I had a pub post ready to go today, and then I read the news about Nelson Mandela’s death and I decided to change my post. In 2010 I had the opportunity to visit South Africa and we attended a couple of World Cup matches. When we told people we were going to South Africa, many people reacted negatively and said it wasn’t a safe place. I won’t tell you that it’s the safest place ever, since I don’t think any place is. But we had a wonderful time. We stayed in Cape Town for five days and the city was a hopping. Fans and locals were in a party mood and it’s one of the best experiences of our lives. And the country is amazing. So beautiful.
I think the success of the World Cup in South Africa was a wonderful tribute to Mandela. I wish there were more people in the world like him. You’ll probably read and see a lot about him in the next few days. I admired his bravery, spirit, forgiveness, and determination. When I think of him, I remember my visit. Here are some photos from our trip.
50 Year Project 
Yup, I think you are right about seeing a lot about him. I’ve already seen half a dozen blog posts this morning. When I met my partner, almost the first thing he asked me was would I go to South Africa with him – sort of like it was the local pub. And we still haven’t got there, despite invitations from friends through a Land Rover network. The ‘date’ that never was. Maybe one day, maybe not, who can say. If I was going anywhere it would be south west – Cuba, Latin America etc. We did want to travel down through Africa, but I’m feeling a bit old for dealing with any hassle these days. There’s always some wretched war breaking out and I don’t want to be a part of that.
I’ve seen a few posts as well so far. I think it’s funny that he asked you that so early on. Too bad you haven’t gone yet, it’s beautiful. I haven’t been to Cuba yet. We’ve been to Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras, but there are many other wonderful countries in that direction we want to get to. I hope you go!
At the movies recently we saw a trailer for a movie about Mandela coming out soon called “Long Walk to Freedom”. It is a chronicle of his life’s journey, and it looked amazing. I also have the ebook by the same name and will definitely be moving it higher up my TBR pile now. What an incredible man!!
He really was. I want to see the movie. I wanted to see it before I heard the news, but now I want to make a point to see it sooner rather than later. Enjoy the book.
Reblogged this on http://www.newsafrica.co.uk and commented:
Our beautiful Mandela
I downloaded his biography a couple of months ago, determined to read it when I’m on holiday in Jan.
That ostrich, lol!
I want to know what the ostrich is thinking. Enjoy your holiday!
He’s probably pondering the eternal question, “Why am I here?” 🙂
I do stare and wonder the same thing.
The Ostrich is thinking… what is all that in the sea…. I love your post today…
Thanks. South Africa is a beautiful place and I admire and respect Mandela. I was sorry to hear the news when I woke up.
Very sad news. RIP Grandpa Mands. We love you and we will miss you.
Beautiful tribute to Grandpa Mands, TBM. Wonderful to know that you went to South Africa in 2010. Beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing them.
Thanks Vishy. My thoughts with all those who mourn his passing. So many loved and respected him.
What a wonderful post. I suspect you are correct that the news and blog world will be covered with tributes and yours was a wonderful way to show us a bit of that wonderful country. I am going there some day!!! On the bucket list. I know that any post I would do could not do him justice so I will enjoy everyone else’s and share those!!! Fabulous pictures as always.
OH I hope you go. I didn’t know what to expect–I try not to imagine before I go any place–and I was wowed. The coastline is stunning. The wine superb. The people are amazing. And then there are the animals. You have to go!
We will. Next year is England….after that who knows??
There’s the whole world out there!
Sad news yesterday. Your pictures are very pretty.
I knew he was sick and he was 95, but it still saddened me to hear he passed.
Love the ostrich. Yeah, Mandela was a remarkable guy. On the way home from work, I received an alert on my phone from the New York Times that he had died. For a flash I thought about texting my colleague, but then it occurred to me that news this big is instantly blanketing the world so I didn’t do so. Few people are so universally admired and respected that’s for sure.
I didn’t open my NY Times alert until this morning. I’m still set up for them and when I record a big sporting event, like the Wimbledon final, I forget not to check my email since I get sports alerts as well. Once I was in Honduras during Wimbledon and had the tv set to record the final between Roger and Rafa. I thought for sure I wouldn’t see any headlines in Central America. Then I opened my email and found out. I refused to tell the better half and she stayed oblivious until we got to the airport. It was on every sports mag. It’s almost impossible to stay uninformed in today’s world.
I only seem to get hard news alerts. I rather like those, but I can understand feeling peeved about getting tipped off to a sports score.
I have my alerts set up for: world news, political, economic, entertainment, and sports. I get alerts all the time. And I think environmental news, but don’t see much on that end.
Wow, you are quite the alert-oholic.
I used to be addicted to the news, if you couldn’t tell. I’ve been getting better.
Oh. You’re in recovery.
Yes, fortunately the withdrawal pain is over with. Now just trying to maintain a normal balance.
What an amazing man. It’s all over the news here today and there will be special programs tonight. You’re so fortunate to have seen South Africa!
He was amazing. I haven’t turned the telly on since I know I’ll get sucked in and won’t get any work done. I imagine I’ll see plenty over the weekend. Have a wonderful weekend.
Madiba was a man in a million years, I feel so sad.
He was incredible.
I heard about his death on Twitter. So sad…
Very lovely photos, though. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Heather. It is sad. Very sad.
RIP. I would love to visit South Africa but definitely a little frightened especially after watching the documentary Louis Theroux did there xx
I haven’t seen that documentary. Probably a good thing I didn’t see it before I went.
Your pictures are amazing….
Thanks Hilary.
Those are some great pics of your trip. When I heard of the news duuuuuuude I was really saddened. I actually learned about him back in the day in high school. We had to pick a country out of hat and my group got South Africa. I knew nothing about it at the time other than it’s location. I became a Mandela scholar after that semester and truly admired what he did for his people, country and the rest of the world. Very nice post.
What a great country to study and how fortunate. I think the country I pulled out of the hat was Switzerland, which was pretty cool to study but for different reasons. Ever since then I’ve wanted to spend a winter in the Alps, which I haven’t done yet.
Love the pics … and the choice of the last one is a fitting tribute to the man.
Thanks Frank. I hope all is well. I know it’s been a tough time for you and your family as well.
Thanks … but I’m blogging this week, so trying to return to normal while playing catch up.
Such sad news. The world has lost a great peace maker, philanthropist, and voice for human rights.
I can remember in high school writing via Amnesty International to “Free Mandela”. And my roommate throughout university was from South Africa. Very interesting to hear her talk of life there, and to see beautiful pictures like the ones you have shared.
RIP Mandela.
My father traveled to South Africa when I was a kid and I was blown away by his stories when he got back. Since then, I’ve always been curious about its history and people. His death is quite sad. He was such a remarkable person.
Such a remarkable and inspirational man.
So sad to have lost him – RIP Nelson Mandela.
I know. I couldn’t believe the news last week. The world lost a great man but we were lucky to have known him.