Today’s tidbit: “There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find ways in which you yourself have altered.” – Nelson Mandela

Earlier this week I shared my last adventure in SA, Boulders Beach + Winery in Cape Town. As I mentioned in the very first SA post, The start: SA + flight + night 1, a lot of people were shocked when I said this is where I was going and that it isn’t a common vacation place. South Africa is a popular travel destination for many countries in Europe and all over the world. Hopefully now you can see why! It really is a rainbow nation with a little of everything.

“To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” ― Aldous Huxley

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! Today will wrap up an unforgettable trip, sharing our last night and flight. I hope you’ve enjoyed following along our journey.

Sneak peek image:

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

{last night in Cape Town} While in Cape Town, we stayed at the Inn on the Square for a few nights. We went with our Aussies friends from the tour to the hotel bar a couple time, sharing many laughs and making friends with the bar tenders. After our very busy private tour day in Cape Town with hotspots2c (part 1 at the township, part 2 at Cape of Good Hope and part 3 at Boulders Beach) my mom and I headed to the hotel restaurant and bar.

The night started with complementary wine and cheese followed by a delicious dinner, more wine, and dessert. We then went to the bar where the bartenders were asking where all our friends were (Chris they remembered you!). We enjoyed the famous Springbok shot, a new favorite. After many stories and laughs (and them trying to get me to come out with after their shift ended), my mom and I headed back to the room to pack. 

{Cape Town International airport} The next morning, after a beautiful drive, we made it to the airport where we were flying to Johannesburg.

Picture below: arriving in Johannesburg.

{Johannesburg, Tambo International airport} Once we arrived in Joburg we had a few hours until our fight back home. We wandered around the airport, used wifi and bought some alcohol to bring back.

As you saw throughout the SA posts the flowers below are Protea, a new favorite!

{Johannesburg to Dulles. Flight home}  Back in the plane heading home. We pulled away from the gate during sunset. It was an interesting flight as there was a group of rugby players next to us. I ended up talking to a few of them who were so excited and had never been to the USA before. They were coming for a month and heading to D.C., Chicago, San Francisco and Las Vegas and were asking about the different places. It was a great way to break up the flight and they were thrilled I liked their home, South Africa.

The food was pretty good and they did a great job accommodating gluten free! We had dinner along with breakfast on the flight home, along with complimentary drinks.

{back home} After a long flight, I was back home where Sammy ran in circles whining and jumping on me. He is so cute, it was a nice welcome home. I did miss him, and all my family and friends, but it’s strange… a large part of me didn’t want to be back.

I was good about what I brought back, mostly presents that were handmade. I loved all the local bead work! Below are the goodies I got for myself.

I can’t believe it was only 3 weeks ago when I had been sitting on the plane at Dulles so excited to get this international journey started. Amazing how much we fit in to 3 weeks… how much we saw, experienced and changed. It was a journey for sure! The trip changed me in ways I never expected but am thankful for. I will be doing a reflection post with more on that soon.

Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Easter!