Our first day in Botswana! We flew into Mopiri Camp in the Okavanga Delta of Botswana on a bush plane. “Mopiri” means little island – and the camp is on an island in the middle of a permanent lagoon. Between Maun and Mopiri Camp, we could see a big grass fire from the plane. We arrived at Camp late in the afternoon – The “terminal” at the airstrip was a tiny shed. We were checked into our cabin/room, which was a large platform tent with canvas walls - quite luxurious and right on the water. Immediately after check-in, we had high tea, and went out with our guide - Mr. X - onto the lagoon in a boat. We saw a monitor lizard scrounging around and then swimming across a narrow channel. I watched him through the binoculars. Also saw hippos – one leaped the upper half of his body out of the water as if to warn us that he was king (or queen) here. Observed a giant kingfisher dive into the water close to shore – not sure if the bird snagged a fish, but I hope so.

Then, back to the Camp for dinner, where we had another drink and were entertained mightily by the staff of the Camp who danced and sang for us. Such a lyrical African sound.

The sunset was spectacular – orange red yellow. The moon was nearly full. My heart was full.