Ever been so close but so far away? That’s how I’ve always felt with my trips to South Africa. I’m on trip number 6. Never in my life did I think I’d make it here once, but life can surprise you. Since my first trip I’ve always wanted to go to Victoria Falls. It’s a 90-minute plane ride from Johannesburg. So close! But on each trip I’ve taken, I never made it. I hate it when that happens. I was determined to prevent that from happening last November when I was at the South Africa/ Swaziland Border.

My agenda for work to me to the Oshoek [pronounced O-Shook] Border with Swaziland. Swaziland is a land-locked country within South Africa. There was no need for me to leave South Africa. But it would be unfortunate if I was at the border crossing and never took the effort to cross. The process is easy, but it takes a bit of time and effort to complete the paperwork and follow through the various steps.

Here’s a YouTube video with some of the highlights. You may be wondering where is Oshoek? It may surprise you to learn that it is high in the mountains, where it was cold and rainy – not the image of Africa I had in mind. See for yourself…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlaggM31zMg

So what does Swaziland look like? It’s a lot like the South African side. You wouldn’t know the difference – at least where I was. I didn’t have the time to venture further into the country, but that wasn’t the goal.

Aside from my passport stamp, here’s the only evidence I have that I made it into Swaziland.

With another country under my belt I purchased some Swaziland souvenirs and returned back to South Africa. I was in and out in under 30 minutes. Consider this; I spend more time grocery shopping or commuting to work than I spent in Swaziland! Who does that?

It was all worth it. Live with no regrets, that’s my mantra.

Have you ever pushed yourself to venture further to see or do something that was so close, yet so far away? I’d love to hear about it. Share by commenting below.

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I’ll see you out there…!

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