DAY//FOUR

Our final day in Cape Town took us to Robben Island, where political prisoners (most notably, Nelson Mandela) were kept in the days of apartheid. Visiting the island was incredibly special. South Africa has been largely freed from the ugly bonds of segregation and racism thanks to brave men like Mandela. We were guided around by an ex-inmate of the island and got to see the cell where Mandela was imprisoned for over eighteen years. Sadly, we later reluctantly boarded a late-night flight back to Jo'burg and returned to reality. 

photo credit: Hayley and Katy

DAY//THREE

We took to the high seas on Day Three for a little great white shark cage diving. Or, in the case of Hayley and me, a little great white shark sighting from a safe distance. Let's just say the experience was interesting and enlightening... who knew we all suffered from such debilitating seasickness?! Please refer to the "after" photos for our feelings about the day.  Despite pretty rotten weather and getting to see our breakfast in reverse, we did see some HUGE sharks, which was amazing!

photo credit: Hayley and Katy

DAY//TWO

I can confidently say Day Two in Cape Town was one of the best days of my life. I have always dreamed of going to the Cape of Good Hope, so I was in HEAVEN the whole day we were there. We truly were going "to the ends of the earth" as we trekked to the southern-most point of the continent of Africa. Can you imagine the almighty hands that crafted those mountains and poured that ocean?

Day Two: Cape Point, the Cape of Good Hope, V&A Waterfront

photo credit: Hayley and Katy

DAY//ONE

Last week a few of us flew down to Cape Town for a little holiday. I've heard rave reviews of Cape Town, so I wasn't quite sure if it would live up to all the hype. Well, it exceeded my every expectation! I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that I was blessed enough to be alive in that spectacular city. I couldn't narrow down the photos for just one post, so I'll cover each day of the trip. The whole week was one huge "hallelujah!" as we worshiped the Creator in the midst of His finest work. My heart is so full it almost hurts. 

Day One: Table Mountain, Chapman's Peak, Penguin Colony, and Simon's Town

photo credit: Hayley and Katy

SPOOKY//WEEKEND

Every Halloween weekend since freshman year "the friends" have made the trek to Brentwood/Franklin/Nashville, Tennessee, to visit Rachel and Andrew's Aunt Regie. It is literally one of the most anticipated events of the fall around these parts. Requirements for the Annual Spooky Weekend: marshmallow roasting, viewing of an awful horror movie in the Man Cave, the Downtown Franklin Halloween Festival, pennies on the railroad tracks, Ghosthunters marathon, a foray into Nashville, pretending to watch the Auburn game, and scary stories sponsored by Regie. I'm already counting down to 2013's trip!

SHAKER//TOWN

Fall Break arrived this week in all its glory! Rachel and I were fortunate enough to head north to Lexington, Kentucky, to see my sister Sarah and family (including this newly one-year-old girl). We had such a wonderful time! On Sunday we visited a nearby Shaker settlement... here are a few photos from the afternoon in Shakertown.

ROCKY//TOP

I had the pleasure of visiting Knoxville with a few friends earlier this month. We had a wonderful time... ate good food, had good talks, watched good football, and hiked a good trail (that was a little more challenging than advertised, if we're being real). Knoxville had gotten the fall weather memo, which we LOVED since Birmingham still thinks it's July. Can't wait to go back!

NEW//YORK

My family took a little trip up to New York in May to take a bite out of the Big Apple (or so my dad kept saying loudly on the subway). In keeping with Wolf tradition, we saw every monument, museum, attraction, and site open to the public (and sometimes saw those not open to the public) in the short time we had. Jay Wolf invented YOLO, you guys. You don't sleep if you're traveling with that man.  Here are a few photos from our wonderful trip.

 The 9/11 Memorial. Really touching and triumphant. 

 Times Square. Nightmare of the misanthrope, to be sure. 

 Empire State. Cue the song! IT WILL BE STUCK IN YOUR HEAD FOR DAYS. I'm not sorry!

 Statue of Liberty. Sort of mandatory. 

 Ellis Island, which I really loved.

THE DECONSTRUCTION PROJECT NEVER DIES. Shout out to Richard Dendy. 

30 Rock. No Liz Lemon sightings. Blurg! 

 The beautiful Saint Patrck's Cathedral during morning mass.

Grand Central Station. 

 Happy happy lunch at the incredible River Cafe, which was located in a boat beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. Such stunning views. Thanks, Dad!

Little walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, which was one of the best things we did. 

 Magnolia Bakery. More mandatory than the Statue of Liberty, tbh.

A farewell picnic in Central Park. Had to stop by and say hello to Alice, naturally.

Such a great week. But it's not hard to beat our last trip to New York, during which my brother pulled my dress over my head in Times Square.