I was away for a couple of weeks in the Zambian countryside and then on vacation in South Africa.  While on journey to South Africa, my family and I took day trips to Swaziland and Mozambique (Swaziland turned into an overnight trip thanks to a tour bus breakdown).  Swaziland’s geography reminded me of northern California; Mozambique’s (Maputo, actually) like Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and eastern South Africa like western Canada’s (albeit with palm trees).  Although these regions are within a couple hundred kilometers, they are worlds apart.  Swaziland and South Africa were far more affluent than Mozambique; Mozambique had a latin (Portuguese) flair that set it apart in southern Africa.  I plan to write more soon about these visits.  For now, suffice it to say that it’s good be back from Hiatus (wherever that is).