The one country I have always wanted to visit is South Africa and in 2017 as a surprise for a very significant birthday my husband John, who is not given to making or arranging grand gestures, helped me I realize my dream.
My birthday is at Christmas and we were on a cat sit in London when he presented me with the most incredibly detailed album and guide, all his own work, of this incredible 3 week adventure he had arranged with a specialist tour company … a dream come true.
We were to fly to Johannesburg, catch the Blue Train to Cape Town, tour the Garden Route & wineries, with a final stop at the Shamwari Game Reserve where our Veterinary Surgeon daughter had volunteered during her training and had always said “Mummy you have to go one day” … well I did.
You can imagine just how many pictures I have … but I don’t want to be that picture bore, here are a few, probably not the best ones either but 1K + is quite a number to screen.
Thank you @Karen_E for giving me a real reason to take a picture look down memory lane.
Amazing holiday and pictures Angela! My hubby and I did South Africa about seven years ago and loved every minute of that vacation. It was the first time we had stayed in guest houses - I tend to lean towards hotels when not house sitting. I was blown away by the guest houses in South Africa - one of my favorite all time destinations!
I will return one day @Globetrotter it is a very special place. I found Cape Town to be a mixture of Vancouver & Sydney. We had previously been to Kenya and the Masai Mara and lived in North Africa for 3+ years.
Thank you for sharing @Angela_L … Looking at your lovely photos, brings back so many wonderful memories of my own. You certainly covered a lot in those 3 weeks.
@Angela_L I have to say this has never been on my bucket list, but after looking at all your pics, I think I may have to reconsider. I guess I just never imagined the type of beauty you have shown.
Thank you @Debbie-L and I have to say they are nowhere near the best, the Garden Route is stunning. My husband worked all over West Africa and we lived in the North of the country for 3 years and he just was not interested in going to S Africa, so planning my surprise really was a labor of love. He would return in a heartbeat …
it is the most captivating country with amazing people.
@Dace wow, I only briefly clicked on those links and was hit with some amazing-looking food… I will explore the website further and I love the Lake District so great recommendation.
Yes I love the Sol Duc. The road closes in Winter. This was the waterfall before Sol Duc Falls last year. Because of its diversity Olympic is my favorite National Park.
Wasn’t traveling but the year I turned 55,
I treated myself to a contract of flying lessons! I should clarify, small Cessnas, 2-4 seater planes.
Sorry pics are buried somewhere but it is up there, literally, as one of the the greatest highlights of this life.
… South Africa is simply stunning 
