Where am I going?

I'm heading to Boston, Los Angeles, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Rwanda.

This may seem like an eclectic set of random places, but I assure you, there is a commonality among them.

During different points of my life I have been fascinated by each of these places. Australia is a destination that John often talked about visiting. His desire peeked a curiosity in me. Over the past 4 years I have also developed a huge passion for tennis. Australia is one of the great tennis countries. I will be playing 4 GLTA tennis tournaments in Australia. The GLTA is a wonderful organization that allows me to compete against other gay tennis players worldwide. I have been playing tournaments in the organization over the past 3 years and love the experience.

New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places on earth. My next door neighbors spent 6 months travelling through New Zealand and their experiences have inspired me to travel there.

Spain is a country I have been to 8 times already. When I first thought about a sabbatical, I thought I would spend the entire time in Spain. I love the culture, the food and the men. I have attended the Vilas Tennis Academy twice. I will be attending it again for a 3rd time. It is an adult tennis camp where I get instruction and get to play against other travelers. I will also spend time with some friends in Mallorca and Valencia.

Finally I will finish up my sabbatical in South Africa and neighboring countries. This brings me back to my childhood and college years. I was always inspired by safaris and look forward to seeing animals in their own habitat. I will go gorilla trekking in Rwanda and go on a safari in South Africa. During my college years I was inspired by Mandela and I am so excited to learn more about him as I travel to where he lived in captivity and where he lived in freedom.