What’s Your Ride?

Baz has Landys, Ingrid has her RV, Doggy has his running shoes. And Traveling Marla has her Jeeps. Yup. You might have guessed it wouldn’t be long before I needed to add a 4wd to our South African adventures. Thanks to my friend, SA Claire (and her SA connections) we are buying a nice used … More What’s Your Ride?

The Whales at Bientang’s Cave, Hermanus

My column this month for Expat Focus shares with you part of our great Cape Town excursion last year, including a visit to Hermanus. I enjoyed writing the column, as always, and I hope you will have even more enjoyment reading it. Please follow the link below to read the column. The Whales at Bientang’s … More The Whales at Bientang’s Cave, Hermanus

Eating Lasagne for the First Time

Recently we had a few friends to dinner. They were from another African country, and at least one of them had never heard of lasagne. Since lasagne happens to be one of my favorite dishes to make (and eat!) I knew that’s what we would have for dinner. For me, lasagne is always served with … More Eating Lasagne for the First Time

Crocs, Hippos…and Bilharzia?

I just realized I never shared my June column on the Traveling Marla site! Since today is Manuscript Monday, and since I do hope all these South African adventures one day find themselves into a new collection of stories, I hope you don’t mind my sharing my Expat Focus column: Crocodiles, Hippos…And Bilharzia in South … More Crocs, Hippos…and Bilharzia?

There’s No Place Like Home…or “Home” What’s Your New Normal?

When did we become the people who stop in Paris, because we can, because it’s on the way back “home”? And where is “home” anymore? Just how long do you live in a place before it takes up permanent residence your heart? And how long does it take before your new life becomes just another … More There’s No Place Like Home…or “Home” What’s Your New Normal?

Bastille Day Fireworks

Just a quick glimpse of Bastille Day here in Paris. It was definitely worth getting the room with a view for the day. It’s now about 1:15am on the 15th, Paris time. Late revelers are still hanging around Place de Mexico, setting off unofficial fireworks and the occasional M-80. A few stragglers wander the street … More Bastille Day Fireworks

Traveling Marla is in Paris. Sorry France.

Only a short stop in Paris to hit a few highlights and watch fireworks for Bastille Day tomorrow night. Caught the red eye here last night and zombie’d our way through a tour of Versailles, a walk around the neighborhood where we’re staying, and a lame attempt at ordering lunch in French. Kurt was excited … More Traveling Marla is in Paris. Sorry France.

What Kind of Hyena?

Readers, can you tell me what kind of hyena this is? It was our last day in Kruger National Park. We were taking our time driving around on our way to the exit, talking about what new things we’d seen. We never go to Kruger expecting we’ll see all Big Five every time, but we … More What Kind of Hyena?

The Death of Rikki-Tikki-Tavi

Every time we see a mongoose I think “There goes Rikki-Tikki-Tavi.” We don’t have these cute little killers, and my own exposure was the many readings Mom made of Rudyard Kipling’s “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi” story. That tough little guy was the protector of the family from the neighborhood killer cobras.