Safari and a different kind of Birthday coming

Well, this is a differnt experience than the last two weeks. I am in a safari lodge, surrounded by lots of weird and cute looking animals. It is our first night here and tomorrow (my Bday) we will be taking a game drive to see giraffes and hippos and elephants and then a boat ride to see crocodiles and other water based animals. Exciting :) We were told very clearly to keep our distance from the animals and we've heard enough stories of tourists who ignored that rule for us obey it! So, tomorrow is my birthday and I was torn before I came as to whether I should stay here for my Bday or head home. Well, I'm glad I stayed for a few reasons. First, I get to see weird animals :) Second, I get to spend more time with my new friends. And third, I get to have 2 days to relax and decompress from our intense work before I head home. I think it would have been hard to head home today without a little downtime here to enjoy myself with no work or difficult situation attached. However, a birthday in intense heat and humidity without my loved ones around? Very weird. I do wish I could see some of you tomorrow. I don't think it's going to feel like my Bday AT ALL. So, I'll certainly want to celebrate when I get home. I need to wear a scarf, coat and hat for it to feel like my Birthday :) And believe it or not, I can not wait to get back to the cold and snow after this heat!!!
And I'm starting to dream about food other than rice, cooked veggies and lentils.
I can not wait to eat sushi and salad and fruit and nuts and even meat!
OK, heading to bed early so I have energy for tomorow.

xo Heather