Doing a Safari was something on my wish list for holidays, something that had bubbled up in my mind several times. I took the plunge, and booked a safari through Audley Travel, choosing Tanzania to go to as that seemed cooler than other possibilities and I don't like it too hot. Audley Travel used Asilia for the local arrangements. I was satisfied with what they prepared for me, and I definitely needed their advice in my ignorance. I saw a lot of different animals. I saw a range of locales. I stayed in striking places. The Tanzanians I met were kind and welcoming.

The safari started with Virginia taking me to Trumpington Park and Ride which was very busy - explained by there being a car boot sale as our fellow Brits scrambled for bargains. She stayed until the National Express coach appeared, my floppy bag vanished into the hold, and I vanished on board. An easy drive down to Heathrow only stopping at Stansted. The coach was smoother than transferring from Terminal 2/3 to Terminal 4 using the free train - had to squeeze into lifts and wait quite a while. Train itself modern and comfortable.

I saw my big bag vanish again helped by staff in the web check-in queue, then navigated through security which was confusing and staff not so helpful. Screens everywhere. Tried to get more US dollars but they only had 20s and I was after smaller denominations. To honour the Queen's passing I went to the Prince of Wales bar and had something described as food, it had chicken and other stuff in it. The tastiest part was the tomato ketchup I added.

A chronic flight to Doha. Paid extra for what I thought was a good seat - but it wasn't really. Couple next to me moved as guy too well-built. Ended up with single father and hyperactive undisciplined screaming toddler who stayed active during the flight. It tried to open safety door, tipped food packets over floor. I felt was this divine judgement earlier than expected? Looking out through the porthole saw half moon rise.

Glad to lose them at Doha Airport which is a major hub, many flights and very busy even at 2am. Modern well designed airport with walkways that worked unlike Heathrow. Had problems finding my way to gate C37 until someone kindly told me it was on the level below!

Better flight to Kilimanjaro and this time I even used the right boarding pass (I got two boarding passes at Heathrow which I didn't realise and tried the wrong one there). My next seat passenger this time was a quiet woman wearing a mixture of colours. She also as soon as she sat down put a bag over her head. It later turned out she was a vegetarian.

I wasn't sure what food I was being offered, couldn't understood what they said. On this flight they urged everyone to wear facemasks and even handed them out. The sun rose as we approached Kilimanjaro and when I opened my side window a prismatic arc was cast over the cabin. A promise?