Africa!

Recently Josh and I traveled down to South Africa to celebrate our friend's Thomas and Frances' wedding.   Our time was divided among game drives, craft markets and township tours, to the more cosmopolitan Cape Town.

Our first night was spent on a game reserve, in the Bush, amongst the wild animals. We went on an evening and early morning game drive and saw giraffes, wildebeest, and zebras.

Josh and I in the game drive jeep getting ready to spot some dangerous animals.

I think this picture illustrates the African Bush the best. The earth is very hilly and rocky with thorny bushes.

I think I love the zebra the most!

After our night in the Bush, we ventured to Kruger Park. This expansive park is larger than London and home to five of Africa's most dangerous animals (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino). Even though it is incredibly rare, given the park's large size, we were lucky enough to spot the Big 5.

A baby elephant charging our car in the Kruger Park. 

The baboons were a humorous bunch. Throughout our travels, the baboons would be spotted on the side of the road wrestling and grooming each other.
I love this picture with the baby hanging on. 

One of the township villages we visited.
We learned all about African traditional ways of living. We purchased crafts from the community stalls, watched women weave mats and make homemade bread, and visited a witch doctor.

Frances with the town's chief.

Craft stalls on the side of the road.

After our time in Johannesburg, we continued on to Cape Town. This town has gorgeous beaches, amazing restaurants, and stunning scenery.

Table Mountain blanketed in clouds

I honestly just love this picture because of the colors.

View of Table Mountain from the water.

Josh and I took a sailing cruise out to Robben Island, which was the prison that held Nelson Mandela. Even though we weren't able to make it onto the island to view the prison, we did spot some whales! 

Taking the cable car to the top of Table Mountain.

Views from the top.

Views of Cape Town from Table Mountain.

Views of the harbor.
We were on our way to Cape Peninsula and Cape of Good Hope, the once believed most Southernly point in South Africa.

Cape of Good Hope and Dias Beach.

The coastline is very dramatic driving from Cape Point to Boulders Bay.

Penguins at Boulders Bay.

The wine region was simply stunning.

Josh and I after just enjoying delicious wine and lunch from a Michelin star restaurant.

Exploring Spier vineyard.

At the Spier hotel, we enjoyed; a traditional African dinner in the trees, face painting, and live music.

Colorful shanty towns.
The disparity between the rich and poor is staggering. These towns are constructed from sheet metal and other durable materials. 

From the safaris along the desolate landscape of the Bush, to the craft markets dotting the dramatic hillsides of Johannesburg, to the stunning coastline of Cape Town  - Africa has captured our hearts and exceeding all expectations.

Wedding Anniversary in France

I absolutely love my husband and the adventures we have shared. This year Josh and I celebrated our fourth wedding anniversary wine tasting in Burgundy France.

Dinner and a Burlesque show at the Moulin Rouge. 

Your not allowed to take pictures inside, for now what are obvious reasons. 

Before we went wine tasting we spent time in the quaint town of Dijon. The mustard shop had some of the most bizarre combinations, such a blueberry and garlic.

Estate homes turned into wineries lined the road on our tour through wine country.

Josh and I enjoying time in the sun and among the vineyards.

Yum! Almost wine!

Some of the cellars are so old they were once dungeons. This was one of the largest and oldest wineries we have ever been in. It was also self guided which means you could pour your own :)

I love being married to my best friend and a man I truly admire. I look forward to all of our adventures yet to come.

Wilkommen

Recently my parents came to visit Josh and me. We had a few days in Kinsale and enjoyed the Kinsale Arts Week. We took in the shows, my parents learned how to roll sushi with Martin Shannon-owner of Fishy Fishy, and we enjoyed the Lifeboat Wine Tasting event. For the rest of their visit, we hopped a flight and enjoyed discovering Germany. We spent time in Munich, toured villages along the Romantic Road, strolled through historic Rotenburg, visited King Ludwig's infamous castle, and finished in Old Town Neuenburg.

My parents rediscovering their German roots. 

Rothenburg was badly damaged during the war and has been virtually rebuilt. It was such a charming village straight out of Epcot.

A local delight, tasting a bit like fennel cake.

Large beer garden where pretzels and beers were enjoyed.

A bit dark but the Glockenspiel in Munich. It draws quite a crowd when it plays.

Glockenspiel in Neuenburg with such amazing details.

King Ludwig's Palace.
It was here where we learned the mysterious circumstances surrounding King Ludwig's death.  111 years later investigators are still reeling over what really happen to the King. His life was truly something out of a fictional story. 

Neuschwanstein Castle.
King Ludwig's master piece that Disney based his designs after.
"We invite you to enter the dreams of the fairy tale King"

Brost! Until next time mom and dad!

Wexford

When Josh and I first moved to Ireland we were dedicated to exploring the great country we were living. With loads of visitors we had plenty of opportunities to see lots of sights. With a quieter year we were reminded that we need to continue to explore Ireland. We enjoyed a castle stay, a stroll through Johnstown Castle and Hook Head light house.

Johnstown Castle was built in the 19th century.

The gardens at the castle were stunning.

Hook Head Light House

Surprise Visit from my Brother

Recently I celebrated the BIG 30! Unbeknownst to me, my brother crossed the very large pond to surprise me in Ireland. It was a quick birthday visit, but of course Stephen, Josh, and I celebrated in style. For my birthday evening, Josh rented a party bus and whisked us and our friends to the dog races (the absolute only place open in Ireland on Good Friday). The bus was outfitted with plush crushed red velvet seats and stocked with libations. Of course I don't have any pictures to show for my induction into my dirty thirties but I promise it was a good one:)

The rest of my bros visit was a whirlwind!

At Bantry Bay

Getting ready to hike at Sheep's Head before we realize that it is way too cold for hiking.

Structure! One of my favorite things about Ireland is that there are old ruins everywhere. 

The Bro Pose

The gardens at Bantry Bay house.

Frame-able!

The surrounding gardens of the Bantry Bay house were incredible, the amount of green was indescribable.

I just love the boats :)

Ross Castle

Amazing views of the castle in Killarney 

My bro at the Muckross House.

Even though Stephen's time here was short, I was very grateful he came so far to celebrate with me. And as always I appreciate how memorable Josh made my big day!