Well, we’re back from our second road trip down here in Southern Africa. This one took us to Lesotho, Kruger National Park, Botswana, Zambia, and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The trip was epic. It really was. But, it was also exhausting.
Both Jodie and I landed back here in Cape Town absolutely wiped and worn down.
It was a lot of driving. There were 6 days of over 10 hours driving. It was a lot. I don’t think I’ve driven that much since I was a your bus driver in college.
But, it was also incredible. We saw some amazing things and had some brilliant experiences.
Over on the YouTube Channel, there’s a couple videos from the trip up. And, there will be 4 or 5 more still to come.
Hats For Sale!
Now that I’m home, I have some things that needed to get sorted. Some “housekeeping” of sorts.
The first thing is that I’ve made about 85 hats for sale.
One of the participants on my photography tour in Namibia mentioned that it would have been a great touch on the trip if we gave everyone a hat, or some sort of personalized photography item. I agreed. I think it’s a great touch, and something I wanted to start doing.
So, with the trip to Iceland coming up, I thought I’d order some hats to give away to participants. But, of course, it’s much cheaper (per hat) to order in bulk. Therefore, I winged it and bought 100. I thought I’d make a bunch available to the community.
Buy it Here
The hat base is the one below (model not included). And, the logo is right beside it. This is going to be #BvSSquad branded.
If you’d like to purchase one, you can click the link below to PayPal. If you’re having issues with PayPal, as a couple people have mentioned, shoot me an email to brendanvanson (At) gmail (dot) com with the subject line “hats” and I’ll set you up with an alternative.
**Note**
I’m afraid the hats are now sold out. I’m hoping to do another hat run soon.
OK, What About Life
I received and out pouring of positive comments and support after I posted my video about going through anxiety. I was absolutely taken aback by the support. I was moved by the support. And, to be honest, I didn’t expect it.
I need you guys to know, though, that I’m fine.
Anxiety is tough. It can come to life without warning. It can be triggered by things you don’t expect it to be triggered by. And, it can be hard. But, I’ve learned how to battle it, and I’m good. I’ll always be good. You don’t need to worry about me. I got this!
That said, I was amazed at how many comments on the video came from men who also mentioned that they suffer from anxiety and don’t talk about it. Or, who said that they haven’t told anyone about their anxiety. Or, that mentioned that no one believes that they suffer from anxiety.
Please, people, talk about your issues. It’s amazing what talking about things with loved ones – or even strangers on the internet – can do. It’s therapy, it’s release, and it’s freedom. Anxiety only oppresses you if you bottle it up. Inside, it builds, sizzles and causes irreparable damage.
Talk about it.
It’s OK.
Travel Update
You probably know that things here in Southern Africa are starting to wind down for Jodie and I. In fact, aside from a quick 3-4 day road trip along the Garden Route, we’re basically out of time for travel down here.
We’ve loved it down here so much that we talk endlessly about what we’re going to do when we come back. It’s just such an incredible part of the world. I really can see myself living in the Cape Town area.
But, it is going to be at least a couple years before that happens.
We’ve basically got 2 years planned out full of assignments, projects, and life.
The UK
We’re going to be back in The UK for the holidays. I’m speaking at an event hosted by Gary Gough in northern England which should be fun. Then, I have an assignment in Scotland that’s going to be a mix of New Year’s Celebrations and landscape photography. I’m really looking forward to that.
Iceland
Right after the New Year, I’m heading to Iceland.
It’ll be my third time in Iceland and my second time leading a photography workshop. But, it’s going to be my first time in winter. I’m so looking forward to this. It’s going to be incredible. I’m really looking forward to working with my good buddies Ivan Thor Olaffson and Greg Snell again too.
Oh, and Jodie is coming along for this trip as well. It’s going to be awesome.
Philippines
Continuing our trend of having a “moving base”, Jodie and I will be spending the next 2 months in The Philippines. We rented a pretty sweet apartment on AirBnb in Manila.
But, we’ll be roving around The Philippines a bit too. In fact, as soon as we get there, we have a trip planned to Siargao. I think we’ll also be making trips to Bohol and Banaue. I might be making some solo trips out as well as Jodie buckles down in Manila with work.
Maybe Taiwan?
We’re also hoping to squeeze a trip in somewhere outside The Philippines while we’re there. We’re leaning towards Taiwan as neither Jodie or me have ever been.
Norway
From the warmth of Southeast Asia, we’ll be heading to Norway. I’ll be leading a VIP scouting trip of the Lofoten Islands.
Of all the places I’m looking forward too in Q1 of 2019, this is it. I can’t wait to get back to Norway. A country I’ve often mentioned is my favourite for travel and photography.
The Podcast?
I’ve had a number of people message me asking when the photography podcast is coming back. The answer is: very soon.
I brought my mic along for the Southern Africa road trip, but I just didn’t have the time to put anything together. I was hoping to daily cast it. But, alas, life happens sometimes.
I’ve actually recorded the latest podcast, and it should be up very shortly.
TL;DR
After 1000 words, let me sum up:
- BvS Snapbacks are available!
- Having Anxiety is OK
- We’re travelling A LOT in Q1 of 2018
- The Podcast will be back tomorrow.
I’m out, I’ll catch you guys on the next installment of whatever medium you normally follow me on.