So I’ve been home for a week now and I can say that it is good to be back home to family and friends. But I think those few weeks I spent in South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe will having a lasting impact on my life. This truly was a trip of a lifetime! I am so glad that I made the decision to go and I don’t think I could have chosen a nicer group of people of all ages to experience it with. Truly, some of the nicest folks!
As I look back at my time in Africa, it was definitely amazing to get so up close and personal with the animals and the Falls were out of this world. Not sure I ever got the “perfect shot” (meaning pic) but I most certainly have some pretty awesome memories!
We all enjoyed some great adventures, good food (diet is already in progress) and drink (love the Amarula) but I think what I’ll remember most and what now has a place in my heart will be the African countryside and it’s people. The rolling hills and valleys, miles and miles of eucalyptus forests and fruit trees, crashing waves of both the Indian and Atlantic oceans, and then almost desert like prairies or grasslands. Just beautiful! But at the same time, we saw some of the poorest townships and conditions that some of the African people live in and it really opened my eyes to what’s outside my world. Sure you see this on TV or in the news but to witness firsthand is something completely different. Visiting and playing with the children in the orphanage in Zimbabwe and the township in Swaziland was really a time I will treasure. Seeing how these children live and then seeing the smiles and laughter and their excitement to see our bus coming to visit is a memory that I won’t soon forget. Makes you really appreciate the smaller things in life and want to do more for those less fortunate which I now plan to do.
Our guide Chris talked with passion and pride about his country of South Africa and it’s people and all that the government is doing to help. I cannot thank him enough for sharing this passion with all of us and giving us some AMAZING memories! Thank you Chris!