theBlog @reneepearson.com
Tales of a Scrapbooking Groupie: The Great Adventure Part 2.1
It’s kind of odd to tell the story of this adventure in parts. However, in this case it feels better that way. As I mentioned in part 1 of my story of this great adventure, there was just too much that took place to tell the story in one post. For me traveling to Africa for the first time and visiting the continent from which the human race evolved was an amazing opportunity. Added to that was the powerful thought of setting foot on the continent from which so many of my ancestors were spirited away into slavery centuries ago. I knew that questions would be answered for me, but I wasn’t sure of what those questions were.
I must put the picture above at the beginning of this part of the story. Our very first tour in S. Africa was to Robben Island. During the tour we took a moment to speak one on one with the guide leading our group. His name was Thabo. His question to us was very simple … Is this your first trip to Africa? When we responded that it was, he looked at us, smiled, and simply said ‘Welcome Home.’ Whew!! Words cannot express my feelings at that moment. The cork was off of the champagne. Now for the rest of the story.
The first part of the adventure was the phenomenal time with American scrapbookers first in Capetown and later on Safari. The last part of the adventure being the eye-opening and somewhat unsettling time with S. African scrapbookers in Johannesburg. It’s taken over five years to gather my thoughts on all that took place. This is part 2 of the adventure, but it is not the last part. Let’s continue with the story.
Cape Town was one of the most beautifully sophisticated cities I had ever visited. It took me totally by surprise.
I could feel the excitement. That excitement was clearly shared by the entire group. Visiting Africa for the first time was awesome in itself. The added anticipation of all that was planned during our visit was intoxicating.
Those of us who traveled together from the USA spent several days enjoying the sights and venues of Cape Town before we were to meet up with the remainder of the group for safari. There was Robben Island, Victoria Wharf, Table Mountain, Clock Tower, and so much more. Having the opportunity to visit the prison and see the actual cell where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for decades for his resistance to the ruling National Party’s apartheid policies was an experience that I will treasure for the remainder of my life. The faces, the sounds, and the rhythm of S. Africa was unique.
Our time together in and around Cape Town was fantastic! Scenes like those shown above were visible in all directions. Clearly the fruits of being the strongest economy on the African continent were evident all around us.
The above pictures were taken at a restaurant near Cape Town called Moyo. We visited this restaurant at the end of our time in Cape Town to enjoy some live African music and some sophisticated African dining together. We were not disappointed. From the beginning when our faces were adorned with decorative paint, to the music which was sensational, to the menu that included items that you are more likely to hear about on National Geographic than on the menu at an upscale restaurant. Yum!
Some of us stayed close to Cape Town and explored the local scene and the rich history of Cape Town while others visited tenements and swam with the sharks. Just one magic moment after another. Our group got to know each other much better and grew a lot closer as a result of our shared experiences. Many of my questions about what motivates and drives scrapbook industry professional were also being answered as result of this trip and our time together.
Now we’re loading our luggage onto a small bus and preparing to head off to the game preserve for Safari. Everyone has finally arrived and for many of us, this will be our first safari. So exciting! I’ll share more in part 3 of the Great Adventure.
I must admit up front that a Safari today is not a Tarzan and Jane sort of affair. It’s more luxury and Land Rover than tents and pack mules. Plus we’ll be spending a lot more time together as a group.
See you soon!
