South Africa 2016

This is a super overdue post and I struggled to find the pictures I wanted to add, but here is what I came up with...ENJOY!

I surprised my younger brother by purchasing an airline ticket months in advance, but waited to tell him he was coming with me till a week or so before. He had been talking about wanting to travel with me to South Africa, and I was so glad that it worked out! You're never too young to experience these things in life!

James (and clan) dropped us off at the airport - So appreciated this, as parking and flying wasn't the most ideal for a four week trip.

I booked our layover for Switzerland as I had a friend I wanted to visit, as well as Switzerland had been on my bucket list of places to explore!

My friend picked us up from the airport and brought us back to her place for breakfast and a quick shower!

She had the whole day planned out so well. We visited the Carma Chocolate Academy which is where they make and produce the chocolate for all "Oreo" companies back home as well as most of the specialty chocolates that come from Switzerland - can you name your favourites!? We did a lot of sampling! It was so intriguing, especially or me, as I love all things artzy mixed with sugars! Our guide gave me some "fondant" samples to try in my studio - which added 20lbs to my suitcase (also another great reason to bring a second person travelling with you!).

We travelled into Germany, and then back into Switzerland to see the Rein Falls - it was a super chilly day and we were so not dressed for it, but it was 100% worth it! 

Andrea was such a great tour guide - we walked the old streets of Zurich which are jammed full of history! 

We all know that Swarovski, Crystal Jewelry is made in Switzerland and every year they decorate a tree in the middle of the train station/market in these incredibly dazzling jewels 

And then the streets are decked for Christmas - so pretty and puts you in good Christmas spirits for sure!

We made it to Jo-berg!

I planned the trip so that my parents would be flying out the same day we were flying in so that Jenelle only had to make one trip to the airport. We had a few hours together, before we had to part ways, but it was a nice family moment for sure! 

Micah was such a trooper - definitely a great travel buddy!

Chris trying to get close to pumba jr.

Spending time with this girl is always a highlight! We might not always agree on everything, but I sure do love her and cherish her friendship! She's an invaluable member of my life team!

We made it to Kruger National Park! We spent a good 10hrs there trying to spot the rarest of the rare! We saw a lot including: hyena's, elephants, zebras, many different types of birds, giraffes, black rhino's, warthogs, lions, cape buffalo, and many others.

We found this VIOLIN SPIDER on the wall of our guest house. It is a flesh eating spider -  definitely thankful we found him before he found us!

Micah learning to make pap - not his favorite food, but a huge staple in Swaziland!

Chris and Jenelles favourite stone oven pizza restaurant just out side of Mabane

Micah conquered his fear and I was incredible proud of him! He hates snakes; little tiny garter snakes he can't get near, so this was HUGE for him!

One of my favourite hiking spots about 20min from Jenelle's place. It was roaming with tons of wildlife. To give you a small picture - as we were hiking some zebra crossed the path in front of us... we saw tons of impalas, birds, and foot prints of many other animals we are glad we did not encounter on this trip! 

A sneak peak of some of the roads we traveled on!

Because I'm Rachel and I can't help myself sometimes! This was one day Chris and Jenelle had to go into the office so Micah and I sat poolside all day and got the best burn, but we had so much fun doing it!

The thunderstorms in Swaziland are nothing like you've experienced here in North America! They are super close, super loud, and last a SUPER long time! Micah thought it was funny they were keeping me awake and snapped this picture after I had spent almost 2hrs trying to get a shot of the lightening bolts!

I apologize for this being side ways....Micah got a traditional clothing piece and was very proud of it - not sure how he'll pull this off back home, but....

Enjoying some more pool time!

Studying, Coffee, Sun, and Poolside

This guys is Micah's masterpiece - taken with his LG3

This is what it feels like to wait for 8hrs in an airport BEFORE initial flight takes off!

Again, Micah was such a trooper! As long as he had his music - he was happy!

Searching through the airport in Jo-berg for WIFI was fun! 

This was the longest trip I have ever been on - it took us over 60hrs to get home! The positive note was that we were able to touch down in ICELAND - which is one country that is definitely on my list to return to and really tour around- incredible beauty there folks!

This was as collage that Micah made - our favourite selfies!

Who knows when/if I will ever return to South Africa/Swaziland, but I was super thankful for the opportunity and it will always hold a very special place in my heart! 

CONGRATULATIONS MARIANNA & HEIN CONGRADI :)