Eric Close's Life-Changing Journey

(CBS)  "Without A Trace" star Eric Close now looks at the world through a different lens.

Close has just returned from a life-changing trip to South Africa, where he and his wife visited schools and villages that have been affected by the AIDS epidemic.

"It was the first time. It was on that bucket list," Close told Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith.

In conjunction with CBS' Watch Magazine, which promotes CBS shows and takes their stars around the world on exotic trips, Close got the opportunity of a lifetime.

The journey provided Close the opportunity to spend some time with orphans suffering from HIV or AIDS.

He said that there is a lot of misunderstanding by governments who tend to have an archaic perspective on the disease and how to treat and control it.

"That's what is so great about what the Africa Foundation is doing with CC Africa (Conservation Corporation Africa, which generates money from tourist safaris). They put their dollars back into helping the community and their mission is taking care of the land, the animals and serving the people of Africa. They do that for the Africa Foundation, which we do the PSAs (Public Service Announcements) for. They are educating the kids about their surrounding areas."

Not only are the orphans without parents and are suffering from HIV and AIDS, oftentimes they don't even get to see the incredible wildlife that surrounds them - a contributing factor that could be utilized for their livelihood.

"Some kids who live in these villages haven't even seen an elephant that is only 50 miles away. They take them out to the brush and introduce them to the wildlife," Close explained.

Close and his wife were able to take in Africa's natural beauty as well.

"It was unbelievable, everything we saw. We saw kills, lions taking down zebra and we saw elephants. The only thing that we didn't see was cheetah," he said.

"You have to go," Close added. "Take your Nikon and shoot some pictures and I'll tell you, it's pretty amazing."

Close, now a changed man, will return to "Without A Trace," where he will continue to act and also direct two more episodes.

[kathyqualex]

I have to agree with Casey - mainly because vivi made no sense at all. Was vivi even speaking in English? Anyway, I am so sick and tired of hearing about all the celebs and candidates running for President of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA worrying about AIDS IN AFRICA. We are a country in dire straits right now and we have our own epidemic of HIV/AIDS related issues. We are the intelligent ones who should be funded to do the research to find the cures for our own health problems. Where do you think most of the doctors are educated who "go back to their homeland"? Right here in the good ole USA! Keep the money here and educate our own people. We''re slowly becoming as poverty-stricken as those Third World countries. We really need to concentrate on US, the US! The people of Africa won''t become extinct just because the USA (United SUCKERS of America) ends all ties to their country. Wake up Americans and smell your own coffee!

[casey0157]

I''m glad that people can still fulfill dreams when so many of us worry about keeping our homes, finding jobs and afford healthcare. Has anyone visited our orphanages...here in the U.S.? I do feel for those kids in Africa and all but they have never seen or had much more than they have now despite losing their parents but kids in the U.S. are used to having it all and some not so much and now they have nothing but a system to rely on and how many get lost in that. I worry about our own before I step over our children to help others in another country. I was unemployed almost 8 years, lost my home of 20 years to foreclosure after divorce and have been living in hotels by-the-week for over a year. I cannot qualify for an apartment or funding to purchase a new home now that I have a job, so my dog and I climb over each other in this room. So good for you that you can enjoy the beauty of Africa, I''d love to see Italy, Prague, maybe even Greece but I think I would like to help foster some children when I can get back on my feet.