Small World in Big Africa

I've been covering a lot of ground here in Africa, and it blows my mind how many times I've reconnected with people I've met (or have been able to make plans to reconnect).

1. Steve & Erin from Overlanding were able to hook up with me & Julie at Mapenzi in Zanzibar!
2. Tonya from Joberg (Rich & Liz Boorman's friend who had me & Liz over for girls night) will be in Naiobi on business travel tomorrow night, and we're going to get together for dinner here!
3. Last night on the plane, I sat next to Rose, a woman my age who is a Doctor in Kampala, Uganda. She's Ugandan, and when I told her the dates I'll be in Kampala visiting Ally, she invited the two of us to attend her church's Christmas pageant. Said it's a huge show, and that the choir from her church is very well known, and travels the world. I have her card -- am already looking forward to it!
4. As I was saying goodbye to Rose in the Nairobi airport last night, Martin from Mapenzi suddenly appeared! He & Jean, and the two younger Brits, Shelly & Deb, were all on the same flights leaving Z-bar, and connecting in Nairobi on their way back home to London. He said they all heard my voice bellowing down the corridor and looked at each other and exclaimed, "I don't believe it....Meredith is here!" So I got to say another farewell to the four fun Brits from Zanzibar before leaving the airport last night -- so funny!
5. While in the spa at Victoria Falls, I met Kristen, a gal my age who recently grew tired of her life in DC, resigend her job working for the Commerce Dept, and moved to Zimbabwe for a 6-month stint with a non-profit (sound familiar??). Turns out, she has plans to be travelling in Cape Town the same time Ally, Lou & I will be there, so I have her number, and will call her so we can all hook up!
6. While at Mapenzi, three different groups of nice South Africans gave me their contact info, and encouraged me to call them when I'm back down there if I want to stay with them for a while -- SO NICE!

Anyway, I'm getting a kick out of the small world run-ins, and hope they continue!

Mere