When
a year nears its end I, like a lot of people, find myself thinking back over
it- was it a good year? What did I accomplish? What were my favorite and least
favorite moments? I remember at this time last year, I considered 2014 the best
year of my life. While I still consider 2014 to be a great year in my life, I
can honestly say that 2015 has stolen the title of the best year of my life so
far. Some of the reasons for that include: I made my lifelong dream of working
with wildlife in Africa a reality. I traveled internationally for the first
time, and made friends from all over the world. I went cage diving for the
first time, and came face to face with huge great white sharks. I explored many
different areas of South Africa, from Gansbaai to Cape Agulhas (the
southernmost tip of Africa) to the gorgeous Cape Town to Phalaborwa. I caught a
brown shyshark with my bare hands while snorkeling off the cliffs in Hermanus.
I worked in a sanctuary for orphaned baby baboons, and played a role in taking
care of them daily. I saw my first wild elephant, lion, black rhino, giraffe,
monkeys, hyena, and many more. These are just a few of the amazing experiences
that have made 2015 such a special year for me, but there are plenty of others.
Africa
had been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. The idea of going there
was almost magic to me as a kid. I seemed to think, from very early on, that
going there would change me, and I was right. Coming home when my African
adventure was over had felt strange because I didn’t feel like the same person
that I’d been when I left. Traveling, I’ve learned, changes you in a lot of
brilliant ways, especially traveling solo like I did. By traveling around South
Africa and working with people from England, Germany, Canada, Brazil, Belgium,
Australia, and more, I gained new insight and perspective about life. I came
home feeling much more experienced and cultured than ever before. Summer 2015
made me realize what a few people had already told me- once you get the travel
bug, you’ll never want to stop.
South
Africa, you’ll forever own a piece of my heart. You played a big part in 2015
being the best year of my life, and I miss you dearly. I’m not sure when, but
eventually I will return to your gorgeous coastline to experience everything
you have to offer again. As for 2016, I can’t wait to see what crazy adventures
you have to throw at me!
