Day 1

Our flight from LAX to London was delayed 1 ½ hours. The configuration of the Airbus 380 was horrible. To get to the bathroom I had to step over Bo’s sleeping body then step over a stranger’s sleeping body. For the attendant to serve me, she had to pass the tray over someone’s body. After we landed it took 30 minutes to deplane. Our flight from London to Johannesburg was 11 hours but better since we were sitting upstairs and a better configuration. Johannesburg airport is immense and very nice. We got bad info at LAX when they told us we had to get our luggage here. We asked and got conflicting answers. Finally, a nice gal took us on a 20 minute walk through the airport to the right place. The lounge here is great. It definitely gets our vote for the best food selection. The 2 hour flight to Livingstone was OK. We were met at the airport and drove 20 minutes on paved road then 10 minutes on unpaved road to our accommodation for the first 2 nights -- the River Club, which is beautiful. It used to be a farm during colonial times and it does evoke the charm and luxury of old colonial clubs. Our cabin is probably the nicest hotel room we have ever had – 2 levels 2 baths. It overlooks the Zambezi river, and we can see Zimbabwe on its other bank. After a rest we took a river cruise. On the river saw a group of hippos in the water, two crocs, baboons, large lizard, and many birds. The food here is excellent and the service impeccable. Meals served outside on finely appointed tables.