Helloooo my dahlings! You might not have realized, but I have been long gone for the past two weeks and I am so thrilled to be back among you that I want to give everyone a big ol’ bear hug! You know, the kind where you are squeezed so tight that you can barely breathe. Consider yourself hugged! A huge thank you to all our dear guest bloggers and to Kristin who had to hold down the fort solo. Knowing our readers were in such safe hands allowed me to relax and have that extra glass of wine each night!
By now you may be wondering where the heck I was. Well…..a few weeks ago I was presented with opportunity to go to Tanzania for my nine-to-fiver. And as if the opportunity to work for a week in Tanzania wasn’t enough, Floyd decided that there was no way he was missing the fun and decided we just had to tag a safari vacation on to the end of my trip. I am still pinching myself in amazement that I was able to take part in such a rare life-changing experience. So, while I promise to divulge the entire itinerary and share pictures as soon as I recover from the crazy jet lag, today I’d like to reflect on a few lessons I learned from listening to the beat of Africa.
1) Work as a team or you just might be dinner!
Floyd and I fell in love with the zebra. Each misty morning we found them munching peacefully in the grasses cuddling each other in this beautiful embrace. I mean who doesn’t like a little zebra love?! Then we found out they were cuddling from necessity, not just for snuggles. They pair up like this to keep an eye out for lions in both directions. Just two buddies who have each other’s back and know that by working together they can avoid being a snack and live to see another day. What incredible team work and a true testament of the importance of friendship. Amigos, I got your back!
2) Hakuna Matata, it’s more than just a Disney song.
It’s kind of silly to hear out loud, but the beautiful people of Tanzania truly say Hukana Matata on a regular basis. And they mean it. “No worries” is a way of life. Sure it’s good to be concerned about important things and do your best to reach your goals. However, getting overly stressed about things out of our control is useless and a total waste of energy. A positive attitude is simply a better way to deal. Safari truck stuck in the mud? Roll up your sleeves and laugh as you get a little dirty and push. I mean it’s not a vacation unless you get stuck in the mud (literally this happens on every vacay!)
3) Take time to unplug and unwind.
Sure, it’s a little counter intuitive coming from a blogger. And trust me peeps, I love my iPhone, laptop and crackberry as much as the next gal! However, a week with no TV or any way to “tune in” is a great way to rejuvenate, reconnect and have some undistracted fun, whether its with friends, family or yourself. And (gasp!) somehow everything was just fine without me!
So, that’s the short version of my time spent in the gorgeous country of Tanzania. Much more to follow later in the week!
{ 99 comments… read them below or add one }
Amazing travels! Dreaming of a holiday like that! xx
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Sounds like you had an amazing time! I'm so jealous!
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Aw, sounds like you had an amazing, enlightening trip! I wish I could go away for my job! Yes, need to focus on #2 more! xo, mel
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Welcome Home! I can't wait to see the pics and hear the stories! Life changing is an understatement, I'm sure. Sounds like it was more than you even imagined. But, I know it must be wonderful to be back!
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oh wow! what a trip! I bet it was amazing!
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How absolutely fabulous Megan. Planing our honeymoon in Africa… My greatest dream!
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Such a cute post! Can not believe the amazing adventures you have had…and the advice learned along the way is priceless!
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u just went on my DREAM vacay! – and to be able to go there for work and then add vacay time – LOVE IT! ..
thanks for sharing hot stuff!
*hugs*
Erika
http://tiptoebutterfly.blogspot.com/
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Wow, what an incredible experience! Those are great lessons and I can't wait to see more from your trip!
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What an amazing opportunity and an amazing journey. Wow – so glad you took advantage and had the trip of a lifetime!
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Great ideas for life…and sounds like a fabulous trip! Look forward to hearing more!
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omg what an amazing trip!
Just looking at your pictures gave me chills. What a once in a lifetime opportunity and how spectacular your husband came along too!!! I cannot wait to see more pics and read more about your trip!
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Tanzania – wow! It sounded like quite an adventure. Pictures please!
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Oh WOW! That looks absolutely amazing! Lucky you
I have such a thing for Zebras, and I had no idea that's why they did that!
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Holy cow (zebra)! It looks like an absolutely amazing time!
Melanie@Unravelled Threads
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WOW! :O I'm so jealous
amazing post and photos 
xx
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Oh wow. Simply amazing!
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I read this post and by the end I was sure I will someday go to Tanzania. How spectacular! And I love that last picture of you. So absolutely perfect and beautiful. Your husband is an amazing photographer.
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I'm so jealous! What an amazing place to spend your vacation! I love the pics you posted, I can't wait to see more!
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What an amazing trip!!!!
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What an amazing trip!!!!
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Oh WOW Megan,
What a wonderful experience. It looks as if you both had an amazing time. To see those beautiful animals in their own environment, must have been fantastic.
Now you have to get back to reality !! Our son and daughter-in-law had a month in the States and, our daughter had a month in Japan, Sydney, Singapore and Bali and it's taking them a while to get back to normality….sorry, you wont be wanting to hear that. I'm sure that Kristin is pleased to have you back. !! XXXX
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What an exciting adventure and lovely post. Welcome back!
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OMG I love the pictures. I totally would love to go on a safari. I'm jealous!!
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Wow! So exciting, can't wait to see more of your pictures. Fabulous for sure!!! Welcome back!
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What an amazing trip! I'd love to do all that you did in your travels. Thanks for sharing!
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Omg Africa must have been beautiful!!! What an experience! Zebras are adorable. I forgot about hakuna Matata!!! I need to remember that!! I hope to hear more about your trip & see more pictures! =) Welcome back!
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Welcome back! Looks like an amazing trip.
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Wow, that looks like such an amazing getaway! Such a refreshing experience and I love all the pictures. Can't wait to hear more about it!
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amazing! what a life changing experience, and I am so glad you got to do it!
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What an amazing trip!
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Ohmygoodness you just described my DREAM vacation. You are so lucky! I wish my job would send me someplace exotic so that I might go on safari after my work is done.
Welcome back!
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How amazing- lucky you! Going on a safari in Africa is def on my bucket list
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I don't think Hakuna Matata sounds silly at all! One of my favorite phrases! Glad you had such a great trip. xxSAS
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I have dreamed of going to Africa! What an exciting trip!
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AMAZING!!! The farthest place I went this week was three hours away.
Was the fruit awesome? I always assume African fruit must taste like heaven.
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What an absolutely incredible trip! Welcome home!
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wow a once in a lifetime trip! awesome!
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What an amazing trip!!!!!! Thanks for sharing this with us!
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What an amazing trip! Fantastic pics, too! Can't wait to hear more about it!
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wow. amazing trip. i would love to go one of these days. great photos.
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Sounded like an amazing time! Beautiful pictures
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ohhhh! how fabulous!
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Oh my word those Zebra buddies are killing me with the cuteness!! What a sweet way to keep an eye out for one another. If you think about it they could just stand in opposite directions and look, but they choose to lean on one another. Love it!
Africa truly is the most beautiful place, I"m glad you were able to experience it!
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wow! quite an adventure
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Africa is rich in history. Glad to have you back with us. This is a very sensitive way to look after one another:-)
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I am in aw. I'd love to go on a safari some day!
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Wow! That looks like such an amazing trip!
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These are such great lessons. I'm so jealous that you got to go to Africa — what a fantastic opportunity!
xxoo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com
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Welcome back Megan! Sounds like an incredible adventure, and I am grateful that you shared all the photos! SO COOL!!
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So cool! I'm glad you seized the opportunity to take this amazing trip, Megan. I can't wait to see all your pictures and hear more about it!
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That sounds like a fantastic trip! And you've inspired me to try a trip like that!
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What a once in a lifetime amazing experience! Thanks for sharing!
Hakuna Matata
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I never knew that about zebras, but VERY cool and what an awesome picture too!!!
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Amazing trip! Love your insights. I was lucky enough to go on Safari in Africa when I was a teenager. What an amazing experience it was. Glas you enjoyed yourself!
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wow how amazing!! what an awesome experience!!
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We used to spend weeks in Costa Rica with no TV. I didnt miss it. I dont have TV at home now and I dont miss it.
Thanks for sharing the info about the zebras.
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Welcome back – great post!
XO
Lenore
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ah i missed you! glad your back x
Missy
High street + Couture =
http://thefashionfusion.blogspot.com
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OMG, I love this: "… listening to the beat of Africa." SO true! There is something about that continent that just mesmerizes me… and I haven't even been there! Yet. Mama WILL get in touch with her roots, someday…
Can't wait to read more!!
xoxo J
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Sounds like a great experience. So glad that you enjoyed yourself. Those life lessons are really useful.
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What an amahhhzing trip! How wonderful it must have been to feast your eyes on the splendor of Africa! wow- i thought hakuna matata was made up-lolol! Glad you had a safe and fab trip!!
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WOW what an amazing trip!!! glad you are back safe and sound… i seriously am so jealous. a good healthy jealousy. haha. thanks for sharing girl!
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How amazing to have that opportunity! Once in a lifetime YES…too good to pass up.
Can't wait to see more pics. The wildlife, the scenery & your khaki's
- Lol
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Wow!! What an opportunity to get to visit Africa! Glad you had a great and safe trip! Welcome Home!
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Beautiful pics!
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What a fantastic experience! I can't wait to see more of your talented hubby's photos. I've been to S. Africa a few times for work and always hope to tack on a safari in Kruger Park but it never happens. Experiencing a safari is definitely on my "bucket list".
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Wow that sounds like the experience of a lifetime.
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How very cool! Thanks for sharing some pics
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Can't to hear more ab the trip and see more pics!! =) What a wonderful opportunity! And a safari?? WOW! Cross that off the bucket list!
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Sounds like a wonderful trip!! Love the pictures!!
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Welcome back! SOunds like an amazing trip.
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That looks absolutely amazing….glad you had a great time!
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What a fabulous trip! It looks like quite the adventure.
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Ahhhh sounds amazing!!! Welcome back
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How fun!
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great pics!
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Holy moly, Africa?! Neat! We've been dying to try a safari! Sounds like so much fun.
Kelly
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Amazing! Can't wait to see more.
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OMG, you are so lucky! Your trip sounds amazing and I'm uber jealous! I've always wanted to go to Africa and do a safari adventure!
xo, becs
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Wow, how amazing! Hakuna Matata-now that's a nice phrase.
Also, great images!
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Holy cow! Welcome home! I cannot wait to read more!
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So jealous! I've always wanted to go to Africa. Will have to settle for your African life lessons until that dream comes true…
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Welcome back.. Sounds like a nice trip =)
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So jealous. Can't even comment!
Actually I am dreaming of doing volunteer work in Africa one day. Right now would be as good of a time as any considering I am unemployed… I'm thinking I might do it if I still haven't found a job by the Fall.
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Oh, now I want to meet a zebra!
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I am sooo jelly. Love the photos of you zipping along in a safari van. Wondermous.
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Oh thats amazing!!! What a special trip!! xx
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Fab photos! Seems like you had a blast.
Can't wait for more on your trip.
Xx
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wow, such a brill post
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Welcome back!
Looks like you had a memorable time/journey !
Love this post and the pictures are great!
Big hugs!
B xx
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Oh your trip sounds fantastic! Welcome back!
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That shot of you in the jeep is the coolest pic ever!
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Great lessons and I love the zebras!
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I love the Zebras, there's nothing like knowing someone has your back!
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What an amazing trip, I am so glad that you were able to get away, enjoy the nature, and rejuvenate!
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totally jealous, gorgeous pictures, and LOVE the little zebra anecdote
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Africa! how fabulous! I can only imagine all of the things to be learned in Tanzania and on that beautiful continent, in general. I hope to visit one day…Tanzania is on my list….along with Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa…it goes on and on.
welcome home!
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Yes please post more photos, the ones you posted are so cool already! Africa seems like such an utterly strange place compared to home, it must have been quite the experience!
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