Sunday, December 16, 2012

South African souvenirs!

Anybody else have had a flu this winter...? Ever since I got back from South Africa I have had a cold, blocked nose, thick head, hard to breath....but luckily no fever. I already though I might have to check so I dont have malaria, but it does not seem to get worse,and many people around me have the same symptoms. But, I decided to order a Malaria Test Kit, just to  have at home for future, I can test whenever I feel a need to do so. Handy to have and easy way to check as I do not take any malaria tablets!

Then to souvenirs from Africa.  As I have many people travelling in southern africa and most time they have very little space for souvenirs, but it seems to be a must to have something with home:)

Here is a good list for small things you can buy besides wooden sculptures, fabrics, decorations out of ostrich eggs, and of course the south african wines:
- Rooibos tea : Rooibos is only grown in a small area in the region of Western Cape. Rooibos tea has been proven to contain many flavinoids, free-radical fighting antioxidants.Rooibos tea is naturally caffeine free (an especially important benefit for pregnant women, children and caffeine-sensitive drinkers), Rooibos tea can be consumed before sleep without caffeine's insomniatic stimulant side effects. Rooibos tea has also been shown to soothe the body's reaction to allergy and rashes. Rooibos tea also contains anti-spasmodic agents which can relieve stomach pains. 
So, beside tasting good it is also healthy:)



- Dried Mango: this is a delicious snack, no added sugar and is a hit everywhere I bring it:)
How to dry mango 


- Biltong : dried meat slices,with different spices, also delicious and a great snack when on the road , I havent yet met a south africa not eating biltong:) I love it myself! and the best is that you can get it vacuum packed so it last the whole way to Finland, and this is also a great gift to anyone who likes meat, as it is south african!



That was just a few ideas, at least my luggage always contains these three things on my way home from Africa:)
Just after christmas Im on my way again to South Africa, last tour of this year and first for next year!
Before going we are having christmas here at home and at least we have plenty of snow this year.
Here a picture of the girls playing in the snow..and soon I have to go out a do some snow work, my turn today as I havent yet cleaned the yard once this year:)

Love Jannika 











Saturday, December 8, 2012

Home sweet home!

Back home again! I arrived on thursday evening and feels like I have been on sleepy mode ever since I got back.
Snowflakes are falling down and it is -7 outside, it takes a while to adjust after 5 weeks in the sunshine and heat,but christmas is just around the corner, feels good to be home again with family:)
Here is a few pictures from my time in Africa, but please check my facebook site Africa Experts for all the updates I did during my weeks in Africa, Africa Experts
Just after christmas Im on my way again to South Africa, this time only 12 days, doing a tour
And remember to come and visit me at the travel convention in Helsinki in Januray, will check the dates, and I will be at the South African embassy stand, so all of you who have been on any of my tours, please come and say hi, it is always nice to meet up again, and all of you who has not yet been to Africa, come and discuss and we will plan something special for you.
Here a few pictures and clips, enjoy:)




















































Love Jannika