Today’s tidbit: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” ― Lao Tzu

It has been a really rough week, for personal reasons I don’t want to get into yet. While in South Africa it was sunny and warm the entire trip (aside from 2 much needed rainy days). Since I have been back (both to New York the day after and now back in the DC area) it has rained every day! Enough.

I am trying to focus on the positive… and finally start sharing my adventure to South Africa!! We left exactly 1 month ago from today but it seems like it was SO much longer!

Where to start? A lot of people were shocked when I said this is where I was going and that it isn’t a common vacation place. While that might be true in the United States (I guess), South Africa is a popular travel destination for many countries in Europe and all over the world. I was not going to relax by the beach and sip on delicious drinks (although I did that also). I have been fortunate to do that on other vacations, like to the Bahamas and Caribbean. Instead I was never looking at this like a vacation but rather an adventure. And that’s exactly what it was – an adventure in every way! I am such an animal person and love being outside exploring and taking everything in. I love seeing other cultures, customs and lifestyles.

Sneak peek image:

Be sure to click below to read more and check out more pictures. Enjoy!

I guess this is really a tease post! I know so many of you keep contacting me wanting to see pictures. Here is on the way to the airport, check in, flight and arrival that night. The next post will really start with the wildlife and beauty there.

Heading to the airport. As I mentioned in my September + South Africa blog post, my mom and I left on 9.11. As my brother drove my mom (who flew from NY to BWI first) and I to IAD we saw American pride and reminders. On the beltway there was a motorcycle group of hundreds heading to DC. Most had helmets, military clothes and/or flags attached to the bikes. We almost missed our exit, as it is like a funeral procession where you don’t want to break the line. It was a nice reminder. Once at Dulles, there were American flags standing out front, flown at half-staff (or half-mast). It was a beautiful clear afternoon and the flags blew so beautifully in the breeze.

Airport. After check in, ready to head to the gate. I was in all neutrals and my mom pointed out I matched the tiling. I never noticed it before, but the floor seems so lifeless until I really looked and saw all the sparkle and little stones shining. Little details.

While waiting at the gate I also worked on a few things left for Allie & Brian’s wedding!

Flight. I have only been to India and Germany when I was in elementary school so I don’t really remember it. The longest flight I have been on recently was 6 hours to California. I couldn’t wait to get this international trip started! Of course I had some essentials for the 18 hour flight. In all honesty between the music, movies, sleeping, conversation and food/drinks it wasn’t bad at all!

Goodbye DC.

The food was actually pretty good and they did a great job accommodating gluten free! We had dinner (shown below) along with breakfast and lunch on the way there.

Flipping through one of the magazines on the plane, I came across this opening spread. I thought it was powerful and brilliant. And now, having been to South Africa I totally agree – “Existence can be hard… see simple moments when life’s celebration and beauty can be found.” I think that really sums it up!

Landed!

After arriving in Johannesburg, we had over an hour drive to our first ranch. My mom and I traveled all over the country, going with different tours and staying in a variety of hotels and ranches. The first was Heia Safari Ranch. By the time we got there it was dark out so we couldn’t see too much. We did walk around the grounds a little, where we were stopped in our tracks by giraffe walking around! What a great welcome! SO SURREAL. We ended the night with an Amarula (check it out, SO good!) drink and dessert. Perfect.

Isn’t the rondavel amazing at night?

And when we woke up, here is where we were staying.  More daylight pictures coming in the next post.

Are you as excited to see more as I am to show you? Eee, look for a post next week showing Day 1 & 2 staying here, and all the amazing wildlife that was literally steps away!!

Have a wonderful weekend.