Botswana - 7

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9/15/03

Well, it's only been a week and I'm already putting things up! That's because I have some really really really cool pictures that I want to share. Petting a cheetah!!!!! Yay!!!

So last week I spent a few days working with Sandy Thurman of the International AIDS Trust on a conference she was running here. Heard some amazing speeches and got completely drunk on red wine a few nights in a row. Sandy is the absolute epitome of a "steel magnolia" as my father says. Drinks like a sailor but puts forth an aristocratic demeanor that's really amazing. I enjoyed her thoroughly, even if I didn't get nearly enough sleep last week. (It was 2am, on a work night, in the casino, still drinking, chatting with a few Irish military types when I realized that this was a pretty amazing woman.. she could outdo a 22 year old!!!)

Then - this weekend I had my first AND second cases of food poisoning. Blah. We rented a car to go exploring but I stayed home all day Saturday to try and sleep it off. Sunday I felt better - and I would have dragged myself out of bed even if I hadn't - because we were going to Mokolodi nature reserve. This is a short distance out of town. They have rhinos, hippos, elephants, all sorts of edible animals for the predators, and two tame cheetahs. Tame as in.. we can pet them. Imagine a cat the size of a large dog that purrs with the strength of a car engine.. and LOVES to be petted...

ABSOLUTE HEAVEN.

I've got it on film as well as pics - on tape you can really hear this guy purring. His name is Duma and he's 8 years old. His brother was elsewhere in their enclosure, but both of them were quite enjoyable and loved company. I am so going to get one...

I miss my cats.. My parents have been sending me pictures of Safari (their new kitten that they named in honor of my trip to Africa) and it makes me pout. But - I'd say this weekend made up for it.

Duma getting his cheek scratched

Mmmmm....

Duma's Rumble

Just laying your hand on his chest you can feel the vibration of the purr.. It's one of the most amazing feelings on the face of the earth!!!

Petting Duma (more)

Purr.. on his part and on mine.