Giraffe has traveled a long way to his new home overlooking the skyline of Chicago. We did consult with him about his willingness to leave his home country and he assured us that it would be fine, since he was living in a gallery and not the wild. He said being wrapped in a huge crate and traveling by plane would be a unique adventure for a giraffe. Unlike his human travelers, who have been awake since 2:00 am (having not made it past 7:00 pm before falling asleep), he seems to be adjusting without issue. And the scenes at the Arusha airport in Tanzania as his crate was checked through (and the odd questions at customs when we were sent to a special line when we arrived in Chicago) were priceless. I'll be posting from Africa for days (weeks? months?) to come. SO sad the trip has ended while treasuring the memories. I cannot recommend this trip highly enough and will happily to share any information for planning one if you have them!
Dear Giraffe, welcome to Chicago. Its just a different kind of wild place, you'll soon get used to it. Luckily, your new friends have given you a room with a view in the warm. Don't think you'd fancy the Winter snows out there much. Good luck with the jet lag and keep on eye on those new friends of yours, I suspect they will take longer to get over it than you!
He's lovely and I think you were brave to get this fellow home as I don't think I could face the questions, etc. at airports. It's bad enough getting myself through! Fav
@rosiekind They have them in all sizes, but we really liked the idea of one this tall (about 4 feet). It was amazing to us how casually they let it work as one of our two baggage allowances. And in the end, coming into the country, it was more funny than frustrating — having the photo helped I’m guessing.
Welcome home and to Mr. Giraffe! What a great momento from your trip--bet that was an interesting time getting him through security. Plus you have my whole hearted permission ( not that is even needed) to post for months and months of your great adventure!! can't wait to see them especially if they are anything like what you have posted thus far!!
Clever shot and fun memento of your safari! I loved seeing your posts over the course of your trip-I was right back there in my mind's eye, especially with the cheetah mom and baby. I was on foot btw in a South Africa game preserve when we came upon a cheetah family behind some bushes. They didn't seem to mind us but it occurred to me that they could outrun me if they chose. Thankfully that was the only time we encountered wildlife up close when we were't in our jeep. Can't wait to see more of your photos in the coming weeks.
An excellent memoir from what was clearly an amazing experience. I'm sure he'll settle in well. Les is still sick with the chest bug going round our group in Sri Lanka. This is six weeks now and counting. We're re-thinking possible future travel plans!!
I love him! What a fabulous thing to bring home! I definitely want to do the trip... just not sure when! If my powerball ticket wins tonight it will be sooner rather than later!
Wow how gorgeous is he!! What a perfect background for him to show him off to his best!! A wonderful memory of your fantastic holiday!! Looking forward to the rest of your photos!!
Fantastic looking sculpture. Sounds like an amazing trip. I have been trying to convince my husband to go to Africa. I showed him some of your photos and he sounded more willing. Can you send me the info. Thanks so much.
@moonmtn I'd be glad to. If you can give me your email address, I'll send it all along to you -- our itinerary and the contact information for the safari organizers. And I'll delete your email from the thread as soon as I have it.
Great narrative and image, good luck getting over your jetlag, luckily there is little to no time-difference between The Netherlands and most African countries.
Not many of the carved wooden figures that I brought back have survived the intervening years, so i'm looking forward to more of your shots. Amazing that the neck of this giraffe survived the journey! I guess vertigo is not an issue for wooden giraffes!
What a great find to bring home. I love it and the photo of him and the view. You write so well. I forgot and miss that too, your sense of humor and just the way you are able to write and create.
January 25th, 2019
Leave a Comment
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.
Sure he'll soon adapt to his new home.