The Ripple Effect

May 21, 2014

There are plenty of side effects of living abroad. Excessive paperwork and additional administration, missing special moments in the lives of friends and family back home, and permanently feeling like the awkward new kid on the block, to name a few. While none of these would be considered positive, there are some awesome things that happen too. In addition to all of the incredible experiences we are gaining here, there is a ripple effect when we have the opportunity to share this with visitors from home. We hosted my parents in SA earlier this year and helped them check a few things off of their life-long bucket list. And just a few short weeks later, we had the opportunity to host M's parents as well. They never dreamed they'd set foot on the continent of Africa, let alone see a lion in the wild or ride an elephant. Yet, when M and I broke the news to them over Christmas in 2012 that we had accepted an offer to move to Johannesburg, their reaction shocked us more than any other, when they were the first people to tell us they would come visit. And I must admit, I'm not sure either M or I believed them. How wrong we were.

M's parents spent six weeks exploring southern Africa, using Joburg as their home base. It was extremely fulfilling to see them having the experience of a lifetime, and to show them around a place they never in a million years imagined they would see (and maybe never thought they wanted to, before we moved here). Here are a few shots of some of the highlights from their time in the city of gold. 

 Starting off their visit in Jozi with a visit to the legendary Nelson Mandela Square. 

In addition to purchasing the essential Jozi Giraffe, M's parents also purchased a gorgeous lion to start off their beaded collection.  

If they could have tapped the kegs at the entrance, I'm certain they would have. 

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, evidently.  

SAB World of Beer. While beer is not generally (or ever) my beverage of choice, I was out-numbered on this one. It actually was a very cool tour of the brewery with plenty of cider tastings to keep even the non-beer drinkers happy! 

 A bunch of happy coconuts in Maboneng on a Sunday afternoon. 

This is becoming something of a tradition for M and I to take visitors to "I was shot in Joburg". They even had props this time! 

Funky graffiti in Maboneng. 

M's Dad and I got our shoes shined at The Zone in Rosebank; I think this is the first time I've ever had my shoes shined...aside from when my Dad does it or when I take my shoes in to get fixed. Needless to say my boots needed it!  

Montecasino Bird World. 

This guy was eyeing me. 

While a bit chilly by Joburg standards, it was a lovely sunny day at Bird World. 

Just like when M was a kid, his parents came to watch his soccer game. 

No matter how old we get, there's nothing like a visit from Mom and Dad. Thanks for making the trek to SA to see us and explore this incredible part of the world!