For months before my departure, Robert and I had tremendous fun
shopping for gifts that I could take over to my friends.  We also had
three hand-carved wooden trophies made up, and a bunch of beautiful
rosettes that needed to get to Denver.  I was allowed two suitcases
weighing not more than 32 Kg (70 pounds) each, as well as an overnight
bag (not weighing more than 5 Kg - 11 pounds) plus of course, my handbag
(or, as some would call it, purse).   I used up all that allowable weight!

A week before my departure, Robert suggested that I lay everything out
so that he could start packing my suitcases.  Every single item had to be
weighed and a special spot for it found in the suitcases.  Too quickly, the
first suitcase was filled up, with only a couple of grams short of the allowable
weight remaining ... And yet there were still so many other gifts that needed
packing!  The thought that my clothes still had to be packed had completely
slipped my mind until Robert reminded me about it!  I didn't need to fear
though; Robert is a shrewd packer and he had everything zipped up and ready
for me to leave.

I did make one big mistake though ... Because I was so desperate to stay
within the allowable weight, I decided not to take my overnight bag that had
wheels, opting instead to use a shoulder bag.  My so-called handbag, which
I flung over my shoulder in a nonchalant manner, also weighed a ton!  I had
nobody to help me carry these two bags and I swore under my breath that
never, ever would I do such a stupid thing again!  I did have a stroke of luck
at Heathrow Airport in London though -- while I knew not to engage in small
talk with strangers, this friendly (and very formidable man) offered to help me
with my bags.  I started to decline his offer, till I recognised his South African accent!
I immediately gave him a (heavy) bag and to this day, I am ever so grateful
to him helping me carry.

Arriving at Chicago Airport and shuffling along with my heavy carry-on bags,
the officer on duty waved me through customs clearance.  I collected my two
suitcases and after doing a merry dance trying to lift it up onto the trolley,
I made my way to the Customs Officer.  He took one look at my passport
and said, "Oh, you are from South Africa.  Those two gentlemen would like to
speak to you!" and he steered me towards two stern-looking men.  I dreaded
having my bags searched as I knew I would never be able to fit everything back
into the suitcases and for that reason, I packed some heavy-duty plastic garbage
bags -- figuring that I would simply throw whatever doesn't fit back, into it.
As luck would have it, the two men were not paying much attention to me and
casually waved me through!  Almost not believing my luck, I sprinted off towards
the exit knowing that once I went through those doors, I would be rid of airports
for a while and on my way to the Kauffman home!

Meeting Linda and Dick for the first time was a dream come true.  I think they
were taken aback by my non-stop chatter and excitement at finally arriving.
I couldn't stop talking about all the types of cars in the car park;  then I couldn't
stop expressing my surprise at the number of large trucks on the highway; and I
was so in love with the quaint houses that I saw.  I could easily have moved into
one right there and then.  Of course, I was also quite shocked to see that nobody
has fences around their properties!!

Robert visited the USA with his parents many years ago.  Ever since, he's
boasted that he traveled to four different states, had a helicopter ride and
experienced snow.  I knew I would beat his four states as I would be travelling
through 12 states, but I never dreamt that I would encounter snow, or even get
to take a helicopter ride too!  Needless to say, he is now racking his brains for
something new that he can boast about, that I can't.

I enjoyed doing the trip pages and hope that you will enjoy "touring" through it.
I would also like to thank Dick & Linda Kauffman for the loan of their digital
camera which I used to capture images of my wonderful holiday.