South Africa Photo Dump (10 months later)

I spent two of the best weeks ever exploring South Africa with some lovely friends last March.  Cape Town is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.  The views just don't quit.

Visiting the Hector Peterson Museum which honors the students who took a stand against apartheid.  

Meet Zoe, the newest member of the Lion Park.  She was only born in October.  

The cubs at the Lion Park were one of our favorite things!  They were so cute, but very naughty.  You see this precious baby eating Cate's scarf.

The people sold just about everything on the side of the road, including fresh grapes!

In Cape Town, we got to go to Holi One, a mix between a rave and the Color Run.  The people watching was first class.  

It was so good to see this beautiful lady.  We have been friends since the awkward, nerdy middle school days.  She was a wonderful host and tour guide!

Remember when I told you about the views?  You're welcome.  

The sunsets were like none I've ever seen.  

The wine farms were AMAZING.  We may have spent a huge percentage of our time there.  

Bachelorette parties galore

My two best friends in the whole world are both getting married next month!!  So I have been in charge of some serious bachloretting.  I got to host J's party here in Nashville which was so much fun!  I took them to some of my favorite places and got to try some new places out!  

I can no longer say that I have never been to a drag show!  We went to a charity show at a local bar.  We were all a little nervous.  None of us had ever been to anything like this before.  We ended up having a great time.  The dancers were so beautiful and made us feel like we need to try a little harder...  I mean check Ms. Chaquita Banana out right here!  

I can't remember this friend's name, but she and J were instant besties.  

Of course, I made decorations, (Thanks for your help D!)

This group shot took 6 minds and about 30 minutes to take.  iPhone pics FTW!

 One of the very talented bridesmaids painted these for everyone.  I mean, come on, how cute are they!

The tradish lingerie shower happened of course!

We finished the weekend out with some Monell's.  It was delicious as usual and we all rolled out and to our respective cities.

Next up was C's!  We met in Atlanta for this one!  It was so nice and relaxing and wonderful!  One of the bridesmaids had pity on me and planned the whole thing.  I am forever indepted to her.  She did such an amazing job!  We met at the hotel on Friday night and headed to dinner at JCT Kitchen.  It was so beautiful!

Saturday morning we went to brunch at Rise and Dine near Emory.  C's "Bride to be" glasses were a hit!  

 Since the valet at the hotel lost the keys to one of the girls' cars (who knew that ever happened!), we decided to have the bridesmaids move all cars to C's apartment complex while K and I set up for the shower.

Her face was very serious when she was opening her gifts so this is her response to me saying "Act like you are having fun!"

Since the new thing at bachelorette parties is crossing things off your bucket list, we took a pole dancing class at Dance 411.

Maybe some of us had to use their inhalers before we started....

Here is our bride ready to do it!  That's our instructor Kitty Purry in the background with the shoes!

 It was nearly as scary as we were expecting and we were all pros by the time we left 65 minutes later!

Next up, WEDDING WEEKENDS!

Travel wishes

I am lucky enough to work in a school district that has two weeks off in the fall and spring. In the past years, I haven't really taken advantage of that time. This spring break will be different!  One of my high school besties/college roommate and I are in the midst of planning a grand adventure to...

Wait for it...

Wait for it...

South Africa!

It is the perfect opportunity. One of my best friends since middle school lives in Joburg and it will be summer there!  Really, that's all I need!

We have grand plans of our time there. Mainly exploring Johannesburg, laying on the beach in Cape Town, and going on a Safari in Kruger National Park.  I can't wait to see a real live lion or elephant!  Check out these pictures!

 From here

From here

From here

And I could do nothing but stare at this view for the whole two weeks and be perfectly okay with it!

From here

I think this is going to be a great way to satisfy my travel bug for now!  Or maybe just make it worse...  16 days and counting!

Unexpected adventures are best

Last weekend a few of my girlfriends and I decided to head out to a nice calm night perusing a few of the local art galleries.  Once a month the galleries all host receptions and feature different artists from Nashville as well as other places in the south.  The galleries have free wine and refreshments and it is a really fun time.  

As we were walking back to our car we heard loud noises coming from Bridgestone.  We realized that the Monster Truck Rally was happening at that very moment.  We decided that it would be a great end to our classy and fabulous night and managed to get tickets for $5.  

I don't think any of us expected what we got that night.  There was a giant dinosaur car eating the other cars, cars shooting flames, and lots of really loud engine revving.  We were sitting up in the nosebleed section and it was still so loud that all the (more prepared) children were wearing noise cancelling headphones.  We were definitely envious of them.

Overall it was a fun experience, but one I can check of my bucket list and live my life without experiencing again.  

I feel like I really got my Tennessee resident redneck card this night.  The people watching alone was worth the $5 we paid for our ticket.