Mangwanani Spa Day- Baie Baie Lekker!

I heard about this fabulous spa retreat (good and relatively cheap) outside of Pretoria (close by) but never had the chance to visit. So, I finally brought up the subject with some coworkers and we had a girls Saturday at Mangwanani. It was originally supposed to be a night spa but for whatever circumstances we made it a full day. And it was completely worth it! Thanks Danielle for the treat. (If you have never experienced being pampered for a day, I highly recommend it at least once in your lifetime!)

Our welcome upon arrival.

The bed for my first treatment.

Relaxing between treatments.

Sonja, Danielle, Yolande.

Aliwal Shoal with the Sharks

We took a weekend trip down to see the ragged tooth shark at Aliwal Shoal. I didn't think I would get a change to go shark diving as 1. The best time to go is July/August 2. My time in South Africa was running out. But, my friends Dewald and Heidi graciously invited me to go with them one July weekend. This was my chance to dive with the sharks. And no, this was not cage diving. To be honest, I was not scared at all. And while down below, they just seemed like big fish. With big, ragged teeth. The picture below shows one smiling at us, showing off his teeth :)

More pictures:
http://picasaweb.google.com/backroads.traveler/AliwalShoalSharkDiving?authkey=Gv1sRgCOesuI_O4YXifA&feat=directlink

I've landed.

It's been just short of 2 weeks since I landed in Minneapolis, MN to start my new job with Medtronic. After a whirlwind 1st week of landing one day late (due to a cancelled flight out of Joburg), one luggage short, my brother's wedding in Colorado Springs, I've had a pretty subdued 2nd week of work, car shopping, and settling in. I think I'm going to continue this blog for a while since part of my time in South Africa includes my transition back to America. As I adjust, my perspectives are definitely changed. There are things I now realize I've missed these past 2 years. And I'm trying to decide if the bigger culture shock was moving to South Africa or back to Minneapolis working at our corporate headquarters after 14 years being away. I'm thinking it's the latter. Stay tuned.

Meanwhile, the following entries will be a follow-up to display pictures I promised from my busy July in Africa.

Shark Diving, Full day spa, Namibia, Lions, Cape Town...It's been a busy July

Hello from Cape Town! I have not had the time to update my blog mostly because I've been keeping busy trying to fill my last month here in South Africa. Yes, you heard it right, July, my 21st month, is my last. In fact, I'll be leaving August 1 (this Saturday!) I feel both excited and really sad about my move. However, it's the right time. More updates with pictures soon!

A looong day in Durban but a great weekend of sport in Joburg made up for it.

I was originally supposed to make a quick trip to Durban on Friday for work. But due to unforeseen mess-ups in our Joburg office, rather than return at noon, I didn't get home until 9:30pm. Ugh. Well, my colleague in Durban was nice enough to show me around to kill some time as it was only the second trip for me to this city in the south. The hospital I visited was in Umghlanga Rocks. I had only heard of this town from people saying they are going on holiday to Umghlanga so I wanted to see what it was all about. Actually, just a short strip of beach with timeshares but with a stunning view.

Beverly Hills Hotel (in Durban?!)

I also managed to catch a look at the new world class soccer stadium they are building for the 2010 World Cup. Quite amazing.

Once I finally got home for the weekend, I spent most the time watching rugby and soccer.

Springboks beat the British and Irish Lions with a last minute kick. Woo hoo!

And both USA and RSA put on a good show in the Confed Cup final games but unfortunately both lost. Brasil def. USA in the finals and Spain def. RSA in the 3rd place match. Bummer. Wish it had been USA vs RSA in the finals! All in all, I think South Africa did a great job hosting the Confed Cup. Now, time for 2010.

Confed Cup semi-finals

USA vs Spain
RSA vs Brazil
We shall see what happens...

Way to go Barry!

My friends Chris (from Canada) and Barry (from South Africa) got engaged in Italy a couple weeks ago. Finally and Congrats! And way to go Barry for flying all the way there to surprise Chris on her Italian holiday. I'm very happy for the both of you. Now, I need to find a way to come back to South Africa for your wedding later this year!

The happy couple.

This past weekend at Tasha's restaurant for their engagement brunch.