It was SO AMAZING being back in South Africa after being away for over 3 years…YIKES!! Needless to say, this trip was long overdue!! While seeing friends was a priority and by far the best part of my trip <3, I did manage to check a few more things off my list. Below, you will find 3 (or more) highlights from each city, plus some things I hope to check off my list next time 😉

Durban

This time:

1. Umhlanga Village/ Umhlanga Rocks

2. Walk from North Beach to South Beach (or the other way around)

3. Florida Road is a must. I ate at Republik the food was great and so was the atmosphere!

Next time:

• Bike the Golden Mile
• Take cable car to top of Moses Mabhida Stadium (to get a great view of Durban)
• Eat more Bunny Chow 😉

Cape Town

This time:

1. Eat braii at Rands

2. Hike Lion’s Peak (or some other part of table mountain)

3. Go to Victoria & Albert Waterfront Mall

4. Bonus 😉 Visited my old church, Every Nation in Rondebosch (formally His People)

Next time:

• Go to the Clifton Beach
• Go to Old Biscuit Mill
• Explore Oranjezicht neighborhood (don’t even think about asking me how to pronounce it…lol)

Johannesburg (aka Jozi)

This time:

1. Go to a rooftop restaurant (and/or bar) in Maboneng

2. Go to NeighbourGoods Market in (Braamfontein or ‘Braam’ for short)

3. Go to Soweto (I took a tour through Curiocity Backpackers)

Bonus: Go rowing at Zoo Lake

Next time:

• See Black Coffee! I left a day before his show this time around 😦
• Go to 27 Boxes in Melville
• Go to Gallery MOMO (for my contemporary art fix)
• Go on a night bike ride with the group from LoveRevo (in Maboneng) (Again ;))

I hope this trip has inspired you to visit one (or more) cool places, even if they are in your own backyard! I am always looking for cool things to see and do, so if you have any suggestions, please reach out and let me know. Also, feel free to ask questions about South Africa. I will try to answer them the best I can 😉

REFLECTION

Have you visited somewhere cool or exciting in the past year? (It can even be in your current city.) If so, what were some of your highlights?

ALTERNATIVE – (If you haven’t, you will! I have faith in you 😀 )

1. If you weren’t able to visit somewhere cool or exciting recently, what is one place would you like to visit this year?
2. What are some of the things you hope to do?

If you have any suggestions, comments and/or questions please leave a comment in the section below or send me a direct message (DM) on Instagram.

LAGNIAPPE / a little something extra./

South Africa has a very special place in my heart ❤ It is a place where I had the privilege of meeting some AMAZING people who not only loved Jesus, but also loved me, right were I was (an imperfect place). I joined a small group to further develop my relationship with Christ. Since my first trip (back in 2009), my life has not been the same. My recent trip was a sweet reminder of how much Jesus loves me!

I want to take this time to let you know that HE LOVES YOU TOO, unconditionally, right where you are! You are the apple of His eye, He knows you (even better than you know yourself!). He cares about you and everything you are going through. No issue, problem or pain is too big (or small) for Him to carry. Rest in knowing that you are dearly loved and accepted by Him.

REFLECTION POINTS

1. What are some ways God has shown you He loves you this year?
2. Are there some things you are going through that seem to heavy to carry? Try surrendering those things to Jesus. Trust me, He can carry the weight.