Starting at the start

It was my intention before I left for South Africa that I would blog and update my facebook status every few days.  That was before I was cursed with breaking just about everything I came in contact with, including the bathroom pipes and internet in the first place we stayed, the AV in the classrooms, the microphone and even the window shutter in the plane on the way home.  I was the cursed one. 

So I didn't update, blog, or facebook and now I am left with the mammoth task of recording all those fabulous memories after the fact.  I've been going through my photos today and there are so many I want to post, but it's all so out of order. 

So I'll start again at the start.  Johannesburg.  Land of the passionate rugby supporter, amazing scrapbooker and the Emporer's palace convention centre.  It's where I met the rest of the team, we joined together as a team of 14 people that didn't know each other and we left after ten days as the best of friends.  This is one of my favourite photos - this was taken at Johannesburg airport while killing some time.  Some of the pics that came out of this photo shoot were hilarious but this one represents us all pretty well.

 

Ok here is a real photo of the team -  this one taken at Sandton shopping centre.  We caught a train over there the day before we started teaching.  Missing are Rosanne and Stephanie, Glenda and Gary.  

 

I said this last year, and I'll say it again.  SA Scrapbook convention has to be one of the most organised events I have ever seen.  Every single little detail is taken care of and the delegates and teachers are well taken care of.  There is a team of around 25 teacher helpers that are the hub and the heart of the event.  You can see some of them here, busy at work, putting the crop room together for an event that sees 600 delegates go through the doors. 

 

I attended this event as a teacher for BasicGrey.  From the feedback received in class I can say that we all did BasicGrey very proud.  Almost everyone finished, the ladies were all happy and the results were some fabulous layouts that had me grinning from ear to ear about how creative and amazing a group of women can be.  And on top of that, I was able to commentate the South Africa vs Wales game with a little help from student, Ada, who was keeping contact with her hubby via text.  See what teamwork can acheive?!!

You've seen this before, but I need to show it again.  Some of the great layouts produced in class. 

 

Just FYI - the new Basicgrey design team was announced while I was away.  A design team for BasicGrey?  That's something that they have never done before!  I was asked many times if I had applied.  The answer is no.  Design teams aren't on my radar right now.  They have obligations and responsibility that I just can't commit to and my focus just isn't in that area right now.  I will remain an on-call designer for BasicGrey though- it's hard to break a habit of over 4 years!  You won't have seen the last of me and BasicGrey but in the meanwhile, congrats to the new team of amazing BasicGrey designers!

So, South Africa,that was just the start.  Really.  I have lots more to show you.  LIke my favourite place (apart from home) in the whole world.  My favourite game park ranger in the whole world, my new discoveries in scrapbooking products, some old friends and some new.  I'll save that for tomorrow.

laters.

Comments

[Rachel]

welcome home Nic - can't wait to see what you have to share :-)

[Kota]

Thanks for sharing your trip. We loved having you here!