Lion Park Videos

THE END

So I've officially been home for a week and I think it's about time I wrote my final post. These past 7 1/2 months have FLOWN by (just as I suspected they would!). I am so thankful for the experiences I have had over the past 7 1/2 months. I have gotten to see so much of the world, truely experience living life in two different countries, and have really gotten to know Donovan's family. There hasn't been a single second that's gone by where I regretted quitting my job and going on this adventure. Unfortunately, my thirst for traveling has still not been quenched but beings that half of my family is in South Africa (and I'm spending my life with Donovan), I suppose that's a good thing!

Leaving South Africa was bittersweet. Leaving Donovan was difficult but I know I'll see him soon and I know we'll be together forever. Leaving his family was a bit harder because I don't know when I'll see them next! Especially leaving his niece and nephews who will grow so much between now and the next time I see them. Being back in NJ, it's nice to see my family and friends and get started on "real" life AKA interviews, jobs, blah blah blah. But the lifestyle and people in South Africa is definitely something to be missed. Even though they work so hard, their lifestyle is just more relaxed. I guess with the sunny weather and the maids, it's bound to be a party!

So what can I say to wrap up my travels? There is really nothing to say but I've met so many stunning people, and had so many amazing experiences. I've climbed the Eiffel Tower, saw the Colluseum, been to a German concentraion camp, slept on a park bench in Venice, partied in London, went on game drives in South Africa, saw the pyramids (yes I saw the pyramids from the plane during my stopover in Cairo!), and gotten a frieking TAN! And I've gotten to do all this with my wonderful fiance (and my crazy cousin, respectfully).

Most importantly, I've gotten to know Donovan's family and friends and seen where he grew up and what shaped him as a person.

I can't wait for Donovan's family to come here and everyone to meet each other. But most of all, I can't wait to see what the next phase of my [our] life encompasses. One thing I know: it will be an adventure in itself.

Well, how else can I end my blog than with this simple truth: "There's no place like home." (but it's not so bad leaving it every now and then if you know you're coming back!)

I still owe a "final" blogpost...but here are some videos in the mean time...

Jordan (4) and Joshua (7) on the morning of their first day of school!

Natalie (Donovan's sister) and Janine (her friend) swinging on swings at the strawberry farm.

And again!

I'm sorry I suck at blogging

I've done so well for the most of my trip and now I have no excuse...I've just been slacking...and I'm sorry! Today was my last day of work. Through my work I've actually created a new position in the company and I trained the girl today. On Friday we drove 12 hours back from Mussel Bay. It was a great holiday. We were there for 2 and a half weeks! Our villa had a beautiful view of the ocean and you could hear the waves crashing at night. We spent nearly everyday at the beach (including my birthday--it was the first time I ever got sun burn on my birthday!). Other days we went shopping and we went to a strawberry farm one day (Red Berry Farm). We ate like pigs though! Every night we had spaghetti and lamb and steak and chicken and salad and garlic bread and oysters and snails and prawns and fish and champagne and vodka and on and on and on. I don't even like lamb but once I tried the lebanese dish (Kibbeh), which is made of raw lamb and I LOVED it! I also tried snails for the first time which I also loved. My birthday was very nice. They got me cupcakes and sang to me and I got a watch, a cute pink ladies poker set, and Donovan gave me my official engagement ring! It's a trilogy of diamonds that are kind of in the shape of flowers. Needless to say, it's gorgeous! We played poker nearly every night. The first night I won and the last night I tied for first (well, me and donovan split the pot) which was like $150 each! Thank God because we needed to pay for gas to get home! I am enjoying my last week back in Joburg and am flying out as planned, on Thursday. I think I mentioned that I had a phone interview...well I had another one with the account director while I was away and now I have an "in-person" interview on the Monday when I get back! Wish me luck! I can't wait to see everyone! But I am dreading the cold! I will probably upload all my pictures when I get home and do a final blog entry. I can't believe how quickly these past 7 months have gone but I am anxious to get back to "real life", but I'm sure that will pass after like a week of being home...well, anyway, what's everyone doing Saturday night? (LOL I waste no time)