2017
All will agree it is a very generic title for 2017. I seem to recall a similar theme two years ago writing a blog post for what was then known as South African Monkey.
The name stuck and I continued to blog on the subject matter.
New Year’s eve is all about resolutions, with the ongoing phrases such as “New Year, New Me”.
Well this does apply, but why leave it till the New Year to bring in such challenges.
Flashback
For us travel is in the blood. 2016 brought some fantastic highlights, and some very low lights.
That being said please check out this post to see a year in review.
Meanwhile this is all about 2017!
The Year Of Travel
Yes you guessed it, I need my fix back and 2017 will do just that. Starting the year as I mean to go on we have just under two weeks until my brother and I depart for Southern Africa to continue our journey in style.
Travel is more than just an experience; it is a way of life.
Who knows where we will end up, or where we will visit on our journey but what we do know is the first part of our adventure is booked.
Why South Africa
With South African blood it was only natural that we would return to our roots.
Our journey will take us from the North to the South of Southern Africa, experiencing a number of landscapes, scenery and wildlife.
Six years ago I retuned to England from a long visit to South Africa with intentions for a short stop off to earn money and return to South Africa.
Delayed at the time I find myself packing up my belongings and selling up ready for a long trip.
Naivety With South Africa
It still amazes me how little people know about South Africa. Like any country, it has its beauty, its corruption and plenty more.
However the comments I hear always amaze me.
Visiting the doctors for a check up, the nurses all speak amongst themselves saying, “Africa, why Africa? Is it safe? Is that where you see a Safari?”
It truly is a naïve world we live in.
I guess being fortunate enough to experience many traditions throughout life I have seen it all and experienced many things others could only dream of.
A spoilt life I guess?
Never the less, South Africa is an upcoming place. Watch this space.
The Year For South Africa
Many people going on a sabbatical, backpacking the world end up in Thailand, America, Australia, to name a few.
However not many visit South Africa, unless they have been offered a placement volunteering in a local village or sanctuary looking after animals.
What people fail to realize is the true beauty behind South Africa.
From the golden reflection on the beaches in the South. To the dry sandy roads with beauty around every corner.
There is no true definition for such a beautiful place. You are only able to truly appreciate it when you witness Sundowners underneath what can honestly be described as the most beautiful sunset you will have ever experienced.
Where We Will Be?
Our adventure takes us from North to South, on a journey of a lifetime.
A post will go up shortly with our initial plans on our journey.
However to begin with we will be spending 2 weeks in Phalaborwa, which is the gate to the Kruger National Game Reserve.
This will shortly be lived as we move on to our next destination in the South at a place called Plettenberg Bay.
Any viewers wanting to feel jealous, just Google both!
Friends And Family
The most amazing part of this trip, which we eagerly await is the journey to see friends and family all across South Africa.
Many we have not seen in years whilst others it feels like it was only just yesterday that we visited them.
One thing for sure that we both agreed on is the fact that we have some special friends. Both in South Africa and in England that we may not see for a long time but bumping into them and catching up it truly feels as if we haven’t been apart.
Summary
So on that note we begin our departure into the unknown, to new beginnings not knowing what we have waiting for us.
From past experience in South Africa, every day is different. Living with my brother for this period of time will truly allow us to live that unexpected lifestyle.
I am known for my random spur of the moment decisions, and Ryan gets that from me.
Here is to many Rum and Cokes. Tales over the fire whilst drying off from a day of surfing the oceans South Africa has to offer.
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