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On a memorial where the A-bomb was dropped in Hiroshima, Japan, it is customary for visitors to leave a thousand paper peace cranes. I was struck by this colorful reminder of how many different types of people long for the peace that this world has yet to find.

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A THOUSAND PAPER CRANES
by Matthew Straub, Madison, WI

Matthew's Dream Trip
Through Africa with a stop in Dubai

When I dream of travel, I dream of Africa. With its multi-faceted personality, rich history and warm people, I easily assert that my dream trip begins with a long flight to Cape Town, where a few days at one of its many cozy, local B&Bs would provide a relaxing outlet between a hike up the beautiful Table Mountain (and rappelling down it), wine tasting expeditions through pristine Stellenbosch vineyards, and a comical day with the penguins of Boulder Beach.

My adventuresome boyfriend and travel companion, Shaun, and I would then take the world-famous South African Blue Train northward, delighting in travel not as a series of destinations, but also enjoying the transit. Then we'd head to the seldom-visited wonder of Madagascar, undoing some of our travel footprints by volunteering to assist the endemic ring-tailed lemurs.

Even farther north awaits more wildlife, which we'd cherish during a Kenyan safari, trying our damnedest to spot the Big Five. But even if we weren't so fortunate, we could at least fall back on the anticipation of the guided hike of Mt. Kilimanjaro that is next, which, along with nights camping and our guide's intrepid tales, would surely top our previous feat of scaling Table Mountain.

The crown jewel of the trip would take us north once more for a few nights in the world's most palatial hotel, the 7-star Burj Al Arab of Dubai. Perhaps it does not so easily fit into my African adventure, but a stay at this architectural gem and personal fascination is indeed a dream.

Then, like so many good trips, it's a long flight back home to share a cornucopia of photos, journal entries, and stories with those I was troubled to leave behind.

Matthew's Travel Tips

• Travelin' Shoes: One of the greatest conveniences you can provide yourself with is a good pair of sturdy, comfortable, multi-purpose traveling shoes. Having one good pair of shoes for all (or most) occasions can keep you comfortable, fashionable, in high spirits, and save you valuable luggage space.

• Fly Free: Especially with today's travel expenses, airlines are filling planes to capacity, and frequently overbooking them. While waiting to board a plane, sit near your gate's desk--in the event of an overbooked flight, you can often get vouchers for free future flights just by waiting a few extra hours and taking later flight to your destination.

• Get Lost: Travel is more than a series of destinations; it is also about transit. When you find yourself unable to reach a destination as easily as you'd like, put your panic on the backburner and take in the experience. Getting lost often results in the best surprise photographs, the best hidden eateries, and the best stories.