Drink the tap water, she said….

Well Guys, we made it!!! The Willard’s are in Africa and out of the deep freeze temperatures of a Canadian February. Our flight went well and if you think that means we survived the 14 hour leg looking and feeling amazing – I would be lying;). We did survive but looked and, what could be more important to note, smelled less than fresh.

I was ambitious this trip and limited us to 1 carry on and a back pack each, so when the lady at the gate, in Calgary, asked us to check our luggage, I was like, NOOOOOOO;). She really made it sound like we didn’t have a choice and so we went with it because we’re clearly FOOOLSSSS. This was our first flight out of 2 and let me share our West Jet Team Members famous last words…. You will absolutely NOT have to leave the secure area, in Atlanta, to get your luggage….there will be a luggage transfer area for you. I know, I know you’re all like, idiots!!! You travel too often to know this was a bold face lie!!! So when we landed we talked to alllll the people and then drug our kids out of the secure area, picked up our miniature luggage and went back through security YET again!!

Honestly, it wasn’t that bad and it helped that we did have some extra time, thank goodness. The only person this caused extra stress to was Jake!! Yep, poor Jake was stressing hard because we put him in charge of Survival Operations – Lily is in charge of First Aid, Nick is the Navigator and I’m the Snack Lady (most important, in my opinion;). The stress came from all the things he packed, you know, survival stuff – rope (2 different sizes, of course), flint and steel, marbles (think, home alone), zip ties, safety glasses (naturally) and some other odds and sods!!! We did warn him that there was a chance that some of the items could be taken away at security so a second visit WAS stressful. The first time he went through, not an issue….second time, they ripped his bag apart and Jake was on the verge of a sweat tsunami. Things ended well and they let him keep it all:)

We were able to use points to book our flights so we could upgrade to fancy economy;). Let me tell you, it was well worth it – the benefits were minimum but on a 14 hour flight, that’s all you really need. We had an adjustable foot rest, a bit more room between rows and we were lucky enough to book early and score the front row – behind first class so we had even more leg room – which, clearly the kids and I need;).

Our flight touched down in Cape Town, South Africa, at 7pm local time. Our plan was to stay in Cape Town for 5 days and then drive the famous Garden Route. We didn’t really need a rental car in Cape Town but it was cheaper to have it the extra 5 days – go figure – so we headed to pick up the car and that’s when we first realized, Africa Time is real. The rental was less than speedy to get so Nick had the pleasure of navigating driving on the opposite side of the road, in the dark;)

Cape Town is undoubtedly a beautiful place – absolutely stunning!!!! We arrived at night but when we woke up, whoahhhhhh!! The place we were staying at was located in the V&A District which is on the marina and is easily walkable and super safe. We were staying in a condo and was met by a representative that assured us that the tap water was amazing and super safe to drink…….you know, for people who are used to it;)

It might be surprising for people to find out but Nick is quite a germaphobe and gets weirded out quickly by so many things BUT tap water is something he likes to play fast, loose and free with!! He thinks his stomach is untouchable and is unthreatened by your run of the mill pesky enteric viruses!! Ha!!! Maybe when he was 20!!! He rolled the dice and Lost!! Nick is training for an Iron Man in April and runs sooooo much therefore drinks sooooo much more than the rest of us. Let’s just say, Nick was VERY thankful for the prescription meds I brought with us;)

The Highlight of our visit, for all of us, has been SHARK DIVING!!!!! Personally, the idea had been stressing me out – not the actual diving with sharks but the logistics. As the planner of the things, I feel a sense of pressure (only from me) to make it all work but what if the weather’s bad? What if we don’t see sharks? What if the kids freak out? What if I freak out?? We chose to dive with Apex Shark Expeditions. Choosing a Shark Dive Outfitter is like choosing a place to get eye surgery, you’re not looking for a deal – Quality over everything else;);).

I had no idea how the kids would actually react – there was a lot of big talk BUT I’ve seen where that can go;). We loaded up and hit the highway filling up with Dramamine along they way because, what if we just throw up the entire time?? We got on the boat and everything happened so quickly – before we knew it, we hit the jackpot and were surrounded by 5 Bronze Whaler Sharks (aka Copper) and The Willard’s were the first group up. We stuffed ourselves in our wet suits and then it was time!!!

Apex uses a shark cage that attaches to the side of their boat, they flip the lid on top, you hop in. The cage sits above the water about a foot and if you want to go under, you hold your breath and lower yourself down with the help of your weight belts. To say that you are disorientated when you jump in is an understatement. It’s loud, rocky and when a wave hits you, the salt water takes over!!! I was the first to go in, followed by Jake, then Lily and Nick finished us off.

Let me start by saying – I AM NOT A water person. There is not a bone in my body that’s like, sure, why don’t I hurl myself into the ocean and get pummelled by the waves and salt, so it was a bit of a stretch to go shark diving. What we do for our children;). I mentioned before that Jake is OBSESSED with Sharks and this was his day. So I got in the damn cage and tried my best not to freak but ohhhhh I was a freakin!! Claustrophobic, loud and instant panic but not enough time to react because Jake is right next to me in an instant and I can tell he’s unsure and then Lily is in and FREAKING out and then Nick is instantly underwater checking things out. Oh, Oh, Oh and while we are doing this, we are being circled by SHARKS that Love to eat Humans!!

In what world did I think this was a good idea? In an instant I’m questioning everything and feeling awful and ridiculous but I suck it up. Lily is panicking – she wants out – (and so do I ) but we’re here. I make her look at me and we breath together and talk and I tell her she can leave anytime but we’re here. Jake is in the water and is putting on a brave face, he hasn’t gone under yet but we’re here. I stop trying to make everything good for everyone and I just hold my breath and go under and WOW, we’re here. I keep doing it and soon the kids are too. We get the hang of it, find our rhythm and we are observing these absolutely amazing creatures just INCHES away from us and WE’RE HERE!!!!

We walked away from the day in absolute Awe – Yes, the sharks were amazing but our kids impressed us MORE!!!! To see your kids put in a scary yet exciting situation and watch them navigate their feelings and become the absolute bravest humans – what an amazing sight!!! Lily was like, OMG, that was the scariest thing I’ve ever done and I wanted out but I said No, you’ve got to do this!!!

Jake’s love of sharks has been solidified along with his love of the ocean and his need to be a marine biologist. There are a few moments in one’s life that you know change a person and I think this was one for Jake. Although for us, No pressure Jake – If you change your mind, that’s cool. Whatever you want to do, we’re here for it;)

We have so many more stories to share!!! Stories of the things we have done and the things we have learned about ourselves and this complicated and beautiful country!!! I look forward to keeping you in the know.

We hope everyone is doing well and we miss you all!!!! Take care and chat soon!!!