Need another country to travel to? Why not Belize? 

This may be the country for you if you want a relaxing, laid-back, slow-paced vibe.

The focus will be on San Pedro, a town on the island of Ambergris Caye.

With the beautiful barrier reef or the option to check out the Mayan Ruins, this should be an option to add to your travels.

Don’t make the mistake that we did. Several years ago we came to Belize City on a cruise stop and only spent about 3 hours at our destination, which was more like a tourist-inspired swim park. 

With that experience, we had no desire to return, but thanks to YouTube we saw how much we didn’t see. So San Pedro was our destination for our 20th wedding anniversary.

Getting to San Pedro

There are multiple flights you can pick to get to Belize. The major airport, Philip S.W. Goldson International (BZE) is where you fly into. 

We flew direct from Charlotte (CLT) which was about 3.5 hours. On our flight, they provided immigration documents to fill out so we would have it ready to go through immigration.

Immigration was rather quick, but since August is considered off-season it only took about 10 minutes. We also had carry-on luggage which made things faster.

Wed decided to take the ferry to San Pedro, but next time we will fly.

If you choose to fly, you can catch a connecting flight which has the door close by after you get through immigration. Otherwise, the exit door will lead you to ground transportation.

Taking the Ferry

If traveling by ferry, you take a taxi or shuttle service to the port. That is about 20 minutes from the airport. We chose San Pedro Belize Express. Caribbean Sprinter is another ferry option.

We purchased tickets online before our trip however you don’t need to do that. Once you get to the dock you can buy tickets at the counter. And it’s cheaper. 

One tip is that tickets are good for 3 months after your scheduled time. So you don’t have to use them on the same day and time you originally had set. The ferry shuttle sails multiple times a day so you have time flexibility.

The ferry shuttle was 1.5 hours long. If you add a vacation stop to Caye Caulker, the ferry will stop to let passengers on and off after the first hour. Then you have another 30 minutes to San Pedro.

Once you arrive, you can pick up your luggage after it’s loaded in the luggage claim area. Just make sure you keep your luggage tickets to provide to the attendant.

If you have transportation scheduled, you can wait for them near the San Pedro welcome sign. If not, several drivers will be in the area to take you to your destination. You can even rent a golf cart on the spot and then drive yourself to your hotel.

Accommodations

There are plenty of options for accommodations on the island. We chose the Grand Caribe Belize resort for a few reasons.

It was waterfront property, with restaurants onsite and nearby, and didn’t give off a party vibe. Honestly, I wanted a quieter resort without the big party scene. 

Each room was a condo that had a kitchenette. Our room was on the first floor with easy access to walk outside and participate in the water activities. Paddleboard and kayaking were free for guests.

The location was ideal as it was about 15 minutes from downtown and 20 minutes from the infamous Secret Beach. Grand Caribe also rented golf carts to guests.

Lifestyle

When we arrived at San Pedro, we felt the locals were warm, welcoming, friendly, and easy-going. But with the notion of “going slow”, how could anyone be too uptight?

You may ask? Will I be able to communicate easily? 

Yes. 

The official language of Belize is English. However, Spanish, Creole, German, and other Mayan languages are spoken.

That brings some familiarity when immersing yourself in various cultures and still communicating with the natives.

And don’t worry about the conversion of currency. It’s 2 to 1. $2 BZE is $1. Simple right?

It’s not necessary to convert any money before going. You can pay in USD but will most likely get money returned in BZE. 

Food

The food was incredible. Between the mom-and-pop restaurants on the side of the road to the resort restaurant, everything was amazing. 

Rain

After traveling all day, it’s nice to have a restaurant that is at the resort. Once we got settled in we made reservations for Rain. When we checked in at the resort, it was highly recommended to make reservations. However, our reservation was at 4PM and it was just us and one larger party. 

I’m not sure how strict reservations are during the off season, but just something to consider.

 At 4pm, the sun is HOT! We moved tables because the sun was just too unbearable, but the ambience was great. There was a beautiful view of the bay and the food was fantastic.

The Fry Jack House

The Fry Jack House was a restaurant I heard about on another YouTube channel and it did not disappoint. It’s small inside but the food has a big impact. It’s also part of the Belize Food tour.

We weren’t part of the tour, but suddenly 15 people came into the restaurant. Glad we got there before the tour did.

The Truck Stop

Another area we went to a few times because it was convenient and close was The Truck Stop. It’s a food truck park. You can get pizza, Asian food, ice cream, tacos and different drinks. There is also an area in the back to play games, watch tv, and swim.

It was a place to grab something quick without having to wait and sit at a restaurant. Very casual. 

Most nights around 6pm there is live music from local artists. I didn’t see people dancing but most were just watching the artists perform. 

Tipsy Lobster (Seafood Grill)

The Tipsy Lobster was about a 3 minute golf cart ride up the road from our resort. If you don’t look for it, you will miss it. It’s an outdoor seating restaurant with amazing food.

The only issue we had was with flies. The staff brought us fans to surround us to keep the flies away. A great option if you want a laid-back restaurant and amazing food. 

Garage Seafood and Steakhouse

This restaurant was quaint. At the time we were the only patrons there, but like I mentioned before this was slow season in Belize and we went on a Tuesday night. 

We pulled up and the staff valet parked our golf cart! Now that’s a first for me. You’ll notice a little red car at the top of the building so you can find it easily.

The food was awesome like everything else we had in Belize. Try this restaurant, and you won’t regret it.

Elvi’s Kitchen

Elvi’s was another restaurant that I saw mentioned several times in other YouTube videos so we decided to have it for lunch. It’s located in downtown San Pedro. The outside is misleading because when we walked in, I was amazed how large the restaurant was inside.

 When it was time to order, my husband had a question about the size of the snapper. The waiter brought over two different sizes of fish (uncooked) and Rudy picked out the bigger one. 

Let’s just say, he had no complaints and finished the entire thing.

I went a little more subtle, so I went with tacos. Still good, but not as grand as my husband’s snapper.

Beach Basket Belize

Beach Basket Belize is the on-site grocery store on the Grand Caribe Resort. It’s more like a quick shop with an assortment of household items, produce, can goods, drinks, alcohol and more. There is also a quick pizza shop inside as well when you want a snack or quick meal.

With food in Belize, you have many options. You won’t be disappointed.

Transportation

We heard about people driving golf carts in San Pedro before we arrived. Initially we didn’t want to be bothered with getting one. Well, the first day we walked to The Truck Stop, which was less than a mile. 

Big mistake!

It took about 15 minutes, but we were walking on the road as there were no sidewalks and it was HOT.

The next 3 days we made sure we had a set of wheels. You can rent from so many agencies on the island and they will come to your residence.

Grand Caribe also has their own (which we rented from). It seems to be a little more expensive than the others, but we pay for convenience. We didn’t have to gas up or pay the tolls because it was already included in the price.

You won’t have an issue finding a golf-cart, it’s more about what price you’re willing to pay. Also, in downtown the only issue is finding parking, but you’ll eventually find a spot. Just remember to lock up.

Secret Beach

The infamous Secret Beach is no longer a secret. 

If you’re looking for a popular tourist destination with a nice beach, music, beach bars, shopping and water activities, this is the place for you.

We came during the weekday around 11am and ate food at the first bar we came to. We were actually meeting a realtor to drive us around so we ended up back here after our tour around the area.

Getting to Secret Beach means driving on a rocky road. My Google Maps worked perfectly out there even though it seemed to be desolate. It’s about a 20 minute drive from Grand Caribe. 

This area is one of the few places that you can walk into the water without a barrier. There were several areas where you are able to eat in the water, but we opted out of that.

The Area

San Pedro is still up and coming. There are some areas that have been built up to support travel and tourism but there are other areas that have future plans for expansion. Because of that reason, you will see a lot of dirt roads and potholes when driving.

During our visit we did look at some land out in another part of Secret Beach to see what the area would look like. The terrain may not look appealing, but with the way the city is growing, it’s only a matter of time for the curb appeal to take shape.

Until Next Time

This was a much needed and deserved trip. While we didn’t decide on San Pedro until about 2 months prior, we are so glad we came. It was one our most relaxing and enjoyable trips.

We are ready for our next trip back. Until next time Belize!

Curious about another tropical climate country to visit? Check out this post about our trip to Cartagena, Colombia!

The post Discover Belize – Your Next Caribbean Paradise first appeared on Angela P. Banks.

Why Cartagena?

Several years ago on a trip to Negril Jamaica, we met a native from Cartagena. There was a language barrier but we were able to communicate in small doses. But her words to me, were “Visit Cartagena”. So because of our interaction, Colombia was now added to my bucket list of places to visit.

Since that trip, I kept hearing more people talking about visiting Cartagena or other cities in Colombia. It reminds me of when you get a new car or researching a particular car, and then you start seeing your car more and more whereas before you didn’t see it as much on the road. That’s how it was for Cartagena.

So with that, I did some research about where to stay, booked our flights and it was set. We stayed for 5 nights which we found to be our sweet spot for how long to stay. I also contacted Deimer who has a private FB group regarding tour services. It was great to have someone from Cartagena to give us tips and answer questions about anything. Check out his FB for more info.

Getting There

We flew out of Dulles (IAD) around 7am thru Atlanta (ATL) to Cartagena (CTG). Around 1:30pm we arrived in Cartagena, which is on Central Time. It was an easy flight. Just a tip, Delta counters at Dulles open up 4:30am. So if you have an International Flight leaving at 7am and they say to be there 3 hours prior; you may be waiting to check in since you have to verify your passport.

After our two flights we landed in Cartagena. The heat smacked us right in the face. I don’t know if it’s because we haven’t felt that type of heat in a while, but it was hot. I know Central America is hot, but that just hit us as soon as we stepped off the plane.

We were not the only flight that had just arrived. The customs line was long. It took about an hour once we got in line before our turn to be checked. If you are meeting people or have a ride scheduled, note that this process may be lengthy for you.

Initial thoughts

We were warned that some of the natives could be aggressive as far as offering their services. So that was not a surprise when we exited the airport while waiting for our driver. Our guide, Diemer was on his way and said on the phone “Do Not Give Them Your Bags”.

Well, it’s hard to heed that warning when so many people are speaking quickly and in a different language at you. Our guide and driver arrived to pick us up and it was still chaotic.

Some of the people at the airport grabbed our bags to put in our car (even though we had 2 people to come pick us up to do that) and they were expecting some compensation for their troubles of moving the bags 2 feet.

Something that is familiar but somewhat uncommon when we do travel to another country, is that Colombians drive on the same side of the road as the US. So if you move to this country, you will not have that hurdle to overcome.

But there are lots of bikes and small cars and the way they move throughout the roads takes some getting used to. Since we have traveled to other countries, we’ve seen this “style” of driving. Meaning, cars cut in front of you, pull out, and the sounds of small horns alerting others is constant. But I didn’t see any accidents. They just make it work.

AirBNB

We decided to do an Airbnb for our trip. One of the factors was being able to see the ocean everyday and have a balcony. Many of the hotels that were on the ocean facing side did not have balconies so we found a great Airbnb that suited us just fine.

It was in an area with multiple shops and restaurants that you could walk to easily and also visit the beach. They do make you wear a bracelet for your entire stay. If you lose it, you have to pay for a new one.

This two bedroom/two bath condo was right up our alley. It was an end unit on the 40th floor with only 5 rooms per floor. Each room had a great view of the city and the ocean. In addition, there is a reception desk to help with check-in, a taxi available outside and a pool.

The view at night was just as beautiful as the views during the day.

Here is the link to the Airbnb.

Palenque

Lately we’ve been trying to add in a cultural experience during our trips and not just have a strictly lazy/beach vacation. Because I had heard a lot of wonderful things about the Palenque tour, I booked it. However, I will typically go for vacations in warmer climates. I don’t like being cold.

Our guide Deimer (Cartagena Cheap & Safe), booked it for us with a driver. The drive was about 1 – 1.5 hours away from Cartagena into more of the country side. But it was nice to see some of the countryside away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Palenque is the first free town for Africans in the Americas. We learned about the history, culture, medical and healing practices, dances, food and more. The tour was about 3-4 hours with the option to have lunch at the end.

The Dancing

There is a school where young adults perform native dances and give a brief history of the dance. They even invite the visitors to join in towards the end. I realized my dancing skills have decreased over the last several years.

The History

Our tour guide Sofy, was amazing. She provided the history while we walked through the town and answered any questions that were presented. If you ever visit Palenque, hopefully you get Sofy.

If you wanted to take pictures with the women in the colorful dresses you could, but there was no pressure. But there was plenty of opportunity if you missed it the first time. There was also several gift shops to buy souvenirs at. And they accepted both cash and card.

Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes, sunblock, hat, water (which they provided) to have a comfortable time. The day was a bit cloudy so the heat was not as intense.

One stop was to see how traditional sweets were made and got a taste of it.

The Music

We got to see a native musician and his studio. He was also on the Tiny Desk series representing Colombia. The best part was having the visitors participate. My husband played the xylophone.

Featuring Mr. Banks.

Winding Down

As we were ending the tour, a traditional lunch was served. You could have the option of fish or chicken. Of course we went for fish. Having it served on a bamboo leaf reminded me of when were in India.

Before leaving Palenque, we captured one last picture with the women of Palenque.

Bora Bora Beach Club

Getting There

Although there was an ocean that you could go to right outside of the condo, we were told there were better beaches, but you just had to travel more of a distance to get to them. And if you did use the closer beach, only bring what you need.

From seeing the pictures, I booked the Bora Bora Beach Club for us to have some time to relax. We did the VIP section which also came with lunch and a front row cabana.

Getting there was a journey. We were dropped off at gate 3 and had to show ID. We prepaid for Bora Bora but you had to pay a port fee in cash at La Bodeguita port. Once we did that, we checked in, got our bracelets and waited for the staff to call “azul” Bora Bora since we had blue bracelets.

We all loaded into the speedboat. Let’s just say I’m glad I had my water shoes on for this. It was overcast and rainy off and on. How funny that the other days were like 90+ degrees and the day we have a beach day it’s probably low 80s, rainy and cloudy.

But our trip on the speedboat was about 45 minutes. My husband saw lightning and the rain started to come down even harder slapping us in the face. Let’s just say we were drenched by the time we got to the beach club.

The Vibe

Once we arrived we checked in and went to the dining area. They were also serving breakfast so we decided to eat because our cabana wasn’t ready yet and it was still raining. After about an hour it let up and we were able to relax in front of the ocean.

One thing to note is that there is a DJ that plays a mix of techno/Caribbean music so if you are looking for serenity and quietness, this isn’t the place for you. From the cabana you could just walk down the steps to the beach. Our VIP side was sectioned off so there was only a few people in the water on our side. The water was warm, however it was still chilly due to the sun not being out and the previous rain.

Around 12:30pm our lunch was ready and we were served the typical Colombian dish. Similar to what we had in Palenque but it was still good.

Restaurants

Overall, I was happy with all the food choices in Cartagena except for one, but that was my fault. I was tired of seafood and wanted some pizza and it was a little too cheesy for me. But everything else I enjoyed.

Morena

Morena is literally a 1-2 minute walk from the condo. That’s probably why we ate there 3 times. The food was great, the atmosphere was fun and the staff was amazing. The majority of the people basically spoke to us in Spanish. So between us pointing to the menu and speaking our broken Spanish, we made it work. I believe they appreciated the effort.

The nights we went, there was music from local musicians which was nice. I highly recommend checking it out if you visit.

Here is a little taste of the music from one of the nights.

La Brioche Bocagrande

La Brioche Bocagrande was a quaint breakfast spot about 5 minutes away from our condo. Despite our language barrier, we were able to get our order across without any issues. No complaints with the breakfast food. It seems to be very popular so try not to be in a rush if you eat there. Also, you can get their pastries to go.

Carulla Express

Right across the street from La Brioche, was the Carulla Express. This has everything you need from food and alcohol to toiletries for your Airbnb. We came here 3 times during our stay when we needed a few items.

Cande

Cande was more of an upscale restaurant with an Italian feel. It was on a recommendation list and we needed a last minute place to eat. The food was good here too, but we enjoyed a similar meal at Palenque and Bora Bora just a little more.

Things to Note

Transportation

There are plenty of options for transportation. We used a private driver for most of our stay and hopped a taxi from one of the malls within the city when we had finished dinner one night.

Communicating

Practice up on your Spanish and use your phone to translate. With the exception of a few people, the majority of the people we encountered spoke limited English or none. Both Rudy and I took Spanish in high school several years ago and that helped with simple stuff, but you just needed to know how to use other tools to communicate. It’s not like Costa Rica where when you go to restaurants in the tourists areas, there will be someone who can flip back and forth. It’s just something to consider.

Toilet Paper

I noticed this in our Airbnb, but thought it was referencing feminine products and not flushing anything down the toilet. However, we believe it meant all paper products. When I went to other restaurants i noticed similar signage. So I googled. To my surprise, they meant all paper products. Cartagena’s infrastructure is not as advanced as far as the plumbing in some areas, so the guidance is not to throw paper in the toilet.

Day/Night

With the amount of windows and views we had from the condo, you could definitely tell when morning came. Which seemed to be about 5:30-6:00am. My body was still on east coast time but it felt like sleeping in was not happening. The rooms had automatic blinds but I enjoyed being able to see the sun in the morning and set in the evening. On the flip side, around 7pm, it was night. Back home it is still daylight till after 8:30pm. Just something to consider if you like to be in before it gets dark when visiting a new place.

Unemployment

Due to high unemployment, you will find people that will ask for money. We were sitting at a restaurant outside and someone approached us asking for money to help feed her baby. She even had the Similac container and everything. Even with the language barrier she got her point across. The native people are friendly, but you may be approached when you least expect it while you are dining outside.

So much to do, so little time

We didn’t do everything that was offered. On vacation our plan is to relax but take in 1 or 2 excursion type events and play the rest by ear. There is so much to see or do such Salsa classes, Mud Volcano tour, Exploring the Walled City and more. We were walking out of a restaurant in Getsemani and someone walked up to us asked if we wanted a tour with a Horse and Carriage. We declined because we were tired from the day, but that could have been a spur of the moment type of event.

Night Life for Introverts

Cartagena is also known for the night life, but I am not. We did see the imfamous Party Bus from the condo. It’s bright, flashy, and drives around in a circle it seems. There is a DJ turning up the music for all those to have a great time and dance the night away. If this is your vibe, check it out.

Money Exchange/ATM

Before the trip I exchanged money from my local bank. It took about 3 business days so I had some cash before we landed without having to go to the Exchange booth at the airport. The issue I ran into is that the bank doesn’t give you enough smaller bills. So I ended up with a lot of 20.000 and 50.000 Colombian Pesos which is equivalent to $5-$13 USD. However, that can go quickly if you don’t have any 1 mil or 5 mil Colombian Pesos on hand. I only received some back as change when we went to the La Bodeguita Port for the beach tour. And when I could, I would use my card for other purchases.

It’s a great exchange rate but if you go to fancier restaurants in the touristy area, then the prices seem comparable to the US in my opinion.

Once we started to get around I saw several Money Exchange shops, although I didn’t enter inside. Most of the time I saw them in passing while we were heading some place else.

Not all ATMs will take your card if you need to withdrawal additional money. I found two ATMs that were close by the condo and it kept erroring about “Not able to Service”, but in Spanish of course. So my driver took me to a bigger bank in town and it worked better for me. If I had smaller bills, my cash would have lasted longer.

Farewell Cartagena

Our flight out of Cartagena was around 2:15pm and we had to leave our condo by 11am. Our driver picked us up and we were on our way. Checkout was simple enough. I told them the room number and they cut the bracelet off our wrist. I know that was for safety but I was glad to have that cut off.

Arriving at the airport to leave the country was a lot less hectic than the arrival. We thanked our driver and headed to check-in. We talked with a Delta rep about the trip, checked our bags, and then headed upstairs thru security.

The Cartagena airport is pretty organized compared to other airports I’ve been to in the Caribbean. It’s also relatively small. There is a few stores and a restaurant and then a lot of seats in front of all the gates.

We did have a good time and will probably re-visit again in the future, but there are still other places to visit. If you’d like to check out our adventures with another warm destination, read about out trip to Puerto Vallarta. It’s wedding season so this may give additional ideas.

~Angela

The post Lost in the Charm: A Cartagena Escape in the Heart of Summer first appeared on Angela P. Banks.

The Perfect Staycation

What’s the point of summer if there is no travel? If you have seen the prices of summer flights (especially out of the country) and airline issues like cancellations, delays, and lost luggage, booking a last-minute vacation is not appealing.

So let’s talk Staycations. For our 19th anniversary, I wanted to do something. I didn’t want to go far away from the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area, but I came across a boutique hotel in Baltimore about 40 miles away.

The Ivy Hotel is a Black-owned luxury boutique hotel, offering an inclusive experience to guests. From top-shelf alcohol to tea time, games, and even car service, they have thought of everything. There is an on-site restaurant that is not included in the price, but you don’t have to leave the premises if you don’t want to. 

Our stay was for two nights during the low season. I’ve been told that it picks up around September. So the hotel stay was relatively quiet in the mansion.

Arrival

Before we arrived I received an email from the hotel inquiring about any special occasions, dietary restrictions, and arrival time. When we pulled up the staff was waiting to take our bags and car away. At the Ivy, there is valet parking that comes with the stay.

Once we entered the main part of the hotel, another staff member greeted us by name and handed us a glass of champagne. Normally when we go to a hotel in the States, there is not a free welcoming drink. I only see that in an all-inclusive resort in another country. During that time, our guide gave us the history of the various rooms and how everything is run in the mansion.

The hotel was very warm and inviting. It felt like you were at a family member’s house. The furniture was amazing to sit on in the common areas. And as noted previously, this is an inclusive hotel. That means guests can indulge in all the alcohol during normal hours.

Sweet 16

After our tour of the downstairs, we went to our room, #16.  Each of the rooms in the mansion was slightly different. There are 4 suites and the rest are bedrooms. What impressed me the most was the attention to detail in the rooms. It may be an older home, but the renovations were amazing.

On a small table was a wine and cheese plate for our pleasure with a bottle of wine. It was a nice addition to help us celebrate our anniversary. And the bed was top tier. Lots of pillows and very comfortable.

In the mini-fridge were various snacks that were replenished daily along with water, champagne, and various beers. How many times have you been at a hotel and got hungry when everything was closed but you had to go searching for a snack machine? Well, not here, just open up the drawer and it’s covered. 

I love a place that has books especially as I’m on my journey to 12 new books in a year, so in the room, there were several books to choose from. The closet had everything you needed. I really appreciated how they attached the ironing board to the door and included starch and a heavy-duty iron. The closet included an extension cord which came in handy when we wanted to charge additional laptops but still use them on the bed.

Of course, the bathroom was amazing. It was spacious and the shower was like giving your head a massage. Room #16 was pretty quiet. The view from the bedroom was of additional buildings in the area. Keep in mind this is located in downtown Baltimore.

Magdalena – Onsite Restaurant

Both Ivy Hotel guests and the public can visit the onsite restaurant for dinner. Magdalena can get busy so it’s always good to have a reservation. The hotel staff will make the reservations for you. This dinner is not included in the price of your stay, however, Ivy guests receive a complimentary breakfast. 

The food and drinks were on par but you also will get what you pay for. I would recommend eating there at least once but be ready to pay.

Tea Time & More

This was my first time experiencing tea time. I don’t even remember pretending to have it as a kid. However tea time is 1.5 hours every day and the Ivy provides a selection of sandwiches, sweets, and teas. You can get as many as you want. The display was amazing and the food was outstanding. As I mentioned before, it felt like you were at home while eating and relaxing. Of course, if you don’t want tea, you can always pour some whiskey or brandy on the house.

Relax and Enjoy

One of the reasons I booked this stay was to relax, not have to worry about anything, and be in luxury. Since we didn’t have our car handy, the staff had a car to drive you within a 3-mile radius. We went for an early dinner at a restaurant in the National Harbor. The best part is we were dropped off and picked up at a specified time and didn’t have to deal with parking.

After coming back from our early dinner, we relaxed on the terrace and also hung out in the room with the pool table before heading back to our room.

I would recommend staying at least 2 nights to enjoy a full day at the Ivy. We enjoyed the downtime and the chance to try something new. This was our first boutique hotel and after doing this, I’m not sure if going back to chain hotels will be my first choice anymore. If you are ever in Baltimore, please check out the Ivy Hotel.

If you enjoy staycations, check out my post about our trip to the National Harbor.

The post Awesome Staycation at The Vibrant Ivy Hotel first appeared on Angela P. Banks.

(Originally posted on HarmonyBanx.com)

Why travel outside of your country

Why would you need to travel internationally, if you have everything in the United States? That’s the question that gets asked by those that have never left the comfort of their home country. Well, keep reading to find out at least 5 reasons why you should travel internationally.

As Americans, we tend to view our way of life as the standard because that’s all we’ve been around. If you are able to travel, get a passport. Why read about it in books or on the internet, just experience it yourself at least once in your life.

Travel Internationally 

What does it mean to Travel Internationally?  It is traveling to a different country from where you reside. It is one thing to leave your city or state (which is a start), but it takes on a different dynamic when you have to get on a plane for 8 hours. Not to mention flying internationally has better perks than flying domestically.

Data Points

How many people have ever traveled outside of the US? Over 24 million US citizens have traveled internationally for 2022 (as of Nov 2022) with the top 3 regions being Europe, the Caribbean, and Asia (trade.gov).

There are approximately 302 Million citizens living in the US as of 2021 data (kff.org). So there is still a vast amount of people who have never left the US. Don’t let that be you.

See different scenery (1)

Take some time and learn and discover new terrain and climate. In the US there are different terrains and climates depending on where you live. In Arizona, it will be dry and hot but in Upstate NY, it will have its fair share of snow. The same can be said for different regions with a new country.

Seasonal differences

Consider leaving the US East Coast in December and flying over to the Eastern Hemisphere. It’s easy to get into the thought process that December means winter, however over there it is their Summer.

Different Beaches

Of course, there are beautiful beaches within the US but go and experience a different beach in a different country. The Caribbean has beautiful crystal clear waters and soft sand, however other locations such as Seychelles, and Maldives have water you can see through too, and present a different vibe.  

Driving

Ever wanted to drive on the opposite of the road? Well in the US it’s illegal to even try, but you can experience that somewhere else. 68 countries drive on the left side (worlddata.info). To experience that change can be nerve-racking but exciting at the same time.

Vehicles

Looking to see different types of vehicles? Toyota and Hyundai may be seen in different countries but there are different car manufacturers that are popular too. Ever heard of a DACIA or a PEUGEOT? No, well travel internationally to see them in action for yourself. 

Change of pace, chance to slow down (2)

Escaping the day-to-day usually only happens with a vacation planned out. You are forced to stop repeating the same norms that you are used to. Being on a plane for several hours (especially if traveling further than the Caribbean islands or Mexico), gives you time to decompress, at least once you’ve been thru all the airport shenanigans. 

Adventure

Breaking out of the daily routine also provides a path for an adventure. The planning can be just as exciting as the adventure itself. Excursions, tours, and sightseeing can open your eyes like you are a kid at Christmas. Seeing a lion at a US Zoo is not the same as seeing a lion on a Safari ride. 

Fast and Furious

In a lot of areas in the US, the norm is everything is fast. Fast food, fast service, fast answers. Leaving that may be a bit of an adjustment but it provides an opportunity to step back and slow down without the added pressure of needing to make something happen quickly.

Island Time

The words Island time have a real sentiment to them. The laid-back vibe can be a wonderful change for someone who is part of the Fast Lane vibe. This is apparent in Caribbean countries. Enjoy the scenery, and slow down, because everyone is.

Experience a different culture that is not Americanized (3)

When traveling internationally, look for authentic areas and those that are not commercialized and marketed for Americans only.

Touristy areas

Certain locations seem to be a beautified resemblance of the US. Cancun, MX especially near the resort areas has the US feel but in a tropical place. All the guests are just like you. It’s a comfortable place if you want to dip your feet in the travel waters, but you may look around and find you could have easily gone to a local beach in the states.

Food

Experiencing the food in a new country is one of the best ways to see major differences from the US. France for example has wine as their standard beverage and brings out different glasses depending on which part of the dining experience you are in (appetizer, meal, dessert).  The portion sizes are generally smaller, so don’t be surprised if your entire plate is not packed full of food. 

Native rituals 

Due to the internet and social media, there are certain dances and music that have become popular overseas due to the US popularity. However, the native dance rituals that have been around for centuries continue to live on and as a visitor, you can see that first hand. 

Ceremonies

Marriage ceremonies are not your typical bride dressed in white. In India, the more brightly colored the garment the better. In contrast, wearing black when someone has died in the US is normal, but wearing white is a tradition in countries like Ethiopia and India. What is considered normal by US standards is not for other countries in the world.

Tipping

In the US the majority of restaurants, tipping is the norm, but in Europe, it’s frowned upon. It takes some time for a US citizen to understand that it’s really not okay to tip their server in a European country. But you would never know the feeling unless you went yourself.

Sports

If the World Cup has taught you anything, it’s that futbol can bring multiple countries together. American football is well just for the US. But what about those other sports that are not popular in the States? Wouldn’t you like to see a game in person to experience how fans of different countries and sports come together? 

Languages

If you have ever wanted to learn a new language, the fastest way is to immerse yourself in that native country. And it also helps with enhanced memory and critical thinking. What is fascinating is that within certain countries, multiple languages are spoken. For example, India has about 22 official languages (https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org). In Aruba, they speak a minimum of 4. So travel if you want to learn a new language quickly.

Meet new people you would never have met before (4)

If you want something different you have to do something different (Jack Canfield). Are you tired of seeing the same people, and having the same type of friends, do you want to level up? Well time to get out of your comfort zone. Visit a new country and meet a new friend. Sometimes we are more alike than we are different. This new friend can share their perspective on how it is living in their country versus what you can read on the internet.

Get a different view than what is on the news (5)

Ever hear gossip about someone and already form your own opinion but then meet them in person and discover they act nothing like what you were told? That’s exactly why you need to visit a country for yourself instead of getting second-hand information. Form your own opinion. 

The media tells us what the media wants us to know. When you visit a new country, turn on their local news and then compare it to what we hear and see in the States. 

Go For It

No country is perfect and there are pros and cons to every country. But experience it for yourself. Don’t look for others to tell you, get your own perspective. The internet is vast, but it can’t give you the “feeling”.

Look for good flight deals to a new place you’ve never been to. If you don’t have a specific timeframe, then your options open up. If you’re afraid to go alone, look at some group travel options.

Get out of your comfort zone, book that international trip, and experience new things!

 Happy Traveling!!

Click to read about our trip to South Africa.

 ~Angela Banks

References

https://www.trade.gov/sites/default/files/2022-02/US-Outbound-to-World-Regions.xlsx

https://www.worlddata.info/left-hand-traffic.php#:~:text=Out%20of%20241%20countries%20around,dependent%20on%20the%20British%20Crown.

https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Languages_of_India

KFF,org

The post 5 Reasons Why You Should Travel Internationally first appeared on Angela P. Banks.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico was never on my bucket list of places to visit, but when a friend was planning a destination wedding, it was a way to visit a new place and be with friends. 

After years of traveling to touristy destinations, I’ve learned that after 5 days I’m ready to checkout, especially if it’s an All-Inclusive. So the timing of this trip was in line with my thought process of only 4 days.

The Journey

Living in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area allows me to select up to 3 close airports when flying. For this trip, I selected BWI (Baltimore-Washington International) which is about 40 mins away. Since this was an international flight, I knew we needed to check in earlier.

This part always makes me nervous. Even with TSA Pre-Check and having carry-on bags, I just felt like being at the airport at least 2 hours before our flight was necessary. 

Since the first flight was at 7 am, we opted to stay the night at the BWI Marriot Hotel, which is 1-2 miles away from the airport. I didn’t want to get hung up on I95 during the morning commute. The hotel had a decent restaurant to start our trip before our early rise the next morning.

We checked out around 5 am, parked at the airport, and made our way to security. I’d say by the time the shuttle arrived at the parking garage to the time we sat down at the first terminal, the total was about 30 minutes with about 45 minutes to an hour to spare before boarding started. 

One thing to note is that we skipped the Delta counter and went straight to security. However, our tickets needed to be reconfirmed with a gate agent. The gate agent advised that in the future check in at the front desk for international travel because they need to verify all travelers. 

Our flight started with BWI and had a layover at ATL for about an hour and then off to PVR. 

The Arrival

While on the flight, we had to fill out a customs document, one per family. Then provide that to security. I recall in times past you had to fill out your temporary residence (like what hotel you are staying at for X amount of days), however not this time. 

I’ve been through several Caribbean airports and one thing that is a constant is the welcoming community for the tourists. This was no different after arriving at Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR). Between being offered taxis and booking services right after coming through customs, it can be a bit overwhelming if you aren’t expecting it. 

I did have pre-planned transportation before arriving which included a round-trip ticket. If you don’t want to pre-plan transportation, then you’ll still be able to get to your destination. Another caveat is if you aren’t booking a private service, then you may end up making multiple stops before arriving because there will be other passengers on your same shuttle. 

The Hotel

After our 30-minute drive from the airport, we arrived at the Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort. A beautiful hotel that includes everything you need or expect at an all-inclusive. The staff was amazing and assisted with any questions. 

During our check-in process, we received a wristband that had a sensor on it. This was the key to our room. I enjoyed that instead of having to keep up with a physical room key or a card that sometimes gets deactivated if it’s near magnetic items. You could get it wet and it still worked as designed.

Since we arrived before 3 pm, our room was not ready so we were able to explore the site. However, we met up with some more of the wedding party so it was a nice way to kill time before our room was available. Within the hotel are ATMs that dispense pesos.  

All rooms have a full or partial view of the ocean. Our room happened to be on the 14th floor (the top floor) and we had a direct ocean view. The bride and groom had a suite on the 13th floor that included a hot tub and a wrap-around deck to see multiple angles of the ocean. You could have about 10-15 people come to your room and be comfortable. 

The Mojito Bar is on the 5th floor and is an open-air venue. We had some pre-wedding drinks and enjoyed a night of bingo. The area also has a few swings to take pictures and sit around the bar. 

There are North and South wings to this hotel. Restaurants are on one tower or the other tower, so it’s something to note.

Also, on the 7th floor, you can take a back hallway that connects to the SkyBar.

The SkyBar is where the wedding and reception took place. It’s a great place for a wedding with beautiful views and room for about 70 guests to fit comfortably. The only chance you take with an outside wedding in Mexico is the weather. 

Cocktail hour was located poolside on the first floor while the reception area was being prepped. Here we were able to mingle and take more pictures with a great background. A live saxophone player was providing our entertainment for our cocktail hour.

Now a few words about the beach. I didn’t get in the water, but it looked calm and not overcrowded. It was private to the hotel so only guests would be able to use that area and the rocks around the shallow part allowed the water to remain calm too. It’s another great spot for guests to take pictures.

The Room

As mentioned earlier, we were on the 14th floor so we didn’t hear any noise above us.

The walls were pretty much soundproof because I didn’t hear any other guests or outside noise in the hall. 

The room was typical with everything you need for a beach vacation.

Hair dryer, iron, nice walk-in shower. The standard items.

I did have a pleasant surprise in the closet.

The hotel provided a nice tote to use for shopping or a beach day and I had never seen that done before.

Just be sure to return it, or you’ll be charged.

The Food and Drink

I can’t give too much of a commentary on the food because we didn’t eat that much at the hotel and our stay was just 3 nights. What I ate was decent. I wouldn’t call it a 5-star gourmet but it satisfied our hunger.

The first day we arrived we managed to get some food at a food truck. Now that was different as well. You don’t expect to see a food truck at an all-inclusive restaurant but I guess it worked because we were eating outside anyway. It was a nice appetizer to have while drinking up some of the free alcohol.

We did eat at a Mexican restaurant and we waited about 10 minutes for our table to be called. That particular Friday night, it was busy with more guests. The long wait for a table was for the neighboring Indian restaurant. I did have one drink with a twist. It was a jalapeno-flavored cocktail. It gave it a little bit of a kick. 

One of the better entrees we had was the room service breakfast. It only took about 40 minutes and I felt like that was one of the better meals I had during the stay. To be fair, we were only there for 3 days.  One day was the arrival, one day was wedding festivities, and one day was an all-day trip on a Catamaran. 

The breakfast bar was good. Fresh fruit is something I enjoy, so that was a plus. Typically not a wait either. There are two separate areas for breakfast, both having similar food options. 

As with any all-inclusive, the alcohol can be hit or miss. They typically don’t provide top-shelf to all the guests unless you pay extra for it. A few of us noted that the wine that we had must have been a lower tier because it seemed like everyone in our group had a headache at some point during the trip and we concluded it was the wine.

The Private Catamaran

The bride and groom booked a private catamaran for the wedding guests and what a great experience!  There were approximately 30 or so people on a double-decker charter. The name of the company was Akali Catamaran.

From the Hilton, it took about an hour to get to the dock. But once we arrived we all signed a waiver and went straight to the boat. Food, drinks, and a DJ were provided for the guests, so if you are thinking about doing this I highly recommend having that as part of your day. 

The staff was wonderful. They would get drinks, more food, and anything that was needed. Having a DJ to provide additional entertainment was worth it. We sailed about an hour out and docked multiple times to do some water activities. Guests were jumping from the side of the boat, paddleboarding, kayaking, or lounging on a floaty. 

We mainly stayed on the top tier because it was less crowded but it took more time to get down to the restrooms which were on the lower level. There were 2 small bathrooms. So if you partake in this catamaran, be mindful that there is not a lot of room and no light except for daylight.

Another must bring on this catamaran, other than the obvious swimsuit would be water shoes. It was easier to go up and down the small steps and jump off the side of the boat with water shoes. The traction and not worrying about hitting your foot on anything is a game changer. 

The Transportation

I had booked the airport round transportation beforehand so we wouldn’t have to deal with the myriad of vendors at the airport. I booked a round-trip SUV that was around $150. This was direct from the airport to our hotel and back for the two of us. 

When we were past security, customs, and the other vendors, we had a driver waiting for us with our names on a board. That was a nice touch having someone waiting just for you. There have been trips where we would find transportation once we arrived, but typically we were grouped with several other families and had to make additional stops along the way.

On the return trip, the company sent a text message that they were on the way. The initial documentation also provided the time that we were supposed to be at the lobby waiting to be picked up. They recommend about 3 hours ahead of your scheduled flight departure time.

Overall

The trip was short but memorable. My stance when staying at an all-inclusive resort is that after about 5 days I’m ready to leave anyway. So the 3-4 days we spent in Puerto Vallarta was just enough.

The weather was great. The natives were saying that June is the beginning of the rainy season, although it didn’t rain except for the later part of the reception.  The temperature was in the 80s but when the sun was out, it felt a lot warmer.

We arrived on a Wednesday so the resort didn’t seem to be as crowded. However, around Friday we could tell the influx of guests, especially having to wait for dinner. 

If you are not fluent in Spanish, that’s not a deal breaker, but it does help if you can understand or read some of the words on the menus. I always wanted to speak a 2nd language fluently, but it seems like I can only utter out “Muy Poquito” when asked if I spoke Spanish. 

The taxis and staff at the hotel do accept tips in dollars but bring lots of smaller bills because you will be tipping multiple people. You may not use all of your loose cash while there but it’s better to have more than enough, versus having to use the ATM each time. I did come back with cash from this trip.

Coming Home

There is no direct flight from Puerto Vallarta back to BWI so this time we took a flight that went to Salt Lake City (SLC). That was my first time coming thru that particular airport and I was pleasantly surprised. It looked brain new. After coming through immigration and customs we found a nice restaurant to eat and relax since there was a 3-hour layover. 

Our flight from SLC to BWI was at 11:50 pm. It was also my first red-eye, overnight flight. The plane coming back was a lot quieter and arriving at BWI at 6 am meant I still had the whole day to re-cooperate.  I would do it again. It’s just a hit or miss with late flights because they have more of a tendency to be canceled.

I always enjoy a nice beach vacation and always find the good in it. Would I visit again? Sure, but there are other places I want to travel to before coming back. I would recommend it to newer travelers because everything is right there for you. Travel now because you may not be able to in the future. Curious about our other travels? Check out our last South Africa trip!

The post Wedding Fun in Beautiful Puerto Vallarta – What to Know first appeared on Angela P. Banks.

Lesedi Cultural Villiage

If you visit South Africa, make sure you check out Lesedi Cultural Village. When we arrived at this location we were greeted with a warm welcome that included song and dance. The overall event started within the hour of arrival. This village shares knowledge of various tribes of South Africa, their customs, traditions, dances, dwellings, and more.

While waiting for the village tour to begin, we were able to check out their souvenir shops and get some tribal tattoos. It was about $5 USD to get a temporary tattoo on your hand or face. Each tattoo depicts a story. 

Music and dance are important aspects within the tribes. We participated in the music by playing alongside the tribal members with our own set of bongos.

We learned about the dwellings, greeting customs, and tribal wear from our tour guide. The dwellings are a representation of how everything was built in the past.

The doors are so low that if the enemy wanted to attack, they would have to bend down to enter. Imagine what would greet you when you came through the door with your head looking down!

This red hat that a married woman would wear for this tribe is like a wedding ring. They are not allowed to take it off during the day or during the night.  A long time ago, they would embed the hat into your head. If you take it off it is like a divorce. Can you imagine?!! And if you needed to take it off to wash your hair you needed to get permission from the elders. 

Have you ever heard of Chaka Zulu? I did but I never really grasped who he was and how much of a warrior he was and even that the Zulu tribe was named after him. Yes, I was a little slow on that one.

One story we learned was that Chaka realized that the spears his father was using were too long, so the warriors would throw them at the enemy and then run. In turn, the enemy would pick up those spears and retaliate back. Chaka decided they needed smaller spears, like daggers in order to attack the empty up close and not miss the target. 

Ever heard a Zulu tribe member speak in their own language? It’s amazing to hear and it’s not just words but a specific sound that is not easy to replicate.

As our tour was coming to a close, the “finale” was all the members coming together for about a 30-minute show. The flexibility is uncanny. I saw them kick their legs up to their heads, and do jumps, and splits all to the sounds of the beat and their voices. But as fate would have it, the lights went out for about 3 minutes but then returned. The tribal members still continued on with their dance without “missing a beat”. This was a true cultural experience.

Mall of Africa

As someone who has spent the last 3-5 years doing mainly online shopping, I was not super excited to go to yet another mall. However, my experience was better than I expected. This mall is the largest mall in Africa. 

In typical mall fashion, it has everything you need from restaurants, shops, banks, and more. Even though it is the largest mall in Africa, I didn’t feel cramped with the number of people that can come through there.  I also noticed the prices were less expensive than the mall that was connected to the Davinci (where we stayed). 

The outdoor area was probably my favorite because you had the opportunity to dine outside but also people watch and soak in that South African sun. From here you can see various other corporations. Imagine having an office view from one of those buildings during the work week. 

The restaurants in this mall are top-tier.  We ended up meeting our friends at Kreme on one of the last days. The food and atmosphere were amazing and during that night, live music was playing downstairs. 

This mall had a great location for drop-off and pick-ups for Ubers and Taxi’s. That made it very convenient to meet your driver once you were done with your shopping. We just told him the time and he came back to meet us at that same location. There are several entrances into the mall, so make a note of that entrance number if you ever visit the Mall of Africa.

Spa day

What better way to wind down a 10-day trip to South Africa, than with a couple’s spa day? I can probably account for maybe five or fewer times that I’ve actually been to a spa. Most of those were probably outside of the United States. I am working on self-care, which is why I didn’t decline this as part of our travel package.

The staff at Spas of Distinction Fourways were amazing, as I expected them to be. We were greeted with champagne while we waited for the steam and sauna room. After that, we had an hour full body massage and concluded with a bubble bath. During that time we enjoyed additional snacks and beverages before going up to the sunroom and relaxing outside. 

One thing I regretted was keeping my cell phone in the locker room. I didn’t realize you could bring it with you through the various rooms. I thought it would get wet or damaged by water or humidity. 

In the sauna room, there was an area right outside reserved for us where we could place our robes. It was a little uncomfortable not knowing what time it was and when our ride was supposed to come for us. But that was the only reason I needed my phone during that period of relaxation.

The whole experience was around 4 hours so you never felt rushed. That’s a great way to reflect on the whole trip experience before getting thrust back into the reality of returning home.

Heading home

After almost two weeks of being in South Africa, it was time to come home. We flew back with Ethiopian Airlines Business Class. The service was as expected and for the first flight, we had single seats. Until next time South Africa!

Key takeaways

• The Lesedi Cultural Village tour includes a lot of walking so wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
• The Mall of Africa has a trolley so you can hop on for a small fee if you get tired.
• The message therapists at the spa accept tips and you can pay at the end of your stay.
• If you can swing it, go for Business Class. Your legs will thank you.

The post Indulging in Culture, Luxury & Retail Therapy: My Epic Time first appeared on Angela P. Banks.

Lion & Safari Park

From the Johannesburg/Sandton area, this particular Lion & Safari Park was about an hour away. By the time we arrived, it was around 11 am. The idea of this park is to be around indigenous animals while they are able to move around in their natural environment. It allows visitors to get as close as possible but still be safe from harm. 

The vehicle we were in was an enclosed truck that had bars around the windows. We could take pictures and video but you had to angle your camera just right in order to bypass the bars. In certain areas we drove through, there was staff around to open up different entrances to another section of the park.

I am not a city girl, but I was not raised on a farm either. However, being out in this environment was so serene and beautiful. It brought a sense of peace around you. We weren’t the only ones on this path as there were other viewing vehicles with other groups, so you never felt like you were on your own. 

The tour guide we had gave us specific instructions regarding how to interact with the animals. This is not the first time the animals have seen people, so usually they are just lying down resting and looking unbothered. Our tour guide asked us not to yell at the animals or make those kissing noises like you do for your house pets because it’s not going to work. Yelling just makes them go further into hiding. 

The tour guide stopped and let us out of the vehicle to another area of the park. This had more of a zoo vibe because the animals were behind the fence and we were on the outside. Here we had the opportunity to see wild dogs and hyenas.

During that walk, I captured a beautiful moment where the mountain met the sky. That was such a peaceful moment for me and I could have just stayed in that moment for the rest of the day.

As the day went on, we stopped at another scenic area within the park that had a river where you could relax and take some pictures. The temperature was perfect at around 75-80 degrees with a nice breeze. This was a nice mid-way stop throughout our day. 

Of course, with any major park, there is a gift shop on the way out so we were able to pick up a few things. It was different as there were 5 pods that were connected by a walkway. Each pod had different items for sale and then once you exited you could pay at the last pod. 

Pilanesberg Private Game Reserve

The next day we went on a full-day safari with a guide at the Pilanesberg National Park. It is home to the Big 5. What is the Big 5 you ask? The Lion, Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Leopard, and Rhinoceros. This game reserve was bigger and further away than the Lion Park. It took almost 2 hours to drive from the Johannesburg/Sandton area.

Because it takes a few hours to drive, we made a quick stop at a quick shop that also had a KFC. There are many of the same restaurants here that are back in the States. So if you are ever in South Africa and are craving an American-type restaurant, they have these in South Africa as well. It may not be the same exact ingredients, but you’ll at least feel a sense of familiarity.

The vehicle we were in this time was slightly different. It was still a truck but the sides were open and I had a better view without the confines of bars on the windows and the weather was perfect. All sunshine and no rain in sight. 

The animals were doing what they do best. Ignoring us and going on with their day-to-day. But that’s what you want when you are out in their environment. We were able to capture animals roaming and even being chased. One of my favorite pictures I captured was of a zebra just stopping in the middle of our path. I’d never been this close to one without it being in some zoo in the States. 

After our time was up with our first guide, we got back into our regular driver’s van and continued on with seeing more animals on the game reserve. One highlight was seeing a Cheetah chase a gazelle and then have it for dinner.  

Lunch was at the Bakubung Bush Lodge. In this location, you can stay in their lodges or just come for lunch and dinner with a great view of the grounds.

After lunch, we made a pit stop to see a property that one could purchase or rent out. It’s a little too far out for me, but it was beautiful and the thought of having animals like the Big 5 just roam in the back of your home is intriguing. If anyone ever thinks that South Africa is just huts, tell them to go back and do their research. 

If you are ever in the Pilanesberg National Park, look up Kgabo Safaris for a tour. We didn’t have him as our first guide, but he was sharing a little bit about his journey when we got back. The truck you see has a similar layout to the one we were on where the sides are out. 

Overall this was a great experience. I never thought of myself as someone who would enjoy nature like this because I’m not fond of just going to zoos, but this was enjoyable. If you are physically capable of coming to one of these national parks, then I would recommend it.

It’s such a large area that you can’t see everything in one day, but we got the highlights. By the time we got home from Pilanesberg it was close to 10 pm, so be prepared for a long day ahead if you are planning to visit.

Key takeaways

• You can’t see everything in one day and that’s okay.
• Bring water and snacks on your journey.
• There are no easily accessible restrooms within the park so plan accordingly.
• The Bush Lodge Restaurant had buffet style for lunch.
• Bring sunscreen and bug spray. The sun is hot early in the morning and you don’t have an enclosure to protect yourself.

The post Treasure & See The Wild: The Magnificence Of the Big 5 first appeared on Angela P. Banks.

Soweto who?

If you are unfamiliar with Soweto, which I was before visiting, let me provide some insight. Soweto is an integral part of South Africa’s rich history because of its connection to Nelson Mandela.

Soweto, which is named from a shortened version of South Western Townships is also the location of the early house of Nelson Mandela and the Regina Mundi Catholic Church. Being able to be immersed in this type of history in person, brought some insight. So if you are ever in Soweto check out the locations that I will describe in this post.

One residence of Nelson Mandela

Our tour guide brought us to one of the houses where Nelson Mandela (Madiba) lived after he was released from prison. We weren’t able to go in as it is not a “museum”, however, you can still see the outside and some of the dedicated areas for Winnie and Nelson.

Sanctuary Mandela

We toured Sanctuary Mandela, which was an early house of Nelson Mandela before being converted. The pillars outside were set to describe what Mr. Mandela stood for and if you look through them at the right angle the words also show as a shadow on the ground. 

The Sanctuary has plenty of artifacts such as certificates, and photographs, and is also a place where someone can grab a bite to eat. This was not on our original itinerary, but I’m glad we made this ad-hoc stop for about 20 minutes.

Soweto towers

Driving around areas that are not considered the business district or where tourists hang out, brings a different and educational experience. Yes, just like in the US there are good and not-so-good spots. You will see some rubles and goats eating trash while driving around the area. 

An intriguing landmark we saw was two tall power stations that were converted into bungy jumping known as Soweto Towers. These two towers are brightly decorated and visitors can ride the elevator shaft to the top and “jump” down. This was nice to see, but not my vibe. I’m happy to observe from afar. The video below will give you an idea of what it is like.

Regina Mundi Catholic Church

As we continued, the next stop was the Regina Mundi Catholic Church, which is the largest Catholic Cathedral in the Southern Hemisphere. Here you can see one of the few Black Madonnas and it was also the venue for illegal meetings in the “old” South Africa. The church was beautiful, but just not my cup of tea. Our guide even showed where some of the bullets were still in the ceilings and walls from where some were trying to harm those inside as soon as the meetings were over. Upon exiting the church you can purchase a few items as souvenirs at a good price.

1947 restaurant

It was about that time, that we needed some lunch. 1947 is the restaurant we dined at. 1947 is popular amongst the locals and you can see people outside taking photoshoots (some are African celebrities). I enjoyed the view because the restaurant is up on more of a hill. You can also see the Soweto Towers from this location. The restaurant can be pretty busy, but here is an option for you to try on your travels. 

The Mandela Museum

Growing up in the US, I always heard about Nelson Mandela, but I never really dove into his story to really understand the essence of what he was fighting for or what he had to endure. Maybe because I was still young at the time and it wasn’t a priority for me. After coming to South Africa, I gained a better understanding of how things were in this country and why South Africans loved this man so much.

The Mandela House was turned into a museum. The house is not very big, so only one or two groups can go in at once. We had another guide explaining the history and showing off rooms and artifacts during the tour. What really captured my attention was how one man and his family could live in such a small space and still accomplish so much.

I didn’t realize that Nelson Mandela was 6 feet tall. It seemed in TV or film that he was much shorter in stature. The replica bed that was in the room was like a small twin-size bed. It was hard enough sleeping in a twin bed as a younger adult; I can only imagine what it was like as a grown man.

Here I also learned more about Winnie Mandela. Honestly, the only thing I knew of Mrs. Mandela was that she was married to Nelson Mandela. I did not understand or have knowledge of everything she did in her lifetime to support the cause. I still don’t know everything, however, it’s more than what I went in with. Traveling will give you an education without you having to go look for it. 

apartheid museum

If you don’t do anything else in the Johannesburg area, you should visit the Apartheid Museum. Not because you like reliving the pain of the South Africans from that time, but to gain a better understanding of what it was like for people of color in that country and what Nelson Mandela was fighting for. You won’t find many pictures of the actual inside because they ask that photos and videos not be taken. There is a lot so be prepared to have good walking shoes and don’t go hungry.

There is an area outside of the museum that is more open for pictures. I could tell the similarities between segregation and how it used to be in the US and how it was in South Africa such as using separate entrances for Blankes and NIE-Blankes. Towards the end, there is a 20-minute video that keeps looping for visitors to understand more of the history of South Africa.

go for yourself

I’ve never been a big history buff but I did enjoy the education behind seeing these places in Soweto and the Apartheid Museum. I won’t lie, a lot of it was emotional but that’s just history. We understand it so it doesn’t repeat itself.

If you are not into doing a lot of research online or reading books, then take a trip. Now you won’t learn everything in one visit, but being there and having a good tour guide to tell you about each area will provide a good baseline for you.

key takeaways

• At the Mandela Museum and the Catholic Church, there will be vendors selling items outside. Prices are good, but you are not obligated to buy anything.
• Many of the locals call Nelson Mandela, “Madiba”.
• You can make reservations for lodging and reservations at Sanctuary Mandela.
• You can visit the Soweto Towers and go bungy jumping.
• The Aparthied Mesuem takes 2-3 hours to go through depending on if you have a guide or if you read everything. Photos and Video are not permitted in most of the tour.
• Check out 1947 as a good restaurant choice with a good view.

The post Revealing JoBurgs Hidden Wonders: An Adventure to Memorable Experiences first appeared on Angela P. Banks.

About 18 hours later we were able to see the country for ourselves. I’m not sure I knew what to expect but this would not be our typical Caribbean/Beach vibe vacation. Check out how we got here.

I didn’t book this trip entirely on my own as we used a tourism company called The Real South Africa. Because of their Youtube videos regarding their and other guests’ experiences, we decided to book with them. So check out their website for more information.

The first day and a half we needed time to adjust to the time difference and jet lag in general. We stayed at the Davinci Hotel which had a lot of restaurants and shops in the vicinity since it’s connected to the Legacy Mall. The hotel suite we stayed in was spacious, comfortable, and modern. The only thing they don’t supply regularly is washcloths (which must be a US thing because I had the same issue when traveling to Europe and Asia. 

Getting settled

From DC to Johannesburg, there is a 7-hour difference (until Daylight Savings switches). The jet lag was serious so the day we arrived we didn’t do much except find a restaurant that was located on the mall side. The mall has everything including ATMs. So if you need South African RAND then you can use the various ATMs located throughout the mall. Of course, there is a fee to pay, but if you stay in this location, everything you need is here.

We found a restaurant that had more authentic South African food (instead of the same type of food you see in the states). The meal was amazing and the price for two people including two entrees and two drinks came to about $30-40 USD. If you ever stay at the Davinci, go to the 3rd floor and the restaurant is to the right of the elevator, called Hombaze. There are some dishes they serve that you eat traditionally with your hands and they provide a basin with water and lemon.

Due to the previous travel day and jetlag, we went to bed early, but around 11 pm we woke up and got room service since all the restaurants were closed.

The food ordered at that time of night was good but took about an hour to receive, After we started eating we did notice that the room did not supply certain items like paper towels or liquid soap. The kitchen was stocked to cook with utensils, pots, pans, etc but we only had the napkins that came with the delivered food.

Nelson Mandela Sqaure

The next day, we ventured out to Nelson Mandela Square. This area has plenty of restaurants and shops around and has a nice courtyard to take pictures. We selected The Butcher Shop & Grill as it had outdoor seating and we could people watch. The Guatrain is around the corner so many people use that mode of transportation to get to the vicinity. This area has Woolworths which allows all types of shopping like grocery, clothing, furniture, etc.

During the meal, I took a few pictures from where I was sitting, and then after lunch, we took a few pictures in front of the massive Nelson Mandela statue. There were patrons with shopping carts walking through the square and we realized that they were shopping at the popular Woolworths store. You can use the shopping carts outside of the store and leave them in a designated area which will be picked up by staff.

Once we finished dinner we found our way back to our Hotel Room and chilled for the rest of the day. This mall/square area has another hotel named Michaelangelo connected to it. The journey back to the hotel room was interesting because it’s so massive that you can get lost. However, after a few days, we figured out the pattern.

Just getting started

Stayed tuned for more South Africa days with me. This was only the second day. Throughout our stay, we toured Soweto which included seeing the Nelson Mandela Museum and where Mr. Mandela stayed. I’ll talk about our experience at the the Apartheid Museum and more.

Five Key Takeaways

• Use a tourism company to guide you through everything. We used The Real South Africa.
• The Davinci Hotel accommodations were exceptional but bring items like napkins, dish soap, and washcloths (if desired).
• ATMs and banks are located within the mall if you need cash (Credit cards are accepted widely).
• Nelson Mandela Square has options for food, shopping, and people-watching, all in one safe location and you can use the shopping carts throughout the square.
• This area is more expensive so stores located in the mall are on the higher end. Food prices are reasonable.

The post Discovering the Hidden Treasures of Mandela Square & More first appeared on Angela P. Banks.

After about 6 months of anticipation, our first South Africa trip day finally came. Being local to the DMV region I booked our flight out of Dulles (IAD) and booked a round trip to Johannesburg on Ethiopian Airlines. This also includes a short layover in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia.

Being that this was our first time using Ethiopian Airlines and Business Class, I was ready for all that it had to offer. Of course, I did my due diligence and looked up every Youtube, TikTok, and blog post that I could find about this experience. And from what I previously read and saw out there on the web, it was as I expected.

There were a few questions that I had but never could get a direct answer to online. This may help others with similar questions.

Early Check-in

If flying from the US to ADD (or Addis Ababa), the information on the ET website said you need to be checked in 4 hours before your flight. Now I understand for International Flights, it’s recommended to check in 3 hours, but I didn’t know why we needed to be there 4 hours earlier.

So for a 10 am flight, that meant that we needed to be there around 6 am. So because I am a “rule follower”, we were at the airport around 6 am, but by the time we parked and went to ticketing, it was around 6:30. After all the security checks we were sitting next to our gate at 7 am. Boarding didn’t start till 9 am so we sat for about 2 hours. I think next time we will heed the 3-hour timeframe instead of the 4-hour mark. 

Since it was earlier in the morning, we were pretty much the only ones at the check-in counter. There were 2 lines, one for Online Checkin and the other if you didn’t check in Online. But as I said, since we were basically the only ones checking in at that time, it didn’t seem like it mattered.

Vaccination requirement?

Another point that I don’t recall seeing in any of my travel research was the vaccination requirement. When we got up to the check-in counter, the agent asked for proof of vaccination. I thought since pandemic procedures were pretty much over, that this was no longer needed. Luckily we had our information online and could quickly bring it up, but I’m not sure what would have happened if we didn’t produce that information or if we were being singled out.

In the last email from Ethiopian Airlines about the flight, there was information towards the bottom of the page regarding having a photocopy of the original certificate and only if you are traveling to China, U.A.E, U.S.A, and France (which we were not traveling “to” those places).

However, within that same section, there was a face mask mandatory section, but in reality, face masks were not required. So to me, there was some conflicting information.

Lounge Access

Since we were Cloud 9 Business Class, we were allowed to use the Turkish Lounge right outside Gate B42. When we arrived it was not open for some reason. It did open about an hour later, but we had already found a seat and ate and didn’t feel like relocating. Plus, from the looks of it, the lounge was filling up quickly because it services multiple airlines and we felt it was less crowded where we were.

Priority Boarding / Cloud 9

A little after 9 am they called for Cloud 9 members and all those associated with Priority Boarding. It felt nice to be like the 5th person on the plane. As soon as we found our seats and got settled in, we were greeted with some champagne. 

As mentioned in some other blogs and videos, this plane is a little older so some of the features are not as updated as you would probably find on Qatar or even Delta’s Business Class. But the ability to lay my seat all the way back, recline, and get free beverages can’t be beaten. I was nice and warm with the blanket that was provided. 

This plane had a 2-3-2 configuration and we had one of the two-seaters. Even with being in the window seat, I was able to easily move around to get to the aisle to use the restroom. 

The restrooms are typical, but I never had to wait which never happens when I fly economy. If you have the opportunity and have never flown Business or First Class, I highly recommend it at least once or especially if you have a long flight. 

ET provided us with a travel kit even though I didn’t use many of the items in it. But it was a nice touch. I’m sure this will make a nice travel bag in the future for something else.

Meals

Shortly after take-off, we were served dinner which was like a 3-course meal. I sometimes forget they really give full meals on flights longer than 3 hours and not your typical cookies and juice. 

Layover

The layover in Addis Ababa was relatively short. It gave us enough time to have our checked luggage transferred and to go thru customs again. Because technically you are going from International to International. It took about 20 minutes and we had to do the typical actions such as removing shoes, electronic equipment, coats, etc. Once we completed that part we were off to our next gate to wait for our flight to be called.

From Add to JNB

The second flight was similar to the first, except it was under 5 hours. The meals were about the same. I was still full from the first flight so I didn’t eat as much on the second flight.

After arriving at JNB airport, we went through customs again which didn’t seem to take too long as we were the only flight at the time and we were off the plane first due to being Business Class. However, waiting for luggage took about 20 minutes or so and then we were off to meet our driver to take us to our luxury accommodations.

overall

The flight was rather uneventful, which for any flight is what you want right? The aircraft was older than some of the others I’ve seen online. The food was pretty good and it was a rather comfortable flight. It’s not direct so if you are looking for a direct flight from the states, I would suggest going out of ATL or JFK. We just happen to live in the DMV area and the cost was less expensive than Delta and United. Either way we would have had to take a connecting flight unless we drove 3-4 hours to JFK.

Would I travel with Ethiopian Airlines again? Probably. However, if there is a better alternative, I would consider it.

The post Epic Adventure: Flying Ethiopian Business Class from IAD to Johannesburg first appeared on Angela P. Banks.