Visiting South Africa

After seventeen hours on a cramped and crowded flight, one wouldn't expect to arrive at one's destination in high spirits. Nothing could be further from the truth for my husband, my now 12-year-old daughter and me when we land in Johannesburg, South Africa.

My husband was born and raised in S. Africa and our twice yearly visits kill four birds with one stone. Although hectic, we love every minute of it.

First Stop: Johannesburg

After collecting luggage, we head straight for the Westcliff Hotel, which in NYC would be entirely outside our budget. With a favorable exchange rate, we treat ourselves to a brief stay at this exclusive property overlooking the Johannesburg Zoo! Our stay in Johannesburg is primarily devoted to visitng with family: my mother-in-law, her mother--soon to be 100 years old, and my sister-in-law and her kids. My daughter loves to see her cousins on their turf and during our most recent visit, she recorded her great grandmother's story of leaving Austria during World War II for Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and then eventually settling in South Africa.

While my daughter is off with cousins, I visit our artists' studios where our handpainted ceramics are produced. It is always a treat for me to be with the artists and discuss new idea in person.

Second Stop: Ingwe Game Lodge, Northern Province

In the heart of the bush, Ingwe was clearly the highlight of the trip for my daughter. Open jeep game drives twice daily provided more excitement than she could have imagined. Having been on safari before, this was the first time our guide and excellent tracker allowed us to climb out of the vehicle and observe leopards at close range. It was not busy season at the lodge and one evening we were the only guests. Dinner was set for us at an outdoor table and we enjoyed a delicious meal under the stars. Naughty baboons were not too far in the distance, hoping to steal a bite or two.

Third Stop:CapeTown

Some people go to South Africa for the hunt-either a photographic or hunting safari is on the itinerary for many travelers to this part of the world. I am also hunting....for the unique, the wonderful and beautifully handcrafted products we sell in our on line shop. After receiving a hand forged brass spoon twenty years ago as an engagement gift, I always dreamed of having my own business as curator and retailer of South African home accessories. Little did I know that eventually this would come to be and that JacarandaStyle would become part of our family vacations. Meeting with artisans, discovering new products and shopping in Cape Town, a truly magnificent and cosmopolitan city, is all in a day's work.

Fourth Stop: Durban

It's hard to leave CapeTown. The extraordinary beauty of the city and surrounding areas, the food and wine, the art and culture all make it diffcult to say good-bye. But, then there is Durban and the Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga Rocks, just fifteen minutes outside of the city center. Step into the lobby of the Oyster Box and you've stepped back in time-the 1920's, to be precise. Boasting beachfront property, it is one of the most charming hotels I have visited.

Aside from scouting and finding wonderful things for JacarandaStyle, Durban is the nearest city to the Ethembeni School for Disabled Youth. We spent a day at the school during our last visit and we support this wonderful institution by donating a portion of our sales to it. We were all moved by the spirit and energy of the students and the dedication of the teachers.

Every single sale at JacarandaStyle helps to improve the life of a disabled child.

We are passionate collectors of South African tribal art and it was in Durban that we found and purchased an extraordinary old Zulu pot, which is now in our home. In a few weeks it will leave to go on loan to the Neuberger Museum where many others will be able to appreciate a bit of South African art and culture that we love so much. We are not saying "farewell" because the pot will return to our home in about one year...just in time for our next journey to South Africa!