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were happy we could do this for her. We know she was We were truly at one with nature on all of our day game
with us, and we were happy to honor her in this way. The drives. We saw the aftermath of animals maimed by larger
balloon ride lasted for about two hours, and after our ride ones, struggling to survive, packs of cats on hunts for
was over, breakfast and champagne were waiting for us in their next meal, the mating of lions, and many different
the bush. animals right after their births.

One thing I was a bit apprehensive about was the We came to the end of our journey, and the thought of the
possibility of seeing a kill. It is hard for me to watch kills long flight home was on our minds. We boarded the
on National Geographic, let alone see one in real life. plane, and the ride home gave us time to reflect.
That being said, once I saw how many zebras, wildebeest Everything we had seen and done had changed us for the
and other animals were in abundance, my thinking better. We met wonderful people, saw amazing wildlife,
changed a bit. When you see thousands and thousands of and experienced an incredible new culture. We each hope
these animals all trying to survive The Great Migration, that we left Africa a better person. We know in our hearts
all trying to find the last bit of green grass or the last that although life can be hard at times, the life we have
drink of water from a drying water source, you realize here in America is sometimes taken for granted. We all
that just like a scene from “The Lion King,” this is the need to be thankful for what we have.
Circle of Life, and it must happen. We did see a few kills
on our night drives and experienced the excitement of the In all of the hustle and bustle of my busy life, sometimes I
hunt. When it happens it is very quick, and you watch for have to stop and remember what is important. To
hours as each group of animals takes its turn in the remember the faces of those curious children, the
pecking order after the kill – each gets their fair share. I wonderful people of Africa, the beautiful vast land, and
know that this is part of life and must happen to keep the the exquisite eyes of that majestic bull elephant.
number of animals under control. And, most important, to “Stay Human.” n

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