There were so many emotional highs in South Africa with every moment of safari and Victoria Falls, paragliding, Robben Island, the Cape Town Street Parade, etc.  But there are more!

Living in Cape Town for a month, I crossed paths with Nelson Mandela almost on a daily basis. Not the man himself, of course, but through powerful public art and his exceptional, ageless eloquence.  I am in awe of his choices and his determination, as I learned more about his life and circumstances.  I had some specific encounters while in South Africa that I particularly appreciated.

In Cape Town, there is an annual tradition at the start of the year – a full day street parade.  When we got there, we realized it was a whole lot more than a few marching bands and dancers.  The magic started with asking a gentleman about the flavour of his potato chips.

Fourth month with Remote Year, so fourth country – South Africa.  To get from North America to Europe, I crossed longitudes, and had to face jet lag.  To get from Europe to South Africa, the time zones weren’t a challenge*, but I crossed latitudes – or rather, I hopped right over both tropics and woke up in the middle of summer when my brain is used to January being winter.  I’m facing season lag?!  But no complaints about so much fun in the sun!