October 27: Getting Ready to Leave

Sunhead of 1617, Amsterdam

Tomorrow morning, we awaken at 3:30 am (if we sleep at all). Our plane leaves for Amsterdam at 5:50 am. We'll most likely stagger back on land at 8:30 am to this lovely historic bed and breakfast, the Sunhead, built in 1617 and facing the canal.

Like any intrepid travellers, we have no real plans for the four days in Amsterdam -- other than the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank Museum. And recovering from jet lag before flying south to Tanzania. I'm hoping for coffee.

We are travelling lighter than ever before and for a shorter time, just three and a half weeks. But this marks the first trip outside the US in two years, just before our passports expire. I should be home packing, but I'm listening with half-an-ear to four-month-old Leda and wondering when she will wake up from her nap.

I am not ready to think about Africa. Instead I'm dreaming of Van Gogh, Anne Frank, and walking along the canals of Amsterdam. Drinking hot coffee with pastries. I'll do my best to keep you posted, for this trip will be memorable.