Our lovely Gina La Piana recently came back from a two week, all expenses paid vacation in South Africa and we wanted to know all about it! We figured everyone else wants to know as well, so we asked her to send us plenty of photos. We also asked her a few questions about her trip and experiences while she was abroad. Here is what she had to say...
What brought you to South Africa?
My best friend Vanessa Branch (who is the spokesperson for Orbit Gum) was shooting one of the commercials in Cape town, so she got to bring a guest all expenses paid (yippee). We decided to turn it into a safari vacation when she wrapped up the commercial. This has always been a big dream for the both of us - an African safari. The timing was perfect! When we arrived at Cape Town we realized we were staying in the same hotel, The Cape Grace, as Clint Eastwood (who at 72 is still incredibly handsome - I have a crush on him) and Morgan Freeman!
How long was your stay?
We stayed there two weeks!
What was your experience like in South Africa?
It was an most incredibly life-changing experience! I have to admit if I was going to live anywhere else in the world, it would be South Africa! It is so powerfully moving being that close to that much of the natural world. I felt truly alive and free, connected to the Universe. I was so much more inspired than any other time I can think of! There is so much to do! The people are so kind and humble. They exude love and sincerity. You feel such a real sense of Community and pride in Africa that cannot compare to anywhere else in the world I have been (and I have traveled a lot).
Did you learn anything during your stay?
I learned so much that I don't know where to begin! I learned about nature and and silly things like the male dung beetle rolls bull and elephant dung to make a safe place to mate. That penguins are monogamous. I also spent time at Robben Island and learned so much about Nelson Mandela's incarceration and the 27 years he spent in prison. He was the most significant black leader in South Africa and a potent symbol of resistance as the anti-apartheid movement gathered. He consistently refused to change his political opinion to obtain his freedom. I learned about his son being killed and why he divorced his wife - so many fascinating things!
What did you absolutely love about South Africa?
The things I loved most about being there was the attitude of the people, the animals, and sprawling nature and jungle. The deep sense of pride and history which emanates from everything African! I loved the colors, the smells, the way the sun sets and the stars, it was simply magical!!!
The only thing I wasn't thrilled with was the food! hehe. Lots of game and different weird kinds of meat that I couldn't get into! I tried some it, but it was not going to happen. But fabulous wine!!!
What will you miss the most?
The Animals!
***
And now for what you all have been waiting for: Gina La Piana's Adventures in South Africa Slide Show!