I’m continuing my week of blogging for a few reasons; firstly having a contest to win a vacation is never a deterrent, and secondly, I feel like I’ve been to some interesting places, and this is a great venue in which to share those adventures. I have to say thanks to OMC for putting this incentive out there, as I will continue to blog even after the contest closes.

I thought I’d share my thoughts on a trip I took to South Africa on business, as it’s probably where I’ve felt the most joy and pain at the same time. It’s an absolutely stunning country of natural resources and wildlife, scarred by human sadness. I spent a week in and around the area of Johannesburg, lucky enough to have a local colleague taking me around.

The weekend started off with a visit to Pilanesberg Game Reserve, where I came face-to-face with many animals including giraffe, spring boks (the national animal and name of their famous rugby team), elephants and hippos. It was a breathtaking experience in nature. There’s nothing like stopping at a café in the middle of the wilderness for some tea, with a giraffe standing behind you! Following the park, we spent a few hours relaxing in Sun City, which is a waterpark and resort type area not far away.  

Sunday I treated myself to a day at a spa in Johannesburg where tranquility was in abundance. Never before have I experienced a facial and pedicure at the same time, and I think I caught myself drifting off (and snoring) at least a few times! The excellent treatments were followed by a light lunch on a beautiful sun deck.

Near the end of my visit I had the opportunity to visit Soweto; the famous township of revolution and human spirit. Throughout my stay I had a driver to take me to and from work, as public taxis are not necessarily safe. He was from Soweto and showed me around. Out of my whole time in South Africa, this visit had to have been the most powerful. Talking to the people of the township and seeing the differences in living conditions (from shacks with no electricity to beautiful houses) was amazing. The pinnacle was visiting the house where Nelson Mandela grew up. I don’t know what it was, but as soon as I set foot inside I could not stop crying. He was always a hero to me growing up as a child, but I didn’t expect this visceral reaction. Since my visit I have done research and there are now many quaint bed and breakfast locations in Soweto, and should I return I will without a doubt stay there.