Making more plans

My flight has been finalized and my official departure date is May 23. Andrew and I have been making plans for the first couple of months after I arrive. We are starting a project on elephant shrews and rock rats as soon as possible after I arrive. Andrew is also sending me out to the Namaqualand, in northwestern South Africa, to work with his Ph.D. student, Ben Smit. Namaqualand is known for its ridiculous flower blooms, which can cover the area (check out a picture here). Unfortunately, the first time I'm out there, I will miss that, but I hope to get back again. Andrew will also be sending me to the Zoological Society of Southern Africa's annual meeting in July outside of Durban, which is on the coast.