28 November 2011

{Two} Thanksgivings in South Africa

Hello all! 

As you've probably guessed, Jurgen is home safe and sound and I'm soaking up every second I have with him before I head to California for a couple of weeks for the holidays {more to come on that soon!}.  We've been quite busy since he got back as he's scheduled to hand in his Phd this coming Wednesday and so he's rushing to add all of the finishing touches to his thesis and I'm trying to add in a helping hand wherever I can.  It's amazing how much time it takes just to finalize references, etc - makes me very wary about ever wanting to write a thesis myself, but we will cross that bridge when I get there.

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This year we were absolutely blessed for Thanksgiving.  A few weeks ago I was fortunate enough to meet up with Martina who I connected with via her blog and then she quickly introduced Jurgen and I to her friendship circle - a group of amazing ex-pats all living in Johannesburg, but originally from various places around the world.  One of the American couples volunteered to have us all over for Thanksgiving, and so on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving we headed over to Namrata and Pat's house for one of the most delicious Thanksgiving dinners to date.

Photo Credit: Martina

Photo Credit: Namrata

Pure deliciousness!

We had an amazing time and were both so thankful to be able to enjoy Thanksgiving with such a fun and spontaneous group of people, who we had only met a week before, but who I already feel like I've known for years :)  Thanks guys!

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On Thanksgiving day, Jurgen and I enjoyed a quiet meal at home.  Jurgen braaied a chicken and I made twice-baked potatoes, corn on the cob and green beans.  It ended up being perfect for the two of us, though nothing compared to the feast we had enjoyed a couple of nights prior.


I've really been so blessed with all that life's brought me so far and I love that Thanksgiving serves as a little reminder each year to stop and remember how lucky I am, and how there are many people in the world who haven't been so fortunate.  This Thanksgiving I'm grateful for an amazing family, boyfriend and friends (both old and new), a stable job, two incredible homes (one in California and one in South Africa), good health and a bright future :)

Happy {Belated} Thanksgiving!!!


15 comments:

  1. That is so cool that you had a little bit of your home tradition in SA! I had my first real american thanksgiving this year and it certainly lived up to all the hype. Yum Yum!

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  2. yum! hope it was wonderful!!!
    it has been so long since i have seen real corn on the cob...here it is imported from thailand in vacuum packs and water. it is so nasty!

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  3. MMMM!! Your plate looks DELISH! I am still stuffed from our TDay feast!!!! I am glad you enjoyed yours!!

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  4. Jenna this is so nice! It was lovely having you guys over, can't wait to see you thurs!

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  5. Oh my gosh, that all looks so delicious! I'm so glad you're man is back!! :)

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  6. Absolutely lovely darlin! I'm thankful for... stubmling upon your blog. Looks like you've found yourself a new follower :)

    www.inlovewithsandiego.com

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  7. I feel like I have known you guys way longer too :-)

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  8. It sounds like you had an absolutely lovely Thanksgiving! :)

    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
    Twitter: @GlamKitten88

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  9. it all looks so fabulous. i'm glad you were able to spend it with some great new friends :)

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  10. looks like you had a beautiful thanksgiving!

    have a safe trip to the states and fun with your family! :)

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  11. looks like a beautiful thanksgiving!

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  12. what a lovely thanksgiving dinner! the chicken looks glorious and you've reminded me how much i love twice baked potatoes! :) happy thanksgiving to you too!
    marissa @ the boot

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  13. Awwww, how awesome that you connected with someone through blogging!! I love that! So glad y'all had a great Thanksgiving!!

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Thanks for the love!