Yes, That is Me, Jen from Africa.
If we were to meet somewhere on the road, this is what probably what you would see – me behind my camera. I spend a lot of time behind my lens, but sometimes I do remember to live in the moment and put that camera down.
What is the First Thing You Pack?
My camera and a couple of lenses are always packed and ready to go at a moment’s notice.
My friends say I am a certified coffee snob, but I disagree; a lousy cup of coffee in the morning will ruin my day. So, the first things I pack are my favourite coffee blend and my French press, followed by my kindle.
Do You Have a Constant Travel Companion?
I do. My indulgent and very patient husband, Dave. Whenever I announce my plans for another trip, whether it’s a long weekend or a two to three-week journey, Dave asks where we’re going, and then, with a large sigh, he says, ‘Oh, okay!’ and leaves the rest up to me.
What Kind of Travellers Are You?
I’ve realised that before that pesky pandemic of 2020 curtailed our international travel, we were box-ticking tourists trying to make the most of each day in another country by cramming our days with things to see and do. And too often, we returned from our trip exhausted.
With our wings clipped, we were forced to stay local, and our approach to travel changed.
And now we are slow travellers exploring the wild and not-so-wild places of our beloved country, South Africa.
What is Slow Travel?
For us, slow travel is about doing our own thing at a leisurely pace without the stress of timekeeping.
It’s about embracing the experience from the moment we leave our front door and the unexpected moments and encounters along the way.
But, most of all, slow travel is a conscious decision that allows us to immerse ourselves in our environment. To breathe deeply and reconnect with ourselves and those around us.
5 Star Luxury or Camping?
Of course, I love a little 5-star pampering. Who doesn’t? However, we have a limited travel budget, so we typically book self-catering accommodation or camping.
Although I must confess, I’m not a camper; I’m a glamper who likes life’s little luxuries. I never sleep on the floor or use plastic tableware to eat and drink from. And I always have a beautifully set dinner table with candles and a bottle of wine.
Do You Have a Day Job?
I do. I’m the quartermaster and finance bucket at Grain Bucket, an online store selling homebrew kits to South Africans to make their own craft beer.
When I’m not sharing the joy of craft beer, I freelance as a proofreader and content writer.
Why Postcards From the Road?
As you read my stories here at Jen from Africa, I intend to whisk you away to each of these places for a minute or two with my words and photographs – my postcards to you from the road.
Thanks for visiting and reading my postcards from the road.
And if there is something you would like to ask me or an idea you would like to share, go ahead and drop me an email at jen@jenfrom.africa.