africa.

The next day wasn't.  Gastro has hit both of us and it sucks.  That's all I'll say on that subject ...