Two Wild Strawberries

AFRICA: Part I

We just returned from two and a half weeks holiday in Africa, visiting Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. We had the most fantastic time; we definitely could have stayed longer!!

Our first point of call was Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe where we did a sunset dinner river cruise, rode elephants, walked with lions, and walked the Victoria Falls, and also flew in a helicopter over the Victoria Falls.

Riding a female African Elephant, Victorai Falls, Zimbabwe

Stuart and Chantal patting 8month old lion cubs, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

We stayed at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, where our room had the most fantastic view over the lodge’s waterhole! They had a traditional Boma restaurant attached where we got our face traditionally painted, played the Djembe Drum and also got to try a whole variety of traditional foods such as crocodile, buffalo, guinea fowl, kudu, impala, warthog and we both tried a Mopani worm each too.

The magnificent Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Our next point of call was the Ichobezi Luxury Safari cruise boat, located in Namibia. We had to travel via Botswana to get to the Ichobezi, which was such a surreal feeling, coming from Australia, to so easily move between countries via motor vehicle. The Ichobezi was a beautiful boat, but it was definitely the staff that made it the most amazing experience – they treated us like royalty! We will always think fondly of the Ichobezi with great memories.

The Ichobezi cruises along the Chobe River between both Namibia and Botswana, alongside Chobe National Park. We got to see a ridiculous amount of animals, including a huge herd of elephants.

Feeling refreshed and invigorated,

Chantal xx

Weekly Catch Up

Stuart and I only get one day a week to spend together, so we try to make this as fun as possible! Last week we went to the Brisbane Gallery of Modern Art for the Matisse and Yayoi Kusama. Kusama was FANTASTIC! She uses the biggest brightest colours, which is totally my cup of tea.

This week we went to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, where we fed kangaroos and gandered at other Aussie animals.

We also completed the Green Challenge whilst we were at Currumbin.. where we completed the hardest Black course as well. So proud of us! At their Mt Tambourine course I had to pull out of the black course halfway as I was far too exhausted and weak.. but I pulled through this time, and man do I feel awesome for it!!

Chantal, Chris and Stuart - taken upon completion of All three courses!!

Lots of love,
Chantal

Stuart's Big 3-0!

Big news! Stuart had his 30th birthday the other day!! I threw him a surprise party at our home, and then a couple days later threw him out of a plane as a surprise too. He loves absolutely every moment of it, and I have photographic evidence!

We used the team at Caloundra, and he landed on the beautiful Currimundi Lake (right behind one of my childhood homes).

We were so lucky that the weather was so sunny, he was in the first group of jumpers after the floodings. I was so jumpy (haha no pun intended!) that he wasn't going to be able to jump, and that it'd ruin the surprise.

Love and lollipops,

Chantal

Weekend Road Trip: Sydney Sights

Last weekend, my girlfriend Eddie and I went on a little trip to Sydney. We got the first flight down on the Saturday morning, at a really ungodly hour... and then came home on the last flight Sunday. Although exhausting - it was well worth it!!

Caricature of Eddie and I, done at the Rocks Markets.

We visited the Picasso exhibit at the Art Gallery of NSW - they are a lot more intriguing in their physical presence. Photos do his work no justice! We then went for a nice long walk around town, had a late lunch at the museum and then did the touristy thing and took photos at the Sydney Opera House with the Harbour Bridge in the background.

Sydney Opera House roof tiling

I am such a poser!
http://www.wildlifesydney.com.au/

We are the best looking girls Australia has to offer!

Our most tourist-y photo!!

Eddie and I then found ourselves at the Museum of Contemporary Art, where Rafael Lozano-Hemmer was the featured artist. Neither of us had ever heard of him before, but oh my golly gosh he is definitely one of my favourites now. He does some really amazing interactive displays, plus it was SO MUCH FUN!!

Chantal and Eddie - eye burning!

Chantal - the lights flashed with your heartbeat

Eddie - the microphone room;
plays back others recordings

On Sunday, we went shopping at Harbourside, Darling Harbour – and I finally bought my first leather jacket.. and at a bargain price at that! We caught the monorail many times and visited WildLife, just to finish off our ‘tourist experience’.