My old friend Lauree has been visiting with her husband Logan and their 6 month old son, Raphael. Lauree is part of the story that led me to living in South Africa. That story goes like this: Way back in 1998 Lauree and I met in Bolivia as high school exchange students. We became fast friends with each other and with another exchange student Ryan, a South African. Our Bolivian bond was strong and the three of us have kept in touch and traveled to see each other ever since. In 2007 I made the trek to SA to visit Ryan and while I was here I met his grad school buddy, Gabor. The rest is more or less history. So nearly a year and a half after my move to SA, where I have found myself living a mere 10 minutes from Ryan and his wife, it was only fitting that Lauree make the long trip from Seattle to pay us a visit.

Being the seasoned travelers that they are, the day after the globe-trotting family’s arrival we 3 Bolivian amigos + significant others + baby headed into the bush for some real South African adventure. Sadly, the animals seemed hell-bent on avoiding the American invasion, save for some bold rhino and a sprightly klipspringer that showed off for us. But the scenery was breathtaking and the chance to hang out together under African skies made us happy nonetheless.

* Note that the photo display has been retooled. Click on the right of the picture above to see additional photos.