As usual, my next set of travel plans have all come together at the last minute. Actually, in this case, it didn’t come together at the last minute, but at the very last minute. I will travel to South Africa on Saturday.
Let me just recap the past couple of weeks. After my Eurail trip came to an end, I traveled to Istanbul in order to meet up with some friends for about ten days. I then flew for 22 hours in order to get back to the US just in time for Thanksgiving. I arrived the night before (November 23rd), spent the holiday with my family and then immediately began working on my future travel plans.
And now, I’m flying out to South Africa on Saturday, this Saturday, in two days time.
While these South Africa plans have been in the works for a couple of months now, I was not able to fully confirm my schedule until yesterday due to some other projects that I’m currently working on. But now it’s a go and lions I shall hopefully see.
So, what’s this South African trip all about?
I feel remarkably fortunate to have this opportunity because my trip is actually organized by the South African Tourism Board. Along with several other bloggers – Jessica Spiegel (@bootsnall), Rachelle Lucas (@travelblggr), JD Andrews (@earthxplorer) & Matthew Karsten (@expertvagabond) – I’ve been invited to visit this country in order to get acquainted with what this land has to offer. And believe me, this would have to be one insanely magnificent trip to convince me to fly 20+ hours to Johannesburg just 9 days after flying 22 hours from Istanbul to the US.
While this trip will be much shorter than my recent stay in Europe, the two weeks that I will spend in South Africa is going to full of activities, all of which my brain still can’t believe I’ll actually be participating in.
What kind of activities?
I do want to keep this post under 5000 words so I’ll just list a handful of what’s on the itinerary…actually, you know what, I don’t feel like listing the activities below. I feel like telling you myself. So, here it goes…
So there you have it. And the truth is, I’m looking forward to not only experiencing South Africa for myself, but to sharing the journey with you as well because, after this recent European trip, with all of the comments and emails that came in from everyone, I realized once again that this site is nothing without all of you.
And so, I hope that you will now follow along with me as I travel to South Africa and continue to share with me your suggestions and advice and to always feel comfortable in asking me any questions about anywhere I’ve been.
I’m really loving the interaction that’s been taking place here and I absolutely feel that, while it might be me who is getting on the plane Saturday, in truth, we’re all going to South Africa together…
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Love how excited you are in the video. It’s great to see that after 12 years you still feel those sensations because I’m hoping that never goes away for me either.
@Nomadic Samuel – Believe me, if I didn’t still feel excited about traveling, I would have stopped by now! Luckily, knowing that I’m about to visit a new country is an amazing feeling, especially when I think of all the possible adventures and interactions to come…
Hey Shaun – Well, unfortunately, we had to miss the shark cage diving due to rough seas and I’m not sure if we’ll be able to squeeze it in at this point. It was definitely disappointing but at least my arms and legs are still attached…that is obviously a bonus!
A little off the tangent but – when are you going to explore China next Earl!? All these invitations to explore some wonderful countries yet the most vast and most interesting country of all has barely been scratched by you! 🙂
Projections are that China will be the #1 tourist destination in a few year’s time.
Hey Kan – I’m not sure about China. It will happen eventually of course but I’ve just somehow never made it there so far. Perhaps because it is too big and I like to explore a country thoroughly. These days, with all of the things I’m working on, I wouldn’t be able to go for as long as I would like. But again, I shall get there!
Hey Drew – I was actually contacted by the PR company that put the trip together for the Tourism Board. It certainly is quite a trip I must say and I feel quite lucky to have been selected.
Sounds awesome! I’d really like to go to South Africa someday but I don’t know a whole lot about it, so I’m really looking forward to reading your posts. Have fun!
Hey Ali – I’ll admit, I knew very little as well and so I’m excited to learn about this country myself. Hopefully S. Africa will move up a few notches on your list once you see what it really does have to offer!!
This is awesome news and you mentioned a lot of very fun sounding activities that you will be getting into in South Africa! Also great to learn that your favorite animal is the Hippo – they are pretty cool!
Fantastic! Isn’t this life amazing that it enables you to make last minute decisions to go to South Africa?! Will you be staying around to explore more of the continent?
Hey Erin – It is amazing and that’s why such freedom gets addicting! And I won’t be staying in Africa after the trip unfortunately. I have some things I need to do but a return to Africa is in the works for 2012…
That’s fantastic you’re going to South Africa! It’s so beautiful and amazing in countless ways. Your itinerary sounds jam-packed with adventure and fun. Seeing animals in their natural inhabitat on safari is the best! Not sure about the shark cage-diving – still uncomfortable with the controversy around whether baiting them makes them associate food with people and increases attacks. Will be looking forward to your blog posts about your trip. Enjoy!
Hey Merna – Thank you for the comment and for following along! It’s funny how excited one can get when they think of observing animals on a safari. And I can only imagine it’s infinitely more exciting when you’re actually on the ground observing them! I can’t wait 🙂
How incredibly exciting! I can’t wait to read about your trip.
Loved the video, I kept thinking, “hmm is he lying down?” Maybe it was the shock of everything you’re about to do and all that awesome information sinking in? lol
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your lifestyle with us 🙂
Congratulations! Sounds like an amazing trip. Looking forward to reading about your adventures. South Africa is on our list but we won’t get there till around 2013 or so!
Safari? Sharks? Crocodiles? Hippos? Penguins? Can we come?? 😉 We’ll travel with you through your posts, I guess!
You’ll have such a good time… enjoy South Africa!
Sounds like an amazing trip, Earl. Love that it is so last minute – they often make the best trips! An African safari is really high in my travel plans. The cage diving with sharks…not so much. Living in Australia, I’m terrified of them. Have an awesome time! Can’t wait to hear about it and see the pics.
Thanks Cherina! I have a feeling the shark cage diving is one of those things that sounds quite fascinating at the moment but probably is a bit intense when it’s actually happening! We’ll see how it goes…
And I do agree that last minute plans often do make for great trips. I love when I don’t know where I’ll be in a few days and then suddenly I’m off to another part of the world!
Great to see your on your way to Africa mate. Although short, I’m sure this small taste will leave you wanting more. South Africa even as a stand alone destination has an extreme variety of things to see and experience.
Hey Jason – It does seem like an ideal stand alone destination and the two weeks will certainly be quite busy. I’m really excited to finally be traveling there. Stay well!
Linda, I'd rather be traveling
December 1, 2011 at 7:52 pm - Reply
1. Laying on the floor helps with gravity…..um…in my world …facial lines!~
2. I loved your video, like meeting you in person, and feeling your energy…whew!!
3….not least though, have a super wonderful time….keep safe and I look forward to see you back here.
You made me smile, really smile and laugh out loud !
Hey Linda – I never thought about that with the gravity…perhaps the floor is where I should shoot all of my videos from now on! Glad you enjoyed it…I plan on doing many more videos in the near future 🙂
Hey Zarius – I had to look up Shebeen to see what that is all about….and I do believe the Garden Route is on the itinerary!
Matthew Cheyne
December 1, 2011 at 7:49 pm - Reply
This trip sounds like it has it all. The sharks really bite off the coast of South Africa so you’re shark cage experience is going to be awesome especially if you do it near sunrise or sunset. They seem to go crazy there around those times, much more so than they do here in Australia. The safari sounds great especially all the spotting that you’ll be doing. All you need is a Vuvuzela and a soccer world cup and you’ve got it all covered 🙂
Hey Matthew – That would be perfect…although, after the soccer match I went to in Istanbul a couple weeks ago (which I shall write about soon), I need a break from soccer matches. But shark cage diving, I have a feeling that might never get old, even if one needs a little extra push to get into that cage!
Hey Amanda – Glad to see another person who would be willing to go shark cage diving! And the safaris are definitely something I can’t wait to experience…all I want to see is one hippopotamus!
@The World of Deej – Haha…well, I don’t want to force you to read the blog 🙂 But if you do choose to read about my South Africa trip, I hope you enjoy it and I certainly appreciate it very much!
LOVED your video!!! South Africa is such an incredible country — you’re going to have the best time. Can’t wait to see your posts. I loved Durban btw, I think it’s way overlooked.
Hey Andi – I’ve heard great things about Durban as well, so I was glad to see it on the itinerary. And I’m happy that your video feedback is positive. You never know how it’s going to turn out when you video yourself on the floor.
Hey Ian – Well, I absolutely look forward to exploring your home town. Not sure what my exact schedule is there, but if you see someone walking around who looks as if they’re a little too excited to be there, that’s probably me!
Just got back from South Africa a few weeks ago – my second visit. Amazing country. I would move to Cape Town in a heartbeat! 🙂
Hey Rebecca – Capetown is definitely a city I could live in as well! So I guess I’ll see you there at some point 🙂
Love how excited you are in the video. It’s great to see that after 12 years you still feel those sensations because I’m hoping that never goes away for me either.
@Nomadic Samuel – Believe me, if I didn’t still feel excited about traveling, I would have stopped by now! Luckily, knowing that I’m about to visit a new country is an amazing feeling, especially when I think of all the possible adventures and interactions to come…
Hi Earl
Can’t wait to read all about your adventures. Keep your arms and legs inside the shark cage to 🙂
Hey Shaun – Well, unfortunately, we had to miss the shark cage diving due to rough seas and I’m not sure if we’ll be able to squeeze it in at this point. It was definitely disappointing but at least my arms and legs are still attached…that is obviously a bonus!
A little off the tangent but – when are you going to explore China next Earl!? All these invitations to explore some wonderful countries yet the most vast and most interesting country of all has barely been scratched by you! 🙂
Projections are that China will be the #1 tourist destination in a few year’s time.
Hey Kan – I’m not sure about China. It will happen eventually of course but I’ve just somehow never made it there so far. Perhaps because it is too big and I like to explore a country thoroughly. These days, with all of the things I’m working on, I wouldn’t be able to go for as long as I would like. But again, I shall get there!
Wow, how’d you get selected for this trip? Just a tad jealous right now.. 🙂
Hey Drew – I was actually contacted by the PR company that put the trip together for the Tourism Board. It certainly is quite a trip I must say and I feel quite lucky to have been selected.
Sounds awesome! I’d really like to go to South Africa someday but I don’t know a whole lot about it, so I’m really looking forward to reading your posts. Have fun!
Hey Ali – I’ll admit, I knew very little as well and so I’m excited to learn about this country myself. Hopefully S. Africa will move up a few notches on your list once you see what it really does have to offer!!
Awesome! Have a wonderful trip — can’t wait to see what ‘we’re’ doing 🙂
@simply three cents – That’s the spirit! I shall let you know the plan once I arrive 🙂
This is awesome news and you mentioned a lot of very fun sounding activities that you will be getting into in South Africa! Also great to learn that your favorite animal is the Hippo – they are pretty cool!
Fantastic! Isn’t this life amazing that it enables you to make last minute decisions to go to South Africa?! Will you be staying around to explore more of the continent?
Hey Erin – It is amazing and that’s why such freedom gets addicting! And I won’t be staying in Africa after the trip unfortunately. I have some things I need to do but a return to Africa is in the works for 2012…
That’s fantastic you’re going to South Africa! It’s so beautiful and amazing in countless ways. Your itinerary sounds jam-packed with adventure and fun. Seeing animals in their natural inhabitat on safari is the best! Not sure about the shark cage-diving – still uncomfortable with the controversy around whether baiting them makes them associate food with people and increases attacks. Will be looking forward to your blog posts about your trip. Enjoy!
Hey Merna – Thank you for the comment and for following along! It’s funny how excited one can get when they think of observing animals on a safari. And I can only imagine it’s infinitely more exciting when you’re actually on the ground observing them! I can’t wait 🙂
How incredibly exciting! I can’t wait to read about your trip.
Loved the video, I kept thinking, “hmm is he lying down?” Maybe it was the shock of everything you’re about to do and all that awesome information sinking in? lol
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your lifestyle with us 🙂
Hey Michele – Haha…that very well could be. I was feeling a little dizzy 🙂
Hey Earl, not commented in a while… Sorry :).
Anyway the trip looks like it’s going to be a once in a lifetime trip (but aren’t they all!). I’m heading to New Zealand in Jan, can’t wait!
Hey Forest – That’s excellent that you’re headed to NZ! Should be a nice change of pace…
And you couldn’t be more correct…every trip is indeed a trip of lifetime!
Congratulations! Sounds like an amazing trip. Looking forward to reading about your adventures. South Africa is on our list but we won’t get there till around 2013 or so!
Hey Mica – 2013 works just as well!
Safari? Sharks? Crocodiles? Hippos? Penguins? Can we come?? 😉 We’ll travel with you through your posts, I guess!
You’ll have such a good time… enjoy South Africa!
@Globetrottergirls: You two never have to ask…you’re ALWAYS welcome to join me!
Sounds like an amazing trip, Earl. Love that it is so last minute – they often make the best trips! An African safari is really high in my travel plans. The cage diving with sharks…not so much. Living in Australia, I’m terrified of them. Have an awesome time! Can’t wait to hear about it and see the pics.
Thanks Cherina! I have a feeling the shark cage diving is one of those things that sounds quite fascinating at the moment but probably is a bit intense when it’s actually happening! We’ll see how it goes…
And I do agree that last minute plans often do make for great trips. I love when I don’t know where I’ll be in a few days and then suddenly I’m off to another part of the world!
I hope you’ll join me for some hippo-tipping fun.
Push em’ over, and run for your life! 😀
Hey Matthew – Sure thing, but I’ll watch you give it a try first!
Great to see your on your way to Africa mate. Although short, I’m sure this small taste will leave you wanting more. South Africa even as a stand alone destination has an extreme variety of things to see and experience.
Enjoy mate, and I’ll be reading along.
Hey Jason – It does seem like an ideal stand alone destination and the two weeks will certainly be quite busy. I’m really excited to finally be traveling there. Stay well!
1. Laying on the floor helps with gravity…..um…in my world …facial lines!~
2. I loved your video, like meeting you in person, and feeling your energy…whew!!
3….not least though, have a super wonderful time….keep safe and I look forward to see you back here.
You made me smile, really smile and laugh out loud !
Hey Linda – I never thought about that with the gravity…perhaps the floor is where I should shoot all of my videos from now on! Glad you enjoyed it…I plan on doing many more videos in the near future 🙂
Be sure to do some Shebeen hopping in Soweto and, if at all possible, do a road trip on the Garden Route.
Hey Zarius – I had to look up Shebeen to see what that is all about….and I do believe the Garden Route is on the itinerary!
This trip sounds like it has it all. The sharks really bite off the coast of South Africa so you’re shark cage experience is going to be awesome especially if you do it near sunrise or sunset. They seem to go crazy there around those times, much more so than they do here in Australia. The safari sounds great especially all the spotting that you’ll be doing. All you need is a Vuvuzela and a soccer world cup and you’ve got it all covered 🙂
Hey Matthew – That would be perfect…although, after the soccer match I went to in Istanbul a couple weeks ago (which I shall write about soon), I need a break from soccer matches. But shark cage diving, I have a feeling that might never get old, even if one needs a little extra push to get into that cage!
Haha, love that you were laying on the floor.
This trip sounds amazing though! I’m super jealous of the safaris and the shark cage diving! I can’t wait to read all about it.
Hey Amanda – Glad to see another person who would be willing to go shark cage diving! And the safaris are definitely something I can’t wait to experience…all I want to see is one hippopotamus!
Well since I read all of these blogs, it looks like I’ll be reading a lot about South Africa in the coming days:)
@The World of Deej – Haha…well, I don’t want to force you to read the blog 🙂 But if you do choose to read about my South Africa trip, I hope you enjoy it and I certainly appreciate it very much!
You are so damn lucky!!! OMG!!! I want to go with you!!!! Take me!!!!!!!!!! Will be looking forward to reading your posts. Be safe and ENJOY!!!
P.S. Did I say take me?
Hey Lori – Sorry, it wasn’t too clear in your comment…did you want me to take you with me by any chance? 🙂
I definitely feel very lucky to have this opportunity so I’l do my very best to share all of the experiences with everyone as much as I can!
LOVED your video!!! South Africa is such an incredible country — you’re going to have the best time. Can’t wait to see your posts. I loved Durban btw, I think it’s way overlooked.
Hey Andi – I’ve heard great things about Durban as well, so I was glad to see it on the itinerary. And I’m happy that your video feedback is positive. You never know how it’s going to turn out when you video yourself on the floor.
Cape Town, my home town.
Hey Ian – Well, I absolutely look forward to exploring your home town. Not sure what my exact schedule is there, but if you see someone walking around who looks as if they’re a little too excited to be there, that’s probably me!