This weekend I left for my African vacation, including a safari and other stops in South Africa. I flew South African Airways to Johannesburg in their wonderful business class. The flight, just under 15 hours, was made comfortable by the flat bed and the incredible SAA staff. It had leaked out that it was my birthday, and I was greeted with a delicious birthday cake and a bottle of fine French Champagne. Not a bad start to the trip! I was taken by the many business travelers and luxury travelers on my SAA flight, about 50/50. All were enjoying the SAA service, entertainment and gourmet food service. Look out for an upcoming review of the flight in Global Traveler. We spent the night at the DaVinci Hotel in Sandton, a suburb of Johannesburg that has become the financial center of the city. Many of you will recall the World Cup reporting in Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton, which includes a massive shopping mall with shops and restaurants. We had a beer and watched children playing in the fountain in the center of the square. I was amazed at the new South Africa and the changes that have taken place since my last visit some 16-plus years ago. The hotel has a deco-modern look with a great deal of black and white design motifs. Make sure you note the ceramics all over the property, including the white globes in the entry and the hearts in the breakfast room. Also note the mural as you walk in, which was created by a local artist and made of recycled plastic melted to make the various images — very impressive! Off today to Savanna Lodge in Kruger Park to see the animals! — Fran Gallagher, publisher and CEO