The Beautiful Blyde River Canyon
As it always does…time has slipped through my fingers once again. Not only have I not posted anything in regards to China lately, I haven’t posted – well…anything at all! So, I thought I would step back in time for a moment and finish sharing the tales our adventures in Africa this past October. It was brought to my attention that I never wrote about the Blyde River Canyon or Mozambique. Two places that definitely deserve recognition (and high praise…Nick Cage style).
Stealing a kiss at the top of God's Window on top of the Blyde River Canyon
From Camp Jabulani (where I left off…see the following link for details: https://ablondeinbeijing.com/2011/12/27/its-all-about-the-elephants/) we traveled to the Cybele Forest Lodge and Spa – a Relais & Chateaux property nestled in the woods of northern South Africa. The lodge is perched 3,000-feet above sea level amidst Mpumalanga’s forests, mountains and meadows between White River and Hazyview. Owners Rupert and Barbara Jeffries have transformed the original hunting lodge they bought in 1979 to a cosy, yet stylish retreat. There are twelve quaint cottages and ours had the added advantage of our own heated swimming pool! It was divine!
Brett standing in God's Window at Blyde River Canyon
During our two nights stay, we took all of our meals in our room at the dining table or poolside on the patio. It was the ultimate in privacy. We did leave the room…twice. Once for a couple’s massage and once for a helicopter ride through the canyon, complete with a stop at God’s Window for a champagne picnic. Needless to say, it was a very strenuous 48 hours.
Champagne picnic at the top of God's Window
Heli Silhouette
I honestly had never heard of the Blyde River Canyon (the 3rd largest in the world – not to mention that it is a GREEN canyon) until we began our research for the trip. I am so glad that we made the decision to venture off the beat and path to see this side of South Africa. It was completely unexpected, and is mostly highly recommended. I don’t think it is possible to truly capture the beauty of this magical place with unprofessional photographer hands (like ours), but I hope that our pictures capture enough of its essence to encourage you to visit.
One of many waterfalls falling through the Blyde River Canyon
Our fantastic pool. We did have to watch out for the monkeys though! Little thieves that they are...
Thank you Cybele Forest Lodge & Spa for such a rejuvenating stay! Just writing and remembering has relaxed me…and well, distracted me from the hazardous pollution of Beijing. Literally. The “pollution-o-meter” recommends staying in today. So – Blyde Blogging it is!
A Blonde in Beijing 
That waterfall is cool. It has a little more character than if it were to just fall straight down without those shelves along the way.
When I used to live in Korea we had yellow dust warnings – dust blowing over from the gobi. One time I went out for a minute or two during one and couldn’t stop coughing for awhile after because the tiniest particles of dust had gotten into my throat and wouldn’t come out.
For once I am (very selfishly) thankful for pollution! I’ve missed your blog!
My spring wardrobe is already more sophisticated thanks to ABIBJ. If BJ stays too smoggy would you mind recapping some more of the fall runways for your faithful readers?
I am glad you are back to posting your fabulous honeymoon adventures! I didn’t know Africa was so beautiful. I love you and can’t wait for May! I know you and your Mom had a great reunion. We will have one,too!