South Africa

Chris here,

Well the Earth continues to spin on its axis, and time continues to fly by. This post should have been written some time ago-- but who's keeping score, right?

Some months ago, August actually, I joined a group of wonderful students and two other professors on a school trip to South Africa. My role was to intern for the International Strategic Communication Management program, which I have since been asked to take over for the next academic school year. The program focuses on building strong skills in creating communication campaigns for real clients-- this year's client was the country of South Africa's Tourism Board. My students were tasked with creating a marketing campaign aimed at encouraging Singaporeans to consider South Africa for future international vacations. And, in order for them to create such a campaign, they would have to go for themselves and visit all of the "must-see" sights that the incredible country has to offer! What a trip!

We first flew to Johannesburg ("Jo-Burg," or "Josie" for the locals) and spent a few days discovering recent yet prolific history. We visited many culturally significant spots and learned a great deal about apartheid in South Africa; visiting jails and museums that house a wealth of information about Nelson Mandela, Gandhi, and many others who worked tirelessly to bring South Africans of all colors to be the great "Rainbow Nation" it strives to be today. 

We then headed north to the incredible Pilanesberg National Park for two days of animal adventuring. Seeing rhinos, wildebeests, impalas, and giraffes up close was an experience I'll never forget. Nor was the afternoon standoff we had with a bull elephant in must who trumpeted at our jeep as if to say "I'm a lot bigger than you and you are in my way, MOVE!" We weren't slow to retreat to a safer distance to then watch as he pushed over trees that were unable to move with such swiftness as we did. 

From the game park we headed south to Cape Town for a couple days of touring South Africa's wine country while also taking a day trip to Robben Island (the Alcatraz-esque prison that housed Mandela). Wine country in South Africa is similar to that of California, only with more monkeys and zebras. As you can tell from the pictures, it was an amazing trip. Next year's destination-- Sri Lanka. Cheers, 

Chris

Making Friends

Jazzy here.....Sorry it has been a while since I posted. I have been busy making new friends!

excuse me, who are you?

is that a......

GET THAT WILD CHICKEN!!!!!

my new BFF, Jasper

Jasper and I are contemplating playing Life or Risk

with mommy at the dog park

My bowtie says "Happy 4th of July"......my face says "What the Hell"

all my new friends!!

Happy 4th of July! 

Entertaining all my new friends is exhausting! 

BALI!!

Melissa here...Chris took me on a birthday trip I will never forget. We only had two days, but we absolutely fell in love with Bali, Indonesia. I was able to get off of work at 4 pm on Friday and we were in paradise by 8 pm! We stayed at an amazing Balinese Villa with a private pool, outdoor bathroom and full kitchen. We loved the villa and were amazed at how welcoming and courteous the Indonesian staff were. We learned that although Indonesia, which is comprised of over 17,000 islands, is mainly Muslim, 95% of Balinese adhere to Hinduism. We were interested in little palm leaf packets of flowers we saw on the streets outside of every business, on statues and temples, and all over the beach. Some of the packets contained various flower petals, money, incense, crackers and other treats. We learned that the packets are offerings to the Gods for good luck and prosperity for the people and the businesses for the day, as well as a ritualistic praise to the Gods.
We also loved the architecture and Balinese style of living...think open air/ indoor outdoor/ wood and bamboo with natural highlights of stone and flora. The people were very warm, laid back and easy going. For example, we hired a taxi and the driver was happy to spend the whole day with us driving us from here to there, waiting for us, recommending interesting places to visit and making sure we were back to the villa in time for dinner! He did all of this with a smile on his face and for a mere 20 dollar charge!

The sunsets and beaches speak for themselves. (See pics below...)

The food was awesome! Of note was some BBQ ribs we had at a little place called Naughty Nuri's. Sorry my southern family, but these ribs were the BEST!!

Although it was a quick trip, we did get a sense of all Bali has to offer and we will surely be back soon! Thanks Chris for a GREAT birthday trip!

canang sari

get ready!!

 

look Julie, Succulents!! 

palm leaf flags. I love these. reminds me of the spine, maybe??

tanah lot temple (accessible only at low tide)

love his eyes!! 

got milk?

grampa grumpy monkey

Balinese fruit bat! 

so tired.......

offerings at the villa for the guests health and joy

this is what pure joy looks like

Goodbye Bali. We will be back......xoxo