And now for something a little different...

Hello!

So here we are again, the start of another blog which can only mean one thing...I'm off on my travels once more...(Cue all the comments of "God you're always away" and "Are you ever in the country for more than 5 minutes" etc etc - Believe me I've heard them all)

I think  most of you will already know by now where I'm going and what I'm doing, but for those that don't, here's a quick over view...

Back in 2005 some may recall I spent two weeks in Sri Lanka volunteering my time helping out in the village of Kalutara following the devastating Tsunami.  This whole trip was arranged through a company called i-to-i.  Last year, at work, I was pondering my next trip and whilst looking through some photos was reminded about the Sri Lanka trip and how rewarding it was, and all the awesome new friends I made as a result, so I decided that maybe I should go and work on another of their projects, skip forward several months and here I am ready to embark on another i-to-i project titled "Help raise endangered big cats in South Africa"

Yup - I'm off to play with cats...big ones at that - Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs and more!  The next two weeks will see me based on a reserve in Bloemfontein in South Africa, approx 6-8 hour drive South West of Johannesburg looking after, caring for, playing with both adult and baby cats, and hopefully getting out on a few game drives too!

I won't bore you with all the details of the trip but if you are keen to know more, here is the link to the project: http://www.i-to-i.com/volunteer-projects/help-raise-endangered-big-cats-in-south-africa

I'm pretty certain I will have internet connectivity in the guest house, so I will try and keep you updated as much as I can whilst I am there.  Dilbert is with me too so expect a few candid shots of him - hopefully he won't be eaten by the cubs...come to think of it, I hope I won't be either! A few war wounds would make for good pub conversation though "Hey Chris, why are you missing a finger" "Oh well, it was eaten by a Lion"

Anyway, on that note, I have a few last minute things to pack in my bag and it's off to the airport I go.  I chose a cheaper option to get there and instead of flying direct, I'm flying via Frankfurt, so I have the joy of 16 hours travel ahead of me...wish me luck!!!

Whilst waiting for my next update, enjoy this little appropriately themed musical interlude...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6vLAa-kylM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywjX6AF6oVc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cD9cBEaNBc

Chris