Hope thats not a roo steak andy

[gus]

...

[Andy]

a little while back, i hollered at the boys and girls - i said, "whoever can get 'gus to come back, gets a fancy nyc steak dinner :D

then i thought, hmmm why not leave him a note? heheheh :lol3 :lol3

glad you're back, humungus, and that's such a cool photo to come back with !

wow!

ps: dinner *is* on me in ny, next time you're here :thumb

[GREAPER]

Holy smokes....

Welcome back.

:clap :clap :clap :clap :clap

I am excited. More pics of bizarre creatures and strange lands!

More facinating stories!

Great shot Humungus. You dont see that every day here in Ohio. Very cool.

:thumb

[gubbs]

Good to see you back :clap

How was your trip ???

[lynnma]

.
Humy you're back :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap oh great Ruler we've missed you :bow :bow

Nice bunny rabbit picture too!!

http://humongous.smugmug.com/photos/11908770-S.jpg

[Femme_Photale]

Hahah cool photo...its funny though to us australians kangaroos are always the 'boring' animals in the zoo because as everyone knows we all ride kangaroos to work!! :rofl

[wxwax]

About damn time.:wxwax Cool shot, humungus. :bad

[pathfinder]

Gus
Well.... Look who's back!! The party can now begin! :drums :smile6

[gus]

Good to see you back :clap

How was your trip ???
.

[gus]

.

[gus]

.

[gus]

The only way to cook warthog they say.

http://humongous.smugmug.com/photos/6555811-M.jpg

[gus]

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[gus]

.

[Andy]

http://humongous.smugmug.com/photos/6598106-S.jpg




this is stunning - the shadow play is really really fine!

'gus - please tell more about why johannesburg is so dangerous - elaborate!

[Andy]

http://humongous.smugmug.com/photos/6598112-S.jpg
http://humongous.smugmug.com/photos/6555807-S.jpg

micheal looks great - so crisp, clear, a great shot 'gus. and i'm diggin the story thus far!

[Andy]

http://humongous.smugmug.com/photos/6556696-S.jpg


http://humongous.smugmug.com/photos/6555816-S.jpg



the view from the bar, is *stunning* and thank you, for sharing the food shots :lol3

[Andy]

'gus, the punchline to your post here is amazing. what a heart-stopper! great shots, looking forward to more of your african adventure, please.

:clap :clap :clap

[gus]

this is stunning - the shadow play is really really fine!

'gus - please tell more about why johannesburg is so dangerous - elaborate!.

[gus]

.

[gus]

.

[GREAPER]

Amazing stories. I enjoyed them very much. I am going to go get my kids so they can read it.

Thanks for sharing it with us.

[Sam]

Great story and photos! Glad you had a good trip and are back safe.


Sam

[gus]

.

[gus]

.

[ian408]

Welcome back and thanks for a great story!

I worked with a fellow from SA. He was describing the the home his parents
live in and the fact everywhere they go, they go with "security" guards.
I can't imagine it. It seems almost like being a prisoner in your own home.

Ian

[gus]

.

[gus]

.

[pathfinder]

What a great tale, Gus. And what great pictures. Glad to have you back with us crazies. :D

If you want to read about travelling in Africa, including South Africa, read Paul Theroux's "Dark Star Safari" It will confirm much of your descriptions. I think you would enjoy it. The author thought he was dead several times. :hang :grim

[gus]

.

[gus]

[QUOTE=pathfinder]What a great tale, Gus. And what great pictures. Glad to have you back with us crazies. :D

.

[gus]

.

[pathfinder]

Ta PF...i think thats the thrill of the place. You either feel very comfortable or ready to die. Jesus its a raw country. I cant wait to get back. I was looking at going over to work the farm if i could wrangle it however i have since arriving back, scored a once in a lifetime job & my daughter is starting high school end of next year. There is no power or phone (NO NET !!) on the farm & schooling is all done at home.

Even when you think things are safe...they may well not be. You need a 6th sense all the time.
I am sure that was part of the thrill for Paul Theroux also. He said you could be robbed just for your boots - your money might not have much value way in the back country, but your boots had real value. He travelled overland from Cairo to Cape Town - quite a trip on foot and by local transport. Like you described travelling into Zambia, he travelled in a small vehicle with several locals who spoke a different language and were always armed with AK-47s. He, of course, was unarmed. Quite an interesting read.
He was shot at several times on his journey. Hopefully, no one shot at you while you were there.:gun2 Theroux had very little use for the NGOs in Africa either.
You are just going to have to introduce the farm where you work to the WEB via satellite. :thumb

[gus]

.

[Andy]

'gus

i'm fascinated by your travelogue. and the photos are just damn excellent. did i say excellent? *mint* they are.

and your stories - we're going to have to schedule a big greasy breakfast after that steak dinner mate, becuase i like the way you tell 'em!

[gus]

'gus

we're going to have to schedule a big greasy breakfast after that steak dinner mate, becuase i like the way you tell 'em!

.

[damonff]

I've missed your voice brother...nice to see you...

[gus]

.

[gus]

I've missed your voice brother...nice to see you...
.

[gus]

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[gus]

.

[gus]

.

[pathfinder]

I'm enjoying the tour as I sit here reading your tale and seeing your pictures.

This one kind of worried me - I suspect the center of gravity is WAAAY too high on this boat to be safe - easy way to meet the hippos, I betcha. :D
http://humongous.smugmug.com/photos/6614753-S.jpg

The light and color in this image is just excellent, Gus. :clap
http://humongous.smugmug.com/photos/6613886-M.jpg

[gus]

I'm enjoying the tour as I sit here reading your tale and seeing your pictures.

This one kind of worried me - I suspect the center of gravity is WAAAY too high on this boat to be safe - easy way to meet the hippos, I betcha. :D


The light and color in this image is just excellent, Gus. :clap

.

[gus]

.

[gus]

.

[ian408]

Fascinating tale. The elephant's swimming is a great shot. I love it.

Did you work/live there before going? I can see the allure of wanting to spend
time there.

Ian

[gus]

.

[gus]

Fascinating tale. The elephant's swimming is a great shot. I love it.

Did you work/live there before going? I can see the allure of wanting to spend
time there.

Ian
.

[gus]

.

[ian408]

No ian, i had visited south africa before but not zim/bots etc. I have a few friends that are living there both aussies & africans.

Dont depart this life without going there mate !
I think it'd be a great place to visit. Do you reckon it's better to book with
some sort of a tour?

ian

[gus]

.

[gus]

I think it'd be a great place to visit. Do you reckon it's better to book with
some sort of a tour?

ian
.

[ian408]

It depends on where you want to go ian...if i was to pay a tour guide to do what we did ...i would have been looking at maybe 2-3 thousand USD over our airfares.

The animals are all there ...100 yards off the road in northern bots. I personally would NEVER EVER travel in south africa by myself or maybe travel into northern zimbabwe but bots is fine & thats where all the animals are mostly anyway. Bots is a democracy that knows that tourists spend money so the police & military protect the name...its easy to frighten tourists as i saw in Zim.

Knowing what i know now i would just drive myself but before that i didnt even want to go to the flamin' place.

First time with children i would have assistance as we did but ours were free so its a hard call.
Indeed it is. And for your 2-3 thousand, you don't get to see the people as
you did. I think that's pretty important to me. Have to think about that.

ian

[gus]

.

[gus]

.

[gus]

.

[gubbs]

Fantastic stories, Fantastic pictures. Thanks Humungus.
I'm glad I asked :thumb

[gubbs]

Humungus,

did you make it to europe and the US in the end, or are they the next installments.....waiting to hear where the best curry was from!!

[Andy]

:huh does that me we are going to get a room

heh - no - let me be perfecly clear: steak/ you go your way i go mine / breakfast. :deal

:lol3

anxiously awaiting more of your story and photos!

[Andy]

I think it'd be a great place to visit. Do you reckon it's better to book with
some sort of a tour?

ian

check out www.andybiggs.com (http://www.andybiggs.com)

[gus]

.

[Andy]

http://humongous.smugmug.com/photos/6637770-S.jpg

superb exposure and compo. i feel like i'm there!

[gus]

Humungus,

did you make it to europe and the US in the end, or are they the next installments.....waiting to hear where the best curry was from!!
.

[Nir]

Humungus,

Truely a pleasure to 'meet' you!!
Fantastic travel journal!
Thank you for a very enjoyable photographic/literary experience!

:thumb

[ian408]

check out www.andybiggs.com (http://www.andybiggs.com/)
wow. no icon for speechless...


ian

[lynnma]

Humy.... hubby and I have bin sittin here for over half an hour ... I've bin reading the tale to him and we've been looking at your shots.... absolutley wonderful, fastinating... hubby thinks you have some kind of death wish tho :rofl we need more please? Just fabulous reading and fabulous shots. We've had a lovely morning sitting here feeling like we've been there. God Humy, I get terrified sleeping in New England woods with bears... I'd be a basket case out there in the bush!!! Your wife a daughter must be some spunky women!!
Lovely to have you back :lust
Lynn and Hubby

[gus]

wow. no icon for speechless...


ian
.

[gus]

Humungus,

Truely a pleasure to 'meet' you!!
Fantastic travel journal!
Thank you for a very enjoyable photographic/literary experience!

:thumb
.

[pathfinder]

check out www.andybiggs.com (http://www.andybiggs.com)

ANdy - do you know anything about this vendor or individual or did you find this googling? This is a very interesting website.

[Andy]

Very high quality stuff there, truly amazing...just makes me want to get back there with a longer lens. There was so much great stuff ,particularly people that i just left as it is lost in 3x & cropping.

that link wasn't meant to take away from your story or shots, 'gus! i hope you understand....

[Andy]

ANdy - do you know anything about this vendor or individual or did you find this googling? This is a very interesting website.

i know him from dpreview, the pro forum. he's pretty darn good! i would do one of his safaris one day.

andy

[gus]

Humy.... hubby and I have bin sittin here for over half an hour ... I've bin reading the tale to him and we've been looking at your shots.... absolutley wonderful, fastinating... hubby thinks you have some kind of death wish tho :rofl we need more please? Just fabulous reading and fabulous shots. We've had a lovely morning sitting here feeling like we've been there. God Humy, I get terrified sleeping in New England woods with bears... I'd be a basket case out there in the bush!!! Your wife a daughter must be some spunky women!!
Lovely to have you back :lust
Lynn and Hubby.

[gus]

that link wasn't meant to take away from your story or shots, 'gus! i hope you understand.....

[photocat]

OK Humungus, I don't know you but saw the pleasure with which you were greeted...
After part 1 of the africa story I know why...
More please, and fast... :D :D

[gus]

.

[gus]

OK Humungus, I don't know you but saw the pleasure with which you were greeted...
After part 1 of the africa story I know why...
More please, and fast... :D :D
G'day potocat...you have to get over there, trust me on this. All i do all day is plan my return.

[gus]

.

[gus]

.

[Phil U.]

Oh man - I have just sat here and read this entire thread and looked at all the photos. The wife has been calling me to dinner but I haven't been able to walk away. Truly fascinating stuff and great pics. :clap :clap :clap :clap

I'm looking forward to seeing more!!! (but I'm hungry and have to go eat now othewise I'd be here hitting 'refresh' waiting for the next post.)

[Andy]

http://humongous.smugmug.com/photos/11981805-S.jpg

travel post of the year, 'gus. :deal and we don't even have to bother counting the votes :lol3

this boy is so cool

[gus]

.

[gus]

.

[gus]

travel post of the year, 'gus. :deal and we don't even have to bother counting the votes :lol3

this boy is so cool
.

[gus]

.

[ian408]

Are you sure you weren't secretly working for National Geographic? :D

The shot of the kids and the ladies braiding your daughter's hair are
great!

ian

[gus]

.

[pathfinder]

http://humongous.smugmug.com/photos/6637138-S.jpg

Gus - Your pictures are gorgeous, but the picture of your daughter getting her hair plaited is outstanding. The tonality and color saturation are excellent. Great work. Great story. :thumb

[gus]

.

[gus]

Gus - Your pictures are gorgeous, but the picture of your daughter getting her hair plaited is outstanding. The tonality and color saturation are excellent. Great work. Great story. :thumb.

[gus]

.

[gus]

.

[gus]

.

[gus]

.

[Andy]

http://humongous.smugmug.com/photos/6637138-S.jpg

Gus - Your pictures are gorgeous, but the picture of your daughter getting her hair plaited is outstanding. The tonality and color saturation are excellent. Great work. Great story. :thumb

but 'gus, i have to agree with pf here - that shot is outstanding :D and one which your daughter should have framed on her wall - i did the same thing for my now 13 year old, last winter, on a trip to the caribb....

i'm thoroughly enjoying this series! :thumb :thumb :thumb

[gus]

but 'gus, i have to agree with pf here - that shot is outstanding :D and one which your daughter should have framed on her wall - i did the same thing for my now 13 year old, last winter, on a trip to the caribb....

i'm thoroughly enjoying this series! :thumb :thumb :thumb
.

[gus]

What a great tale, Gus. And what great pictures. Glad to have you back with us crazies. :D

If you want to read about travelling in Africa, including South Africa, read Paul Theroux's "Dark Star Safari" It will confirm much of your descriptions. I think you would enjoy it. The author thought he was dead several times. :hang :grim
.

[pathfinder]

Found some reviews PF...i think i will get it & have a read now. I wanted to get up to kenya but not with my family.

http://www.reviewsofbooks.com/dark_star_safari/

Soon, however, the trip becomes a nightmare. Danger dogs Theroux at every turn, from armed Somali highwaymen in Kenya to land mines in Mozambique. Beggars importune, disease and squalor press in. A man with a runny nose sells oranges, ''handing the snot-smeared fruit to customers.'' Appalled by ''the filth, the dirt, the litter,'' beset by ''fungal infections, petty extortion, mocking lepers, dreary bedrooms, bad food, exploding bowels,'' Theroux narrates a Job-like ordeal during which he is ''abused, terrified, stranded, harassed, cheated, bitten, flooded, insulted, exhausted, robbed, lied to, browbeaten, poisoned, stunk up and starved.''

SEE, I knew you'e like it!:D :D

[ian408]

SEE, I knew you'e like it!:D :D
You sir, are evil :D

I read the cover comments at the bookstore yesterday and decided on
reading it. Be next after Long Way Round.

Thanks 'finder.

[gus]

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[gus]

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[gus]

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[gus]

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[gubbs]

Popped in to have a cup of char with the boss.
http://humongous.smugmug.com/photos/6818844-Th.jpg
Not the first time and Auzzie has been the guest of Her Majesty :D


Easy to get the old england feeling...gave me a tingling in the wrists & ankles. (gubbs might be the only one to get that joke)

http://humongous.smugmug.com/photos/6818841-Th.jpg

For those of you who don't know, The majority of Australians are all decendants of criminals and undesirables deported from the UK. Its always been a mystery why we ever let 'em back in again :scratch. Especially after Saturday at Twickenham!

Interesting fact that I found out recently: "Poms" is in acronym of "Prisoners of her Majesty" POHMs






Number 10 Dowling St...you did need a pass to get in.

http://humongous.smugmug.com/photos/7079972-Th.jpg

more bars....its in the blood


Inside Harrods..that whole counter is cheese. Man you could do some damage on the wallet in that place.

They even had a curry counter !!!!!..no kava though.

http://humongous.smugmug.com/photos/7052233-Th.jpg
fantastic place! If the weathers good, buy lunch here and pop over to the park for a picnic!

No idea..my wife fell in love with them & wanted a photo. They were 1000 pounds ! Worth it lyn ?

http://humongous.smugmug.com/photos/7052241-Th.jpg

£1000! they don't even match

Granny shops at Harrods ?...what do you recon gubbs ?

http://humongous.smugmug.com/photos/7052235-Th.jpg Didn't know you took your granny!

Great shots again Humungus, If your ever back over here I'll meet you for curry!! :thumb

[lynnma]

Could'nt wait to get to the computer this morning to read more of the saga.. I'm quite sad it's over.. it was wonderful Humy. Hubby still has to hear it so I get to read it again.. I have to read it to him.. I won't let him sit at my pc for that long.. Love the shoes!! shame they don't match tho. Thanks again for the wonderful story.:clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :1drink

[Phil U.]

love it, love it, love it. the whole series is great!

:bow

[gus]

.

[gus]

Could'nt wait to get to the computer this morning to read more of the saga.. I'm quite sad it's over.. it was wonderful Humy. Hubby still has to hear it so I get to read it again.. I have to read it to him.. I won't let him sit at my pc for that long.. Love the shoes!! shame they don't match tho. Thanks again for the wonderful story.:clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :1drink
.

[gubbs]

No...i mean granny from the kumars at number 42

http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/guide/articles/k/kumarsatno42the_66602080.shtml
:roflShe looks like her!!!

[gus]

.

[photocat]

[QUOTE=Humungus]Visited an old whaling town replicated in the warf building..spooky place..madeleine had us nearly running through it.

Where is that whaling town in the Warf Building Humungus? Is it near the building where they have the war exhibition? On the back of the Tower?
I mean behind City Hall? I would very much like to visit that one when I am back in London...
Thank you for the great great travel report. I loved it!!! You seem to have all the colors and exposures right on target.
You need to do a travel book...

[gus]

[QUOTE=Humungus]Visited an old whaling town replicated in the warf building..spooky place..madeleine had us nearly running through it.

Where is that whaling town in the Warf Building Humungus? Is it near the building where they have the war exhibition? On the back of the Tower?
I mean behind City Hall? I would very much like to visit that one when I am back in London...
Thank you for the great great travel report. I loved it!!! You seem to have all the colors and exposures right on target.
You need to do a travel book...
.

[photocat]

Right beside the Marriott at Canary Wharf. I think 2 or 3 three stops on the light rail. Its free before 6 pm from memory. Have to sign a register to photograph that you are not a pro. I think im safe :rofl

Hec, if you are not a pro who is???? Thanks, will put it on my to do list for next visit to London. :D


Hell you poms have got your transport system sorted...that tube is unbelievable. I was in awe of its accuracy & network. Never once did i wait more than 3 mins for a train.

Very true, the tube is OK... very hot in summer though. But worth it. :D

[DoctorIt]

one hell of a comeback to dgrin humumgus!

Enjoyed all of it :thumb :ear

[marygrace]

This story is fascinating. Can't wait to read more...

[Andy]

'gus

i've had the pleasure of many trips to london - and you've done the city proud. oh - and thanks for the curry pics, becuase you know, "it's all about the food :lol3"

[gus]

one hell of a comeback to dgrin humumgus!

Enjoyed all of it :thumb :ear
.

[gus]

This story is fascinating. Can't wait to read more...
.

[gus]

.

[gus]

.

[wxwax]

Oh man, that takes me back to high school. Amazing they're still going.

http://humongous.smugmug.com/photos/6947343-Th.jpg

[wxwax]

I like the depth in this shot. It's slightly tilted, but it shows the detail in the buildings and takes you down the street. Nice shot, it overcomes the camera's tendency to flatten things out.

http://humongous.smugmug.com/photos/6864615-S.jpg

So you didn't find Vienna's orderliness to be a bit antiseptic and lifeless? :ear

[photocat]

[QUOTE=Humungus]Paris

The bus was moving & it was through a window but i just couldnt let it go by.

Thanks so much Humumgus for this whole series. I might print them out to be able to look at the again and again.
Question, do you take most of your cityshots with a very small aperture?
They all look so utterly crisp and sharp. They are so even in color and/or shadow. You never seem to have an unwanted shadow... Your pics are sharp from the first pixel to the last...
Is it possible for you to tell me some more about your working methods?
(Even with your working methouds I will still be not able to take shots like you, I am sure...)
I am enjoying this worldtrip with you so so much

[damonff]

I agree about this one...very nice...

http://humongous.smugmug.com/photos/6864615-S.jpg

[gus]

I like the depth in this shot. It's slightly tilted, but it shows the detail in the buildings and takes you down the street. Nice shot, it overcomes the camera's tendency to flatten things out.



So you didn't find Vienna's orderliness to be a bit antiseptic and lifeless? :ear
.

[gus]

[QUOTE=Humungus]Paris

The bus was moving & it was through a window but i just couldnt let it go by.

Thanks so much Humumgus for this whole series. I might print them out to be able to look at the again and again.
Question, do you take most of your cityshots with a very small aperture?
They all look so utterly crisp and sharp. They are so even in color and/or shadow. You never seem to have an unwanted shadow... Your pics are sharp from the first pixel to the last...
Is it possible for you to tell me some more about your working methods?
(Even with your working methouds I will still be not able to take shots like you, I am sure...)
I am enjoying this worldtrip with you so so much
.

[DoctorIt]

I have family in Vienna and had the luck of visiting a couple times. I always thought it was the most beautiful place in Europe... until I went to Western Austria.

:D

A friend from Graz (of Arnold Schwarzenegger fame), in the east, told me that Vienna was a dump compared to the west. He was right. Much smaller cities, but man, talk about clean and beautiful! Did you get a chance to head out that way? to the "hills" ???

[gus]

.

[gus]

I have family in Vienna and had the luck of visiting a couple times. I always thought it was the most beautiful place in Europe... until I went to Western Austria.

:D

A friend from Graz (of Arnold Schwarzenegger fame), in the east, told me that Vienna was a dump compared to the west. He was right. Much smaller cities, but man, talk about clean and beautiful! Did you get a chance to head out that way? to the "hills" ???
.

[gus]

.

[photocat]

[QUOTE=Humungus]Vienna

Yep its about food alright andy, and i would say that these blokes have the best tucker by a long shot.

Breakfast with hot bread...very strong coffee & plenty of soft salty butter for a heart starter.

Can't see nay of your Vienna pics Humungus, all I see is blue squares with a question mark... :scratch

[gus]

[QUOTE=Humungus]Vienna

Yep its about food alright andy, and i would say that these blokes have the best tucker by a long shot.

Breakfast with hot bread...very strong coffee & plenty of soft salty butter for a heart starter.

Can't see nay of your Vienna pics Humungus, all I see is blue squares with a question mark... :scratch
.

[photocat]

:rofl Ive hit baldys or lyns limiter.

I can see them here...they are just flipped across from SM.

:rofl

Got them now. Those olives look to die for.
We call that a flea market in Belgium... Lots of stalls, with lots of old things that some people just get off their attic. Nice atmosphere in places like that. It is gettin getting boring I suppose, but I love your pics. I am looking forward to the next batch.

[DoctorIt]

Lemme know when the food shots are through - I'm starving! :D

[gus]

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[gus]

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[photocat]

Thats about it...filled the bags with clothes (good place to shop for big stuff)

So there it was 5 weeks ...8 countries.. 13 x3 hour customs lines...way too much money & 3 Lbs on the love handles. Thanks to those that lasted...you get an elephant stamp.
------------

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, don't go, I want more... do it again... you must have more pics then the ones you showed us... We want them ALL!!!! :dunno :dunno :dunno :dunno :dunno

[gus]

Thats about it...filled the bags with clothes (good place to shop for big stuff)

So there it was 5 weeks ...8 countries.. 13 x3 hour customs lines...way too much money & 3 Lbs on the love handles. Thanks to those that lasted...you get an elephant stamp.
------------

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, don't go, I want more... do it again... you must have more pics then the ones you showed us... We want them ALL!!!! :dunno :dunno :dunno :dunno :dunno
Thanks PC

.

[DoctorIt]

... Plus i have early curvature of the back from sitting here.:rofl :rofl

thanks for sharing mate!

[GREAPER]

That was great. I enjoyed avery one. And again, I'm glad your back.

[pathfinder]

Great to hear your yarn, Gus. Hang around and we will pick your brain about your travels.
I gather you didn't get dinner with Andy either?
You're still using your Olympus camera? It certainly does yoemans's work for you.

[photocat]

I certainly don't want to be the reason of early curvature. Grin.
Go see a publisher, travel books are in. I want a signed copy...
Thanks for sharing this wonderful trip.

Cat

[snapapple]

Thanks for sharing your wonderful travelog with us, Humungus. I enjoyed every minute of it. I just got back from my Thanksgiving holiday and spent all afternoon enjoying Africa and beyond. Glad to have you back.

[PerezDesignGroup]

First time I've ever read 15 pages straight in any forum. A record for me :D

Thanks for the brutal honesty and the good laughs. I can truly say I felt your panic in the back of the truck and out on the camping trip. That must have been hectic indeed.

You've got some great stories for the grandkids! Congrats :)

[gus]

.

[ian408]

No waxoliious...i will not buy a DSLR. Like feeding strawberrys to a pig.
What ever you use, just keep shooting mate!

Ian

[gus]

What ever you use, just keep shooting mate!

Ian
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[ian408]

G'day to you too!

Ian

[photocat]

In the

http://http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=panasonic_dmcfz20%2Cpanasonic_dmcfz3&show=all

(why wont this link box work like ADV)

You have two times http in there... that is probably why it won't work...
And I don't think it would be swines for the pearls... If you do this with a little camera, what can we expect if you would use a DSLR???

[John Mueller]

Great images and story!:thumb

[gus]

Great images and story!:thumb
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[gubbs]

Everyone should do it before they go inside that cutain with the music playing.
I think your right!
One day!

[BigAl]

Hey Gus, thanks for passing this link on to me. I really enjoyed it, especially the Africa side (seeing as I'm part of it!), having done more than 70000km of overlanding south of the equator myself.

regards
alan

[wxwax]

No waxoliious...i will not buy a DSLR. Like feeding strawberrys to a pig.


:lol3

[ginger_55]

OK, gus, I just woke up from my two day recovery sleep. To find that London has had a "strike" from somewhere. Am trying to watch that for info on CNN.

Then I came across your thread re Africa. Just fantastic, can't read the thread and watch for terrorists, so I read the thread. Got to page 6, wrote it down so I wouldn't forget it.

This is just supercool. You should have a blog or something, somewhere for this stuff.

And so timely with the Rwanda movie (s) and all.

I love the same photo everyone does of the elephants swimming in the afternoon light, but I am fascinated that someone I know dared to take "illegal" photos of a dangerous place.

Way to go, Gus!!!!

If anyone was to do this, you were the one, because of your wonderful writing style along with the pictures.

As far as the book that is mentioned, I can't read it, I would want to go.........and I can't. I am the one who turned down a trip to Europe after high school graduation in the fifties, as I wanted to go to Russia where things were happening then. My father didn't want to go there. A typical family stand off, we stayed home.

Now I am fascinated, repelled, etc re Africa. In the last couple of years so many books have come out of true life experiences. Some I have wanted to read more than others. I haven't really gotten to any. I do read bits and pieces, could not ID the countries with a gun to my head, but I do know that where ever it is, it is interesting. And it is the Catholic country of the future. It is where it is happening.

I have seen the HBO movie, most violent true life, or fiction, movie I have ever seen. Then, of course, the "real" movie, Hotel Rwanda, same time, same place.

Have you all seen this stuff???

I can understand that you can't live there, Gus, not with a wife and daughter, not good times for that, but you have had, and recorded, a fascinating and timely experience.

Since I have not read when you did this, I will check that out. At the end you did mention never getting a DSLR...........now, you would have to go back, With your DSLR and those fantastic lenses.

ginger

COOL, super cool. Beats my walking the bridge.:rofl How many days did you sleep afterwards? I finally feel awake.

Problem is, photographing anywhere else would feel like a let down right now: except Africa.

Will read more later.........

Where the H was this thread, wonderful!!!!

[gus]

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[gus]

Hey Gus, thanks for passing this link on to me. I really enjoyed it, especially the Africa side (seeing as I'm part of it!), having done more than 70000km of overlanding south of the equator myself.

regards
alan
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[ysr612]

for those who want a guide my sister-in-law's brothers run a service called Dorobo Safaris. Goolgle it the people that have posted stuff about them are impressive.

Talked to thad last year in Wisconsin. I first met them in mid 70's in Arusha.
Thad on right

http://ysr612.smugmug.com/photos/7465553-M.jpg

[traunerk]

What a fabulous trip and wonderful of you to share it with all of us. This of course will qualify as "memory of a lifetime" for you and your family. And you have the proof in your terrific photos!
:clap:clap:clap

Glad to see you made it the Big Apple (NYC) - my home for 16 years, although now I live only about 25 miles North, so it's easy to get to. The city still amazes me, and I've been around here my entire life.

The African travelogue was particularly interesting. Are you sure Andy wasn't just flattering you on some of the pics so that you would post more of the food?
:dunno

Regards....

Keith



:rofl[/QUOTE]

[gus]

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[david_h]

Bloody brilliant. I used to work in SA and Rhodesia and never took a single picture :(: This was during one of my lapses from photography.

Everything has changed so much since I was last there in the late '80s, I would really like to go back.

This is one of the best threads I've seen in htis forum, I'm really impressed.

[gus]

Bloody brilliant. I used to work in SA and Rhodesia and never took a single picture :(: This was during one of my lapses from photography.

Everything has changed so much since I was last there in the late '80s, I would really like to go back.

This is one of the best threads I've seen in htis forum, I'm really impressed.
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[david_h]

Thanks david. We were rather concerned about driving off the roads into the grasslands that we could hit a land mine. There are millions still in the ground. Looking back it wasnt the smartest idea to be driving off road along the borders.

Mugabe is doing deals with the chinese now to populate & farm the land that people have been driven off...he is also buying fighter planes (what he will do with them is beyond me as they are old) The chinese need land & zim needs food.

I saw chinese entering without visas at the airport. I wasn't aware of this deal with the Chinese.

Needless to say, they will work harder and smarter than the natives, make enough money to buy land and, in time, it will be their turn to be thrown out. Mugabe and his cronies will never tolerate free competition. I used to work with several Asian people from Uganda, booted out by Idi Amin for the same reason.

[ian408]

Here's a bump for the new folks.

Ian

[Andy]

Here's a bump for the new folks.

Ian

excellent idea - this is a great thread, one of the best on dgrin :deal

[LindaBaldwin]

Here's a bump for the new folks.

Ian
Ian, thank you, I think, for bumping Humungus's outstanding travelogue. My whole morning has passed as I read his and other threads. What a pleasant and knowledgeable bunch of people!

Linda

[PossumCorner]

Here's a bump for the new folks.

IanThanks Ian for the bump - this brilliant thread was our introduction to DGrin and Smugmug. I worked in Kenya for three years which included some shorter-term jobs in Tanzanian and Nigeria. Didn't have an SLR lens to do it justice, but took endless Super-8 colour film which was 90 percent stolen years later so now have very little left to show for the wild life and people life 'movies' I had. Pretty distressing. I never did get to Uganda to see the gorillas: but through work got to see the most amazing places, it has to be photography heaven, the whole continent.

Probably that experience led to my horror of zoos: I know they do great work and have their place, but always a sense of tragedy compared to the brilliance of the natural environment.

[Higgmeister]

What a wonderful narrative along with some stunning shots. I'm looking forward to seeing and hearing about your travels. Glad you made it back in one piece; seeing that you like to take all those forbidden shots:D.

Chris

[gus]

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[rahmonster]

:clap:clap:clapOh wow Gus i've never seen this thread before...I just spen an hour and half here.....wonderful story!! Loved all of it!

[gus]

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[jthomas]

Found some reviews PF...i think i will get it & have a read now. I wanted to get up to kenya but not with my family.

http://www.reviewsofbooks.com/dark_star_safari/

Soon, however, the trip becomes a nightmare. Danger dogs Theroux at every turn, from armed Somali highwaymen in Kenya to land mines in Mozambique. Beggars importune, disease and squalor press in. A man with a runny nose sells oranges, ''handing the snot-smeared fruit to customers.'' Appalled by ''the filth, the dirt, the litter,'' beset by ''fungal infections, petty extortion, mocking lepers, dreary bedrooms, bad food, exploding bowels,'' Theroux narrates a Job-like ordeal during which he is ''abused, terrified, stranded, harassed, cheated, bitten, flooded, insulted, exhausted, robbed, lied to, browbeaten, poisoned, stunk up and starved.'' You have to realize that's just Theroux's style. I've read several books of his, and he always plays up the lurid and sensational aspects. Of course I'm sure he encountered plenty of those travelling from Cairo to Jo'burg.

If you like hair-raising travel writing, read something by Kira Salak (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0792274172/002-3882283-3174418?v=glance&n=283155&s=books&v=glance).

This was a fantastic thread, 'Gus, and I appreciate somebody giving it a bump!

[allensphoto]

Took a safari on elephants. Pretty cool as the animals dont run from the ele's & you get very close but hell after growing up on horses i can say that an elephant would have to be the most uncomfortable animal ever to ride. By the time the distance of his step makes its way up 10 feet it is amplified considerably.

http://humongous.smugmug.com/photos/6598106-M.jpg




Gus I will start by saying hello and welcome back .. it is my pleasure to meet you.. i am newly delurked .. i really can't express in words how i enjoyed reading your about your trip... i teach world history and love africa .. your story and photos has only strengthened that .. thank you for sharing and allowing me along.. it sounds like a true one in a life trip.. i have considered going my self.. the portrail of the people is grand .. they are a treasure in themselves and the photo of the little boys is more than words... i have a colleag who went over with a group and dug well for water in villiages like you've shown..they are amazing .i bet the experience has been amaizing for madeleine you can't get this in a class room ... thanks again for sharing .and i look forward to reading more and becomming better aquainted... :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap
curtis

[gus]

Gus I will start by saying hello and welcome back .. it is my pleasure to meet you.. i am newly delurked .. i really can't express in words how i enjoyed reading your about your trip... i teach world history and love africa .. your story and photos has only strengthened that .. thank you for sharing and allowing me along.. it sounds like a true one in a life trip.. i have considered going my self.. the portrail of the people is grand .. they are a treasure in themselves and the photo of the little boys is more than words... i have a colleag who went over with a group and dug well for water in villiages like you've shown..they are amazing .i bet the experience has been amaizing for madeleine you can't get this in a class room ... thanks again for sharing .and i look forward to reading more and becomming better aquainted... :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap
curtis
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