In one word...South Africa was AMAZING! I would have to say it is the most incredible place i have ever visited. Flying there however, was not incredible - more than 28 hours of travel all told - but i would do it again tomorrow ....well maybe not tomorrow - but I have been invited back again next October and I can't wait!
I arrived very early in the morning - we enjoyed a few hours of my arrival at the most beautiful spa I have ever visited. Ingaadi, surrounded by plush Olive trees and nestled in the heart of tranquil African savannah oasis. The experience of this serene sanctuary made for a truly unique spa surrounded with its natural backdrop of African beauty!
View just outside of our massages....
The next day we prepared for our classes with some of the other teachers
Jerry {from bobunny}, Brent and Jen {from Making Memories}, Mona and Carol {from Bazzill Basics} and Marah and myself {Creative Imaginations}
Our signs that we were asked to make ...love the Oceana line by Christine Adolph!
Amazing store that we taught at Scrapbooking Aquila!
some of the sweet women in one of our classes.
The store is located at a mall that overlooks this golf course! Wow! Some days there were more animals than golfers...
Both Marah and myself had the most fabulous time teaching 10 classes and make and takes! We are grateful to all who attended and to Scrapbooking Aquila for inviting us! We both look forward to next year!
After we were finished teaching we spent some time shopping and then headed off to a four day African safari at Zebula!
Shopping in South Africa was so fun! I loved all handmade wares. I must confess I brought home another suitcase. :)
Loved all the beadwork
Loved this shot...:)
I purchased the small drums for the assistants and 2 giraffe's for me! :)
side of the road shopping!
more side of the road shopping....
handcarved purses....incredible works of art!
but my favorite part of visiting South Africa was the people! This beautiful lady and her son "paul" touched my heart! She had some beautiful handmade items in her booth to purchase!
a cobbler on the side of the road working hard.
I just love how the mom's hold their babies! Heartwarming. :)
I realize this post is too long already...i will be back to post photos from our safari in Zebula! Stayed tuned for part two of South Africa!
But of course, I must post a few photos of the assistants and another quote!
Brody singing....
Braeden {love this photo}
Brody {love his elf ears...he wears them like this}
QOTD: "He has the right to criticize who has the heart to help."
See you next year....
God Bless!
cheryl
Nice Pictures!!!!!...
I must say you really had lots of fun there.
Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: African Safari | February 14, 2011 at 03:15 AM
Oh WOW! What a beautiful experience! I bet the assistants loved the drums!
Posted by: Jan Hennings | February 07, 2011 at 10:28 PM
hello, Cheryl-- have been visiting your blog sporadically hoping you would write about your teaching experience here in S.A.--patience rewarded! Thanks for the kind words. THRILLED to hear that you are coming again in Oct. as your Travel class was my favourite Aquila one in 2011 and until now was in 2 minds about booking again.Until then, be well.
Posted by: Jennifer Rogers | January 07, 2011 at 01:48 AM
Beautiful photos, thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Dolores | January 03, 2011 at 05:51 AM
What an amazing adventure you got to go on! It looks like an incredible trip! (And the assistants are too stinkin' cute!)
Posted by: MichelleGB | January 01, 2011 at 08:47 AM
I loved those giraffes but we had no room to bring one back with us when we were there. Your pictures bring back some good memories.
Posted by: Amber Joy | December 30, 2010 at 10:33 PM