Continent #6: A RADIKL South African Journey: Part 2 of 3/Kruger Park

Goeiedag! (This means Good Day in Afrikaans)

Propeller plan landing in Kruger Park

It is indeed a good day! The sun is shining  and it's a new day full of possibility. As not to skip over the elephant in the room, IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!!! The beautiful landscape that greeted me this morning outside our hotel room was such an amazing gift. I'm blessed.

A happy hubby arriving in Kruger Park

The second leg of our trip was a retreat I wish for everyone to experience. Kruger Park covers almost 8000 square miles. People travel from all over to get up close and personal on a safari tour featuring the 'Big 5:' lions, leopards, buffalo, rhino and elephants. We were fortunate to see 4 out of the 5.

Lodge in Kruger Park

For 3 days we stayed at a rustic and fabulous 2 bedroom chalet as part of a larger property, 20 minutes from our chosen safari route. The chalet was deep in the wilderness steps away from the main house. The architecture and detail pulled together all the elements of the surroundings. Before I get too deep into this part, I will pick up where I left off in Part 1.


We arrived at Capetown airport at 4:30am for a 6am flight to Kruger Park with an hour layover in Johannesburg. The ticket booths were all closed. They slowly began to open about 15 minutes after we arrived. Our hope was that they would check our bags through to Kruger since we only had an hour to arrive and check into the next flight. In the US, an hour layover would be sufficient, but we were unsure about this set up. Our check in process was tedious. The airline website listed each passenger could check two bags person, but when we arrived with 3 bags total, they said we needed to pay for the additional bag. No biggie, but the process to pay for the extra bag was a shenanigan. They sent my Richard running between two ticket counters about 5 times. They were unable to check our bags through to Kruger or check us into the next flight. With all of the commotion, we still made our flight, just in time. Our experience at Capetown airport didn't leave us very confident that our transfer in Johannesburg would be smooth. Still, I had peace all would be well in our next destination. I knew we were headed to the best part of the trip. 


When we arrived to Johannesburg, we walked the 10 minutes to the baggage terminal and as we walked up...our luggage was circling the belt. With smiles on our faces, we grabbed them and quickly headed to the terminal. After checking in at the kiosk and dropping our bags at the ticket counter with no issue, we were on our way! Next stop, nature, wildlife, tranquility and total retreat. We boarded the propeller plane (our first ever) and 45 minutes later we arrived to the warmest weather of the trip.

Zebra crossing the road

Our tour guide for the next three days, Robert, met us at the airport with a sign ready to expose us to a whole new world. His world...he was born in a small village a couple hours from Kruger and pretty much grew up with the animals. His knowledge of the history, culture, traditions, animals, etc was astounding. The drive to the lodge gave a glimpse of what splendor was ahead. Beautiful Zebra and leaping Impalas crossed the roads just a few miles from our destination. We had officially entered the jungle.

Inside the chalet

Upon arrival to the lodge we were greeted by a lovely young woman we called 'NoNo' for short, who would serve us in the dining room for most of our meals. We checked in at the front desk and signed our life away on numerous forms. All I kept seeing was..."we're not responsible," "injury," "death..." As a proud "water walker" and "adventure seeker," I thought, I couldn't have picked a better way to welcome my 30's!  After we ate lunch we checked into our chalet and took a nap. The night ride or night safari was the next item on our itinerary and the 3am wake up call was still lingering. 

:-)

Team Pope!

Elephant emerging from the bush

Like most people, I've been to the zoo, but nothing compares to seeing 5 ton animals staring you in the face up close and personal. The night ride was incomparable to anything I've ever experienced. For 3 hours, our tour guide drove an open roof truck explaining the types of animals we might see. Within 10 minutes on my right we see the biggest elephant I could every imagine emerging out of bush. It still blows my mind. On the right his kin was grazing. It was totally surreal. From there we saw more impalas, zebra, giraffe, and more.  The inn keepers told us travelers come and safari 4 or 5 days straight to see the lions and never see them. We saw them on our first night! 18 lions in the middle of the road. It was unbelievable. The sun set an hour into our ride. We had to use spotlights to identify animals. The most shocking, even beyond the lions were the porcupines crossing the road. Their quills looked like wigs or extensions attached to their backs. The tour left me in total amazement.

Family of impalas

Back at the lodge we ate dinner and reflected enjoyed the tranquility. To our surprise (but knowing my husband, I'm not convinced he didn't arrange this) we were the only ones staying in the 8 chalet lodge. The lodge had a full staff and they were waiting on us hand and foot. Between our nap and returning from the safari, the attendants prepared our room again. We were warned that if we heard growling at night it was most likely a wart hog under the chalet. The thought was more funny than scary. 

The King of the Jungle and his family

Half past 5 (as South Africans describe the half hour) was our wake up time the next day to begin the 8 hour safari.  Robert warned us the mornings were very cold and to layer up. When started the day drive it was still dark and the sun was peaking through the clouds. I had on 3 of everything. As we drove through the open roof truck, the wind was beating our faces mercilessly. We had blankets as well, but it was hard to keep warm. We cuddled, kissed, blew hot air on each other, but it barely penetrated the cold. The only warmth came when we stopped to look at a fascinating species. Impalas could be seen all over, so we didn't stop for them unless they were crossing the street. On this ride we were focused on seeing rhinos, buffalo, rare birds, hippopotamus, leopards and more. We saw most everything but the leopards, which completed 4 of the Big 5.  We even saw a pregnant elephant who could give birth at any time. She was not in a happy mood. The gestation period for an elephant is 22 months. 22 months for one baby elephant. I think most of us women would be in a bad mood under those circumstances. 

Dinner with the Pope

We stopped once nearby a heavily inhabited area of birds. While looking at the birds, the different plants we saw a family of impalas running through the bush just 100-200 feet away from us. We had become so comfortable, we forgot we were still in the middle of the jungle with wild animals who saw us a predators. We quickly hopped into the truck and returned to the lodge. We enjoyed our last lunch in the secluded oasis. The rest of the day we inhaled the clean air, listened to the silence and soaked up the peace. After dinner we warmed ourselves by the open fire burning outside the dining room and counted the stars. Seeing the stars at night was a favorite pastime of mine growing up in Chicago. Living in the North East, the stars aren't always as visible. It was a small moment, but a great ending to an out of this world kind of day.

Small village

The next morning we had breakfast with 5-7 people waiting on us at a time. The name of the inn is Grand Kruger Lodge and the service was just that, grand. We said our goodbyes to the wonderful staff and started on our next journey...a 12 hour panoramic tour through the mountains, villages and hills of South Africa to Johannesburg. We stopped at 3 major places: God's Window, Potholes and the 3 Wives mountain. All of the scenes were breathtaking and shattering to the mind's imagination. I felt like we stepped into the book of Genesis. The glory of what we saw could only be described by the creation story. It took millions of years for these formations to become what they are now. Larger than life. 

My love

As we arrived into Johannesburg, we were coming down from the climax to our trip. We had certainly hit the peak. Since Jo'burg is a metropolitan city of business, development and industry it's a fitting transition back to the states. Our disconnection from outside world came to an end and it was time to plug back in. I re-learned the value of stillness, pausing, tranquility and total retreat. Those memories, I want to hold for when life is running faster than I can keep up. 


We're here in Jo'Burg till tomorrow and then we journey home. Stay tuned for Part 3 of 3. 


XOXO,
Kristen
@KristenLPopeTV

PS - See below for a few more pics!

Our tour guide Robert

Overlooking God's Window

God's Window

Waterfalls

Overlooking Potholes

Potholes

Us

Continent #6: A RADIKL South African Journey: Part 1 of 3/Capetown

Goeiemôre! (This means Good Morning in Afrikans; a main language spoken in South Africa)

Five years ago, I set a goal to visit the 7 continents of the world by age 30. Africa makes 6 and for all intensive purposes, I've met my goal. (Antarctica while not impossible will take a lot more planning and a lot more money). Tomorrow, I turn 30...in South Africa! Even with this goal in view, I hadn't imagined turning a new decade in a continent different than the USA.

aboard the flight to South Africa, first stop Amsterdam

The true hero of this journey is my husband Richard. The goal was mine, but the flawless planning was all his. For someone who has never been to Africa, he figured out the most important targets to hit. I'm forever grateful to all the love and care he took making sure this trip was unforgettable.

With all the traveling I've been fortunate to experience, this trip ranks #1. From New York, through Amsterdam we arrived in Capetown last Friday, and stayed through Monday. The greatest highlights of our stay was the service, view of Capetown and other parts of South Africa even to the direction of Antarctica from Table Mountain and the lessons learned. But, I'll get back to that shortly.

living room in the suite in Cape Royale

For about two weeks, I've grown increasingly excited about this trip. So much so, I lost my appetite and couldn't sleep. By the time we arrived in our 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom ultra contemporary, luxurious suite
at the Cape Royale that Richard selected, I was through the roof. This may sound strange, but in my mind I prepared myself for one argument between my sweetie and I on this trip. Not the end of the world, but 9 days in a foreign place and two strong, very different, yet similar personalities, passion and excitement...it could happen. And it did, shortly after we arrived. It stung for both of us into the next day, but we tried to shake it off. My feeling was now that, that was out of way, the rest of this trip would be amazing...and it has been.

Africa is currently in Winter. The mornings can be very cold, nearing 40 degrees and highs of 65. We spent the second, first full day in the city center. The colors, beautiful people, shopping and laid back pace reminded me a lot of Rio, Brazil. We ate lunch at a cute restaurant called 'Roberto's' on Long Street. The waiter was from Jo' Burg (Johannesburg) our final leg on this trip. His level of service was top notch and the food was a great start to our ethnic endeavor.

a sign in the Capetown airport fitting for this trip

During our walk through the streets of the city center we were approached by people asking for money and food. We took one woman asking, grocery shopping. She picked out whatever she needed and we took care of the bill. She was extremely grateful and respectful. We all hugged and Richard and I went a separate way. For one or two more we gave some small bills and to others we declined and kept going.

outdoor market shopping

After lots of pictures, sight seeing and outdoor market shopping, we walked to the convention center where they were hosting a Food and Wine Festival. The CC was packed! Local vendors, international retailers and television networks with cooking shows all had booths. We tried everything from African mineral salt to loose leaf tea. Once we had our fill, we made it back to the hotel to pick a place for dinner. We chose the waterfront, which has shopping, restaurants, boating of course and other tourist attractions. Instead of taking the complimentary shuttle provided by our hotel, we decided to walk the 10 minutes.

Food and Wine Festival

The area we stayed in Capetown is statistically the safest with little to no crime. Unfortunately, we became part of an almost non existent statistic. On our walk to the waterfront, we were approached by a young man who asked Richard to give him some money, specifically a small bill. Richard gave him the smallest bill he had, 100R (Rand) bill. That equals about $12. He then asked for all of our money and flashed a knife at Richard. He continued to say, 'don't try to run.' I never took my eyes off of him or his red book bag. It was happening so fast, it seemed like time stood still. So fast that until he said don't try to run, I didn't differentiate this occurrence from the previous encounters when people asked for money. Richard gave him the rest of what he had and still he didn't believe it was everything. Richard showed him the inside of his wallet repeating he had no more money. Finally, the mugger walked away.

picture of Nelson Mandela in a storefront window

Richard and I continued our walk to the waterfront, visibly shaken up. We stopped at a hotel a short distance away to explain what happened. Their desk attendants were shocked by our story. The area has hidden cameras lining the street and armed police patrolling the block. Technically, this shouldn't have happened, here.The hotel called one of their cars to drive us the rest of the way. We went to the ATM, sat down to dine and shared our feelings about the incident. All we could think about were the people we told no who asked for money or food for money. We said no to people in need and someone came and took what we chose not to give. That broke our hearts the most. God had spared us, kept us safe and we were thankful. Any remnant of the argument we previously had was gone immediately. The lessons were clear and deep.

We reported the mugging to our hotel who were also shocked and terribly sorry it happened. The police were made aware and we moved on.

Richard atop Table Mountain

We spent the next day exploring Table Mountain and the surrounding area. The Mountain looks over the city, the ocean and the neighboring islands. It looked like the sun and the sky had no endpoints. One begins where the other ends. The remainder of the day we took advantage of our expansive hotel services. I enjoyed the spa and Richard rested in the room. With a 6am flight the following day to our next destination, we stopped by the lounge next door, ordered room service and called it a night.

Our driver upon arrival into Capetown airport returned the following morning to take us back and we bid farewell to the beautiful city. Now off to an unparallelled retreat of total seclusion, nature, wildlife, history and culture, our adventure was just getting started!

Stay tuned for Part 2 of 3 in Kruger Park!

XOXO,
Kristen
@KristenLPopeTV

When Trying to Fit Into Someone Else's Box...DON'T

It's been almost two months since my last entry! I've missed you! I'm getting back on the wagon. There is a ton of exciting new developments on the horizon and I want to share them with you. This journey is continuous and ever evolving. This blog has been my lifeline at times, the outlet of healing, growth and restoration. Neglecting it, is neglecting me. Let's GO!

One of the many reasons I started The King's Daughters, Inc. was to celebrate collective individualism. That sounds like an oxymoron. What do I mean? I mean we are all part of a bigger picture, but the detailed uniqueness of who we are is on purpose. Our personality and physical features separate us and make us different and special.

I once dated someone who tried to put me in their 'box.' They critiqued how I looked, how dressed, my personality and the list goes on. For a while, I tried to alter and edit myself to fit in their box. Until it became apparent, their dimensions didn't match my uniqueness.When I stopped trying to fit, I realized I had become insecure. I was constantly second guessing my decisions, unsure about my appearance and confused about my personal goals. I was unsure of who I was. The King's Daughters, Inc. grew out of a place of hurt, but became a channel for healing and restoration for me and others.

Through TKD, I learned how to re-accept myself. I also learned that others had similar challenges. I wasn't the only one struggling with loving myself fully. 

It's great to be friends with people of similar interests, but it's normally not what makes the most dynamic relationships. That comes from people of different backgrounds, different experiences and different skillsets. You'll never be ALL that someone else wants you to be. The greatest and most honest gift we can give to anyone is our self. It's cliche, but there really is no one like you. Not exactly... There may be some striking resemblances or uncanny similarities, but you really are one of kind, made in God's image. Matthew 10:30 says even the hairs on our head are numbered. God cares about our uniqueness. He loves it and celebrates it.

Knowing that in God's eyes, my 'make-up,' is accepted took a long time to sink in. Growing up, you have so many people telling you what to do and unfortunately too many outlets telling you how to think. If you follow them all to the letter without ever raising questions, you'll become a robot. Someone who just does what their told.

People can either chose to accept you...or not. And if they chose the latter, oh well. You're special enough that if someone chooses you, YOU should be enough. One thing I love about Jesus is that He accepted people He encountered, but didn't leave them that way. Every one in relationship with Jesus was changed. The same is true for great friendships. Great friends accept you for who you are, but after the experience, you're not the same. You're better, wiser, and stronger.

Don't miss out on the fullness of great relationships by trying to 'fit in.' Bring your full self. Don't short change others, by holding back or editing yourself. The authenticity of who you are can't be replaced or copied. Love yourself for exactly who God made you to be.

Love,
Kris
@KristenLPopeTV

Is Your Private Pain Trying to Become Your Public Battle?

Most of us struggle with some sort of private pain or as the Apostle Paul calls it, his thorn. For some it's wounds inflicted by another person. For some it's self inflicted wounds. For some, it's the issue we just can't seem to shake. I haven't hardly covered everything, but no doubt most people have endured a private struggle with some kind of pain or hurt.

In my past, I've tried to press through my private pain by distracting myself  or shifting my attention on other things to cope. My ultimate goal was to keep the issue covered and contained as not to spill over into my public life. However, it always surfaced in the form of health issues, withdrawal from people and undefined anger. My method of coping wasn't really effective.

There are so many stories in the Bible where we read of a person's pain or need for healing. Their journey of struggle to healing and faith to fight encourages us to do the same. For me, it wasn't until I created The King's Daughters, Inc that I had a personal experience with my private pain becoming public and its ability to help others on their journey to healing. I also learned that trying to cover pain, does me as well as those watching my life no good. We're living testimonies and every day someone is watching us and maybe even taking notes. When they see you overcome, it gives them the strength and faith they need to conquer their issue.

Two artists that continue to inspire me are Singers Jill Scott and Mary J. Blige, mainly because of their ability to feel every emotion, move on and come out stronger for it.

For life to be lived in balance, we have to be honest and face the issues we encounter. Ultimately, a relationship with God is the way to healing. It's imperative that we lay our pain and hurt at his feet and leave it there. Carrying the weight of pain is another way to see private pain spill into our public life. We're not able to move as freely through life. We make decisions based on an altered reality marred with the pain.

Don't be selfish with your pain. It's not something you have to go through alone and someone is hoping you win your battle so they can win theirs. Isaiah 54:17 says: No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord.

Public or private, your pain can be healed and you'll come out in the words of Singer and Preacher Marvin Sapp, 'stronger, wiser, better!'

Love,
Kristen
@kristenlpopetv

Accountability For Your Message

One of my favorite scriptures can be found in both the old and new testaments in similar forms:

Isaiah 61:1-2 (NASB) states: The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor...

Luke 4:18-19 (NASB) states: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.

The first was stated by the prophet Isaiah and the second by the Christ, Jesus from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah.

Once upon a time few people had a worldwide or internationally known platform to "preach." Today, with technology and broadcast media, technically everyone can have a platform to disseminate their message to the masses. As a young child, I knew that I probably wasn't called to the pulpit as a preacher, but that I was called to broadcast media, i.e. the television, the stage, the airwaves with my unique message.

The Apostle Paul talks about the gifts Christ gave as He ascended to Heaven. 


Paul says in Ephesians 4:11-12:  And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;

As a connoisseur of knowledge, comedy, music, books, the arts, etc; my realization is there are preachers, prophets, evangelists, teachers of all kinds with different messages. The poor in Isaiah and Jesus's message are not only talking about the poor in wealth, but mostly the poor in spirit. Teachers, Rappers, Comedians, Storytellers, Pastors, Designers all have the ability to bring the good news, proclaim freedom to prisoners and prophesize the year of the Lord's favor. This is mainly determined by the message they choose to broadcast.

All messages need to be filtered and vetted for truth, and as more outlets are created to spread people's messages, there has to be a higher level of personal scrutiny for the words we consider "good news," or the Gospel.  If messages go unchecked, they have the same power and ability to put people back in the prisons, mental prisons that they are fighting their way out of. In context, Paul is mainly talking about our thinking. I don't necessarily want to edit myself when talking, but I do realize that I like many others have influential power. I have friends that are tangible, strangers follow me on Twitter and people who ultimately look to me for guidance and wisdom. Therefore, I accept a certain level of accountability for the messages I share with the world. 

Christ and Paul knew their ability to affect people's lives, change every space they inhabited or dwelt and they used their space to spread the good news. Many times tough and challenging, but altogether character building and life changing for the better.

My question to you, is how do you use the space you've been given. What message are you spreading through the light of your life?

Love,
Kristen
@kristenlpopetv

Music News: Conversation with Singer and Songwriter ~ KJ Rose

When I begin to question the passion and soul of Rhythm and Blues today, it's people like KJ Rose that encourage me to believe. 

As the world speeds up to keep pace with the changing trends and advancements in technology, passion seems to be placed on the back burner. Not for KJ Rose. My purpose for sitting down with her was to get a glimpse of her musical career journey, but she gave me so much more. She gave me herself, the soulful person. It's with this soul she sang on stages around the world and recorded her own full length independent album, "All Heart, No Regrets." The title alone lets you know she's giving it her all. 

We found that we had much in common, which made our chat feel more like old girlfriends catching up. Join our conversation below!

  

Who is KJ Rose?

I am a blessed Chicago girl who has found purpose in performing and songwriting.  I'm also one who believes in the Sydney Harris quote "Regret for the things we did can be tempered by time; it is regret for the things we did not do that is inconsolable." ~ as this is my benchmark for living.

How did you get your start singing?

My singing career began at my college Alma mater FAMU - I was fortunate to have extremely supportive friends and sorors (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.) that rallied behind my voice although I found myself fighting them most times!  They encouraged me to sing for music publishing executive 'Big Jon' who then put me in touch with my management team First Artist ( Dave Nelson and Irskine Isaac) - they provided the tools needed to hone my skills and it wasn't long before I had the opportunity to record on the albums of Heavy D (Big Daddy) and the Notorious B.I.G. (Playa Hata) and a host of others.

I further attribute my touring opportunities to Recording Artist Kelly Price who I had a chance encounter with on one Friday evening and a week later she asked me to go on the Puff Daddy World Tour (P. Diddy).  I knew that my steps were surely being ordered and I had to develop an unwavering sense of faith to finish what she started. 

What inspires you?

I'm inspired by passion that is unapologetic, deliberate, relentless, and fearless - Delusional Optimism - People that Champion themselves - Realized Potential - and Love that has the ability to defy time also inspires me!  Ok, I think I'm done!:)

What are you most proud of accomplishing on this journey?

I am most proud to finally understand what it means to Champion one's self while relying less on the validation of others - this is what lead me to create my debut album "All Heart, No Regrets" as an independent artist.  This breakthrough has also allowed me to infiltrate areas that were otherwise reserved for artists with major record deals.  I'm proud that my experiences have given me a wealth of knowledge and sensibilities that you can not find in any book - there is no getting around the hard work nor the failures that are necessary to sustain in the business of performing.  And lastly, I'm proud to have met new people while on this journey and perhaps inspiring them to pursue their true life as well.

Where do you envision yourself in the future as a singer?

I pray that I can continue to lend my voice to platforms that are empowering, impactful, and transformative. I also believe that singing has been the catalyst for my writing and I hope to pen songs/ stories for other vocalists, films, commercials, television, etc.  I've realized that my purpose is bigger than myself and directly aligns with the assignment of being a blessing to others.

Check back regularly from some extraordinary artists sharing their gifts with the world!

Love - 

Kristen

@kristenlpopetv

Music TV News: Diddy Announces New Cable Station: REVOLT

Diddy's video announcement of his soon to be launched TV cable station has gone viral. REVOLT, the name of the channel is slated to compete against MTV, BET and VH1 in music programming. Check out the announcement here. Are you excited about this news? What are thoughts?