Christopher,

Thought you would love this e mail from Colleen. Thank you! Catch me when you can for the cake in NBO.

Love,
Evie

Hi Evie, Cheryl and Cathy,

I decided to send this same note to all of you. That way you will get the thank yous you deserve. I am not sure who is responsible for what so thank you to all.

First I must say Christopher took wonderful care of us. We were treated like royalty. The look on Paige's face was priceless when she was presented with roses (a lot of roses I might add) and the beautiful card upon arrival in Nairobi. She thanks you all very much for her birthday card and roses. Kathryn presented us with numerous gifts at our safari briefing. Two hand woven hand bags and 3 'shawls', Evie I forget the local name, sorry. Anyway everything was lovely and deeply appreciated.

The safari was fabulous. I must say it was a trip of a life time and we will always remember what a wonderful place Africa is. Cheryl and Cathy you must go if you can, it is well worth it. Words can not explain. You just have to do it! Your friend, Evie, at the Serena Maasai Mara was very kind to us. The last night we were there a cake was delivered to Paige with the word farewell on it in the local language. The wait staff proceeded to play drums and sign two songs to us (Paige). Yet another nice touch.

Christopher and gang met us in Nairobi on our way out to Victoria Falls. We ate at the Carnivore Restaurant. Very neat. Paige got another cake and singing by the staff, this time in English and a very nice belated Happy Birthday. As we left your friends Evie we were sad. They were all so nice. Kathryn and Fred and of course Christopher. Our driver in the Mara 'Alex' did a wonderful job spotting all sorts of animals. We got to witness the Wildebeests crossing twice. It was truly unbelievable. That was my favorite part. Paige loved all the giraffes and I think Jim liked the cheetahs and leopards the best. We did the hot air balloon in the Mara (fantastic) and had two separate breakfasts in the bush. One after the hot air balloon and one before our day outing with 'Alex'. We also visited the Oloololo village outside the reserve. Very nice and the kids loved 'Paige the white girl'. It was all very awesome.

Victoria Falls was equally great. The falls were not 'full', so we actually got to walk out on the rocks and see things up close and in person. We saw the falls from the Zambia and then Zimbabwe side as well as from the air (helicopter). Very cool too! Again this all seems like a dream at this point.

I have about 1200 pictures to sort out. I will get to that next week. I am thinking I will do a photo album in Snapfish and share it will our family and friends. I will let you know when it is available online.

Again thank you Evie, for the connection with Christopher. I have a stack of his cards and will hand out to all the experts here who inquire. Most experts who live here will go on safari at one time or another. Hopefully you will get a few clients from Qatar.

Thanks to all of you for the card and flowers. You are too sweet! I miss you all and think of you often. Hang in there at the SBSO...

Have a wonderful week.

Sincerely,
Colleen, Jim and Paige