Our South African Marriage Story

7 months and one day ago today, Chris and I were married. 4 hours later, the ink barely dry on our marriage certificate, I boarded a plane back to the US and we were involuntarily separated for 3 months. 

After a brief reunion of a month and a half back in South Africa, I had to return back to the US where we are currently enduring our second stint of 3 month, long-distance, wedded bliss. 

Why such a lonely and distant honeymoon? Buckle up, and please put your seat-backs and tray tables in their upright and lock positions. It’s a long and bumpy ride.


Firstly, (and ironically) Chris and I decided to sign to be married, prior to having a formal wedding celebration with our families, so that we could be together in the same country for longer than 90 days at a time.  My student visa that had allowed me to stay in South Africa had expired, and being in the country on a tourist visa I could only stay for less than 90 days at a time without returning back to the US. Visas being visas and our countries being so far apart, bearing the cost and time of a $1,000+, 22 hour-42 hour plane ticket back and forth every 3 months just wasn’t feasible, nor bearable any longer. So we decided to sign in South Africa so that I could acquire a ‘relatives visa’ in order to stay in the country for a longer period of time. To obtain this visa, we needed a marriage certificate, along with numerous other documents.  

However, to simply get married, as a foreigner in South Africa (or in any country for that matter, I can imagine), is an arduous task.  We began the process months prior, as we needed to acquire a long list of ever-changing documents, from bank statements to copies of my parents’ passports (I’m 30. I know, right?), in order to validate our relationship and be interviewed and cleared by a South African immigration officer at the Department of Home Affairs. We attempted to present our documents and schedule our interview many, many times. 

The Department of Home Affairs in Centurion, South Africa is a chaotic building of concrete that looks like a prison. And it functions much like one as well, on account that no one wants to be there and it seems to function on a hierarchy system of:  ‘you scratch my back and I’ll… see what I can do’. 

The immigration department at HA is conveniently open from 8am-830am, as the immigration officer leaves each morning at 830am to be at court. But, sometimes the guards do not open the gates until 820am. Needless to say, people start lining up outside the building around 6am for their chance at the HA-lottery. We stood outside in this line numerous times, only to be turned away with another document to chase and another fee to be paid; some of them being “informal” fees, if you catch my drift. 

Finally, after weeks and weeks and many trips to Home Affairs and various immigration services (I’ll spare some of the details.) we were able to acquire all of the documentation needed for our interview the Monday before my flight back home for three months: I was leaving that Thursday. tick tock, tick tock... 

However, after gleefully plopping down all of our documents on the HA office desk that Monday at 8:04am, the immigration officer, Mr Shay, quickly peels through our papers and decisively says, “Ok, now let’s schedule your interview.” 

- “Sir, I’m leaving this Thursday.”,  I urge and remind him. (We still need to be married, mind you. This is only the clearance interview so that we CAN be married.) 

- “What time on Thursday do you leave?” 

- “7pm” 

- “Okay be here at 8am on Thursday.”

Though chaotic and beyond last minute, it was progress. We had an interview appointment. Thursday 8am it is. 

Thursday arrives and we wait outside the gate, happy and ready to start the rest of our lives together. We make our way through the crowds of people to the dim, army-green back office we’ve seen so many times before only to find the familiar face of Mr. Shay not there. We ask his assistant, where he is seeing that we have an appointment and knowing full well that he leaves for court in 25 minutes. 

- “Oh. He’s in Zimbabwe.” 

Oh. Oh of course he is.

Defeated, I admittedly begin to cry a bit. “No, no, no. We have an appointment and I’m flying home today.” I plead and Chris begins to fume. 

- “Sorry. He’s in Zimababwe deporting someone. I can’t help you.”, the assistant says barely glancing at us as he walks past.

After some arguing and perhaps a bit of sympathy, his assistant finally calls Mr. Shay in Zimbabwe: “He’s made other arrangements for you downtown. Go have your interview there. Ask for Precious.”

Chris and I rush to the car and drive to Downtown Pretoria. Mind you, we had the option of attempting all of our paperwork at this office to begin with, but due to the general chaos and safety concerns surrounding Pretoria’s CBD, we opted not to. So much for that...

Chris decides to park at a McDonalds near by because we figured an international chain would have some type of security measures in place in their parking lot (more on that later) and walk to the Home Affairs office. Outside of the office is chaotic. Clusters of people are gathered on the steps of what looks to be a 1970s apartment building rather than a government office, waiving papers and attempting to navigate their own ways through the cluttered mass. 

We find our way upstairs to a small, concrete hallway-like room full of people waiting from all over greater Africa where we are told to sign in on an archaic, War & Peace length of a registrar and wait. tick tock, tick tock... Finally our names are called and we follow a very hard-looking woman wearing a mesh, camouflage tank top down a short corridor and are told to wait in the “boardroom”. This “boardroom” used to be a boardroom at one time I’m sure, but it now looked now as if they were barricading themselves in for the zombie apocalypse. Filing cabinets were strewn about with every drawer violently disassembled. Files were tossed about in crumpled up heaps, and office chairs were thrown into twisted, metal, funeral pyres in every corner. Angry, mesh tank top lady (Precious’ assistant we assume) came back and threw a packet of papers on the table.

- “Here. Fill this out.” And she left.

They were our interview questions. We were left alone to ask each other our own interview questions. About each other. After all this time attempting to schedule an interview, this was it. 

We filled in the information about each other (“Is your birthday the 14th or 15th?”, Chris asks) and after a brief hiccup with one of our documents’ stamps, we finally received our immigration interview affidavit now stating we are in the clear to get married. We run back to our car in the McDonald’s parking lot and find that all of our hubcaps are gone. Knicked, as they say. Great. Whatever! Gotta go! 

tick tock, tick tock...

As we rush home to change, we call around asking for friends who may be home during the day to be our witnesses at the courthouse. Luckily our friends Gunther and Jock were both available. We’re picked up by Jock (bottle of champagne in hand) and head to the courthouse in Pretoria North that has been expecting us on and off for the past few months/weeks (We might get married today! Nope. Maybe today? Yes! Today!). 

We arrive at the courthouse, park across the street, and Chris is on the phone with our magistrate’s clerk trying to find out where to go (Most buildings in SA are gated off. You can’t just walk in. You must be buzzed in.) tick tock, tick tock... We see a woman across the street on her cell phone and guess maybe that’s her? We cross the street and find out that yes it is her, only she’s legally blind and was sent outside to find us. Yes. Blind. And sent outside to find us. 

tick tock, tick tock....

We head inside to the magistrate’s personal office (which is covered in gruesome, framed, photo collages of hunting trips and flayed deer) and were married alongside the elderly, obese, loudly-snoring service dog of the magistrate’s blind clerk. Everyone was exceptionally nice however and made it a beautiful experience in the end. (Later on we would look at our marriage certificate to discover we were married under the Jewish faith. Surprise! Mazel tov!) 

Ran home. Popped the champagne. Packed. Got McDonalds. Kissed my now husband and flew away for 3 months. 

But. The story doesn’t end there. I wish it did. 


As for the actual visa… 

I went home for the initial 3 months because this type of visa must be applied for in my ‘country of origin’ and like all government documents, they take time to process. But, unbeknownst to us, long-form marriage certificates also take time: South African time. 6 months to a year worth of time. SO. I was unable to get my visa during those first 3 months apart. After all that (do the plane-ticket math and cry with me). 

Cut to 3 months later, I returned back to South Africa for approximately a month and a half to hand in my Master’s degree and to complete and present my final art exhibition; also to acquire our marriage certificate. After some “informal fees” we were able to expedite our certificate...only to find out they misspelled my name and it had to be redone. Again. 

I’m now back in the US again and currently writing this from the seat of an Amtrak train just outside of Battle Creek, Michigan on my way to the South African Consulate in Chicago. Again. A few weeks ago I went to Chicago and attempted to apply for the visa with another stack of documents in tow only to be denied. Some documents were worded insufficiently and new affidavits were required. On top of being denied, since we began this process so long ago, some of my more difficult to acquire documents (ie South African police clearance) are now up to 6 months old may now expire soon in the eyes of the consulate. Which means if I'm denied again, I'll have to start this process all over.

So. Here I am, with more papers and my last shred of hope that they’ll accept this stack of medical forms, background checks, bank statements etc. and I’ll be able to stay with Chris for longer than 90 days this time. 

How long you ask? Oh, this visa is only good for 2 years.  ;) 

tick tock, tick tock...


TL;DR:  Married for four hours. Separate for 3 months. Reunited for a month and half. Separate for 3 months. Paperwork is shite. Governments are shite. Wish us luck. And! Wish us luck when we eventually embark on trying to get Chris to the US...  weee


Chris & I : South Africa 2018

Teaching English in South Korea: FAQs Part II

It's that time of year again! Recruitment season! Emails! Oh my!

Lately I've been receiving emails from readers who are interested in teaching in South Korea and/or traveling abroad and I've been noticing a lot of similar questions. So, I decided to break them down into an FAQ: Part II to help out all you prospective expats out there!

Disclaimer: These are my experiences and opinions. While teaching in South Korea I worked for EPIK (English Program In Korea, South Korea's public school program). I do not have personal experience teaching at hagwons (private, after-school companies), but I can provide information from friends of mine who have. 

Question 1: How did you decide on South Korea, and teaching English abroad in general?


Moving to South Korea was my first experience living and teaching abroad. I initially chose South Korea because I already had a few friends there, but also because of the pay and benefits given to you by Korean schools compared to other countries. Plus, I’d always wanted to live and travel in Asia!

I'd first heard about teaching in South Korea through a friend of mine during my final semester of my BFA degree. She was leaving a month after I saw her to teach at a hagwon (private, after school program) outside of Seoul. She told me that her housing, medical insurance, and flight were all being paid for her by her school. She also told me that teaching in SOKO would afford her the opportunity to earn money WHILE traveling. I think I was sold after that.

Since I made the decision to teach, travel and live abroad I've made it to over 10 countries, 3 continents, and countless new cities and experiences. 

It's been the best decision of my life.

Interested in more details on the road to teaching ESL abroad? See my first FAQ: Here.

Hanok village, Seoul, South Korea


Question 2: What did you study in college? Did you have a plan for what you wanted to pursue after? Has that changed?

Oddly enough, I'm an artist! 

I received my BFA in drawing from Kendall College of Art & Design, Michigan, USA and I'm currently studying for my MA in Fine Art here in South Africa. I've exhibited in the United States, South Korea, and now here in South Africa. Art is and will always be a focus, but I'm always game for more. More, more, more…

My "life-path" is full of bends, winds, and curves. A straight line is a bit boring for me. I want to see and do it all. Being tied down to one career or label just doesn't appeal to me (Which is only something I've figured out about myself in the past few years.). 
I am and will always pursue art. But I also want to be a writer. A dance instructor. A researcher. A potter. A puppy-babysitter. (Is that a thing? Because I really hope it is.) I want to see and do it all. 

So yes, perhaps my goals after receiving my undergraduate degree have changed a bit. But that's the thing with travel. The more people you meet; the more people you see pursuing incredible passions, the more it makes you want to do, try, test, and experience it yourself. But, thankfully, teaching abroad allows you to work and save towards your other passions. 

I met an older, possibly 70+ year old British man in Thailand once who lived on an old WWII ship off the coast of an island in Greece. Him and his wife, who owned a little stationary shop, traveled around making parody videos of classic movies like Titanic for fun. 
Who knows? Maybe once day I'll want to do that. Ha!


I never thought I'd make it China. Yet, here I am!
Jinshanling, Great Wall, Beijing, China.

Gyeongbukgong Palace, Seoul, South Korea

Question 3: Did you find that the diet in South Korea led to any significant weight gain?


Personally? Well, yes. A bit.

Think about the Freshman 15: An enticing cocktail of new food, new freedoms, new social gatherings... new booze. The same can be said about expat-living in South Korea. You may or may not gain a little bit more than stories and experiences.
But, just like living at home, weight can be maintained with moderation and physical activity.

Typical Korean cuisine does rely heavily on carbohydrates and starches like rice, noodles, and potatoes. After a while I would ask the lunch ladies at my school to give me a half portion of rice, then I weened them down to no rice at all. It was a bit difficult for them to understand since rice is such a large part of Korean culture. But I asked them respectfully and sometimes would grab onto a love handle to make them giggle. 
There also tends to be high sodium levels in Korea cuisine that lend itself to tighter waistbands. But! Never fear. As more and more expats move to South Korea, more and more "Western" foods are appearing on grocery store shelves. But please, enjoy the food! Wherever you decide to travel and teach! Try. The. Local. FOOD. The shortest distance between two cultures is sharing food (and a beer!).  Don't drink? Swing on down to Question 9.

Hiking is also a large part of Korean culture. Grant it that the principle of your school may conclude every school-designated hiking trip with a ginormous meal and endless beer afterwards, but hey …at least you went hiking first!

Cass! Mekju! Beer!

A typical public school lunch. Oh how I miss it so!

Question 4: Did you learn a good amount of Korean while you were there and if so, was this facilitated by any language classes?


I did, I loved it, and boy was it helpful! EPIK’s 10-day orientation program provided a crash course into learning the Korean alphabet and basic phrases. After orientation EPIK provided a few after school Korean classes for English teachers that usually met weekly. 
There are also other opportunities outside of formal class. Language exchanges are very popular and are often run by Korean university students who want to improve their English. These language exchanges usually take place over dinner or coffee and you can meet a lot of new friends from all walks of life while improving your Korean.

The Korean alphabet is fairly easy to learn too! They say that you can learn the basics in 45 minutes, but it took me a bit longer. But even now, a few years later, I can still read it and speak a few conversational sentences. 

Learning to read Korean will be very helpful to you. Though most Korean restaurants and bus stations will have English there to assist you, some of the more traditional restaurants, shops, and stations do not. But never fear! If you can read Korean you find that some Korean words are actually English words written in English! For example: 치즈 is pronounced “Chi-jeuh”, AKA: cheese!

The early days of learning Hanguel.

Question 5: A friend of mine recently taught in South Korea and said that "having fun" during lessons was frowned upon. Is this true? I'd really like to teach children.


I am very shocked that your friend said that.

As mentioned previous, I taught in EPIK, South Korea's English public school program. I taught grades 3rd-6th and I'd estimate that 50% of my job was in fact creating games or activities that were outside the realm of strict blackboard teaching, AKA: fun!

We did everything from fashion shows to soccer games, relay races to animal-mask painting; anything to get the kids interested and having fun with English. Perhaps lesson rules are a bit stricter in some hagwons (after school programs), but with EPIK I had a lot of time designated to me for "games". Also, we were required to organize and teach Summer and Winter Camps while the school was on holiday. These camps were usually themed and structured with a few parts: Sports, Cooking, Art, and Golden Bell (a final quiz game). I had a lot of fun with my kiddos and I encourage you to do the same!

Rube Goldberg summer-camp creations.

Question 6: How much control do you have over the lesson plans?


If teaching with EPIK, you are required to follow along with a lesson book that is provided to you and a CDrom to match. These lessons are rough guidelines; mostly stories and grammar points that you can then supplement with games and activities. Honestly, this made lesson planning a breeze.
You do however have to follow general government curriculum and standards (EPIK). But I've been gone a few years now and I'm not sure what they are currently, but no worries that is your co-teachers job to inform you and keep things on track. 

In most ESL/EFL teaching positions in South Korea you, are paired with and work with one or many co-teachers. Some co-teachers are as new to this teaching style as you and you may have to work out the dynamic from scratch; which can definitely be to your benefit! Other teachers may prefer a 50-50 type of teaching style and some may prefer that you assist more rather than teach. It really all depends on your co-teachers. My co-teachers were extremely flexible and I'd often do most of the lesson-planning for the days that I taught with each one respectfully. We had a lot of fun together and I never felt like I was stepping on anyone's toes; or having mine stepped on for that matter!
Co-teaching is a bit of an art form and it can be a bit of a challenge; especially if you are used to ave your own classroom. but I really enjoyed it! I'm still friends with many of my co-workers to this day.

If you do decide to choose EPIK, the program itself hosts numerous co-teaching workshops and training opportunities to help further your co-teacher development and strategies.

Question 7: How did you get through your absolute worst days away from home?


Living away from home (or simply the familiar) can be a roller coaster. Highs and lows, pits and peaks. It's true I've had my fair share of days since leaving the US that have been difficult and enough to make me question my sanity. Not every day away is rose-tinted and smelling of flowers, sometimes it's a stinky durian left on the side of the road. But you get through it. 

Vent! Venting is healthy. Not complaining. Venting. And that's exactly what you should do. Don't bottle up your feelings alone. Vent. Global English teaching is booming at the moment. You will not have to go far to find a like-minded shoulder to cry on. This is especially true for larger cities in South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. Expat communities are large and more often than not experiencing the same feelings you are.

Write. I found that if I wrote about an experience, or just a general shit-day, that something as simple as finding an accurate and creative way to express what you were feeling was exactly what was needed. That’s actually how this blog started.

Rediscover. I found that rediscovering something you found exciting in your "Honeymoon Phase” is helpful in wiping the grime off those rose-tinted glasses. Go to that place, eat that meal, listen to that song; whatever it is an reflect back on who you were when you first arrived versus who you've become. This bit of in-context self reflection will no doubt be an optimistic reminder that this is in fact a learning experience. And with all learning experiences there are mistakes and pit-falls but, regardless, we are still better for having had them.

I compiled a list of Tips to Curb Expat Homesickness. You can check it out: Here

Question 8: Is it safe? I mean, North Korea and all..


South Korea is safe, yes. It's one of the safest countries I've ever traveled in and quite possibly the safest country I've ever lived, including the United States. But like every other country you travel or live in, including your own, you need to be smart. Be aware of your surroundings and remember, not everyone is on vacation or gap year like you. 

Of course, things happen. Things happen in every country. Just be smart. 

And as for North Korea... most South Koreans rarely give the "doom and gloom" lurking beyond the border a second thought in their daily lives. 

I did however visit the 38th parallel, DMZ area separating the North and South. That was an interesting experience. I highly suggest you organize a visit through the USO during your time in Korea. It is a moving, educational, and bewildering place. 


Visiting the DMZ, on the border between North and South Korea.

Question 9: Would you consider it reasonably safe as a young, single female to travel Southeast Asia alone and, did you ever travel alone or were you always with a group? 


Once again, yes but be smart. 

Using Korea as a jumping off point, I traveled to many countries in South East Asia solo. Japan, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia… It was an incredible adventure. But, you do have to take precaution as a solo-woman traveler. Walk with purpose. Conceal your money. All the usual preventative measures to ensure a fun and safe route from point A to point B. 
Personally, I didn’t encounter anything that would make me not want to do the trip all over again. 

I thoroughly enjoy traveling alone. But if the road becomes a bit too lonely, you will no doubt find friends along the way. After my EPIK contract finished I embarked on a lengthy backpacking trip through South East Asia; most of which was done solo. Halfway through Vietnam in Hoi An I met an amazing Australian girl in a hostel, we became friends, and traveled the rest of the length to Ho Chin Min City together. Hostels are great like that. Hostels and backpackers can also help organize group tours or direct you to companies that do. There are also many expat-centered excursion companies in South Korea. These groups organize everything from zip lining to roof top pool parties. 

Woman crossing the street in Hoi An, Vietnam.

Question 10: I don't drink. Is that a problem?


No. 
South Korea does have a large drinking culture. Beer and soju (Korean rice alcohol) flow well into the night 7 days a week. But you can abstain. You will most likely be offered to drink at teacher dinners, but if you let your school know early on that you are not comfortable drinking alcohol, they will respect that.
It is however Korean custom to pour drinks for elders and superiors. If your principle pours you a drink (even if it’s a Coke), this is a sign of respect and you should return the favor. 

Question 11: Do you have any regrets/self-consciousness about where you are in your life right now? I come from a place where it seems everyone in their early to mid-20s are either getting married and/or pregnant, or working towards their PhDs. How do you reconcile this?


No. No regrets. The only regret that I’d have is if I had not taken the leap.
Don’t waste your time on social pressures or comparing your life choices to others! It's your life and if you want to travel...DO IT! Please, do it. Having regret is far worse than having a passport full of stamps. 
I just turned 28. I’m not married and I do not have children. But I’ve walked the Great Wall of China. I’ve climbed the Sydney Harbor Bridge. I drank local moonshine in a hut in the mountains of Northern Vietnam! Perhaps I will fulfill those other check boxes at a later date, perhaps not! But different strokes for different folks. Just don’t let social pressures thwart you from seeing or doing the things you want to see and do. Life’s too short man.
And besides, teaching contracts in South Korea are usually 1 year long and one year abroad is worth it. You never know where it'll take you. And if one year is enough, great! Then you can go back to your original life-path having a new outlook, perspectives, and experiences to enrich it. 

I don’t know anyone who has regretted going abroad. But I do know a fair share that regret not going.

My 27th birthday! Not too bad I'd say...!

Question 12: Where are you now? How has the expat lifestyle influenced your future plans?


As mentioned previous, I am currently in South Africa studying for my MA in Fine Art. I am still teaching ESL, but my classroom has moved from physical to online. 

The past 4-5 years have been an incredible and eye-opening experience. I’ve gained confidence, world perspective, and opportunity. This lifestyle is addicting and I can’t see myself giving it up any time soon.

Cape Town, South Africa. 2016.

If you have any questions not on this list, be sure to check out my first FAQ: Here

Still haven't found your question? Message me in the comment section below and I'll be sure to get back to you!

Explore on.




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Diving with Great White Sharks in Gansbaai, South Africa!

“Sharks have everything a scientist dreams of. They're beautiful―God, how beautiful they are! They're like an impossibly perfect piece of machinery. They're as graceful as any bird. 
They're as mysterious as any animal on earth...” 

For as long as I can remember I've had the upmost fascination and love for sharks. When I was younger, I was borderline obsessed. I used to draw sharks all over my school folders, my room was covered top to bottom in shark posters, stuffed animals, even a bedspread (!!!), and in my soccer days my nickname came to be "Shark". 
Trust me, I have the embroidered jacket to prove it... 

My friends and family took note (and perhaps a bit of concern, haha), and fostered this appreciation with books and TV specials. (My shark trivia is still pretty up to snuff.) So it's no surprise that I grew up with a longing to see these stunning animals in person. But, like many childhood dreams and aspirations, I thought it would never happen.

But, like any adventure in life, if you don't seek it out, chase it, and take a chance a dream will always be just that: a dream.

A beauty from our boat!
Gansbaai, South Africa. 2016.

Shark cage diving comes with stigma. Many companies out there that offer shark cage dives are purely tourism-based and have little concern for the environment, the sharks, or the people who may be affected by disturbing the sharks behavior. We know very little about sharks, and to disturb their habitat by chumming not only affects the shark's behavior but it also affects swimmers and the surfing community by driving them closer to shore and seeking out an easy meal of chum (fish parts and by-catch).
So, I had quite the ethical dilemma. Should I curb my ethical principles for a selfish look?

No. There had to be another way.

So, I set out on a research bonanza trying to weigh the pros and cons and find a company that held up to my ethical standards. That is why I was beyond head over heals in love with the practices and ethic-standards of Marine Dynamics.

Marine Dynamics does host tourists and provides them with a shark diving experience, but that is not all they do. The team over at Marine Dynamics is greatly composed of researchers and environmental volunteers. The researchers use tagging methods to track the sharks in the area to better understand and support their ecosystem and behaviors.  The acoustic tagging and tracking methods used, in cooperation with boat based observational data, help build a better understanding of great white shark behavior with crucial scientific data being gathered and published. This study also helps in the understanding of the shark's predatory interactions and behaviors, aiming to not only make the ocean safer for sharks but also for us land-dwelling humans. This research is made readily available to the "tourists" on board and at home via their website and through the Dyer Island Trust. At Marine Dynamics, education comes first and the "thrill" comes second.

Big, Beautiful. Curious. Powerful. (Perhaps a Great White Shark is my spirit animal?!)

Our day started out EARLY. My parents and I had an unexpected change of plans when it came to our accommodation near Gansbaai, so we ended up having to leave from Cape Town at around... 3:00am in order to make the briefing. But. I was awake and ready by 10:00pm! HA! No time to sleep when dreams are coming true!
Prior to heading out onto the boat and into the chilly seas of Southern Africa, we were treated to an excellent breakfast (though, I recommend NOT eating beforehand if you are prone to seasickness!) and a short rundown of what to expect on the boat as well as an educational brief about the area and the animals themselves.

Once we got on the boat the adrenaline hit. The boat took off into the open ocean; waves and sea spray battered the boat in a rhythm that was on pace with the excitable beat of my heart. This was happening. This was actually happening.

The boat stopped. We squeezed into our wetsuits. We were the first group to jump into the cage! Eeeek!

My Dad managed to get one good photo while inside the cage! YES!

It wasn't long until we saw our first shark.

Our visibility was estimated at about 1 meter so to watch her emerge from the deep, cyan coloured water was an experience that I will take with me forever. She was stunning, and powerful! With one push of her tail she was gone in an instant. But then another one appeared...and another...and another! I'm not sure how long we were down being tossed around by the waves in the cage, but we had constant activity. Constant, CLOSE, stunning activity.



My face after being inside the cage. Happy tears!

Like I mentioned prior, Marine Dynamics puts conservation first. If it is harmful to the animal or the people involved, they do not do it. That rule applies to chumming. Many other shark-diving excursions I've seen pour buckets of blood, fish parts, and by-catch into the surrounding waters to attract sharks. This not only causes the sharks to act unpredictable but it also reinforces the notion that when the sharks see a foreigner-human, there will be blood [food].

In contrast to this practice Marine Dynamics uses a seal dummy (a wooden plank which from below the surface looks like a lone seal), fish oils, and fish heads on a line which are pulled away so the sharks are not "fed". Just another reason in the long list of reasons to choose Marine Dynamics if you happen to find yourself seeking out a shark-cage dive.

A HUGE, curious stingray came up to say, "HI!" as well. She was close to the size of my kitchen table!

'om nom nomm' -a biggin' munching on the seal dummy

Sadly, an astronomical 100 million (increasing over the years from 70 million) sharks are killed each year by humans to meet the demand of the shark fin soup industry and in order to supply faux cancer "cures" (FYI, sharks get cancer. See HERE). This number spans almost every species of shark, including those we know little about.
Shark finning is a barbaric process. Sharks are caught, drug up onto boats, and their fins (dorsal, pectoral, and caudal) are cut off. Still alive, the sharks are then tossed back into the ocean where they either drown or are eaten alive by other fish.

These animals are incredible. Beautiful. And yes, due to overly-hyped gore in popular culture they get a bad wrap. And due to this overly bad wrap, they are now facing extinction.
Shark cage diving has also gotten a bad wrap in recent years. And in recent weeks (I'm sure you've all seen this viral video by now: HERE). But videos such as this are not common and they are a result of poor management and practices. Sharks are wild, unpredictable animals and need to be treated as such.

If you plan on viewing these beauties in the wild, please seek out a research team that has its roots in study and conservation. Not just some guy with a boat. Please, DO YOUR RESEARCH. Choose a team that is the best fit ethically and environmentally. You and your experience will be better for it!

This was an incredible opportunity. I'm not sure where this ranks on my Bucket List, but I'm guessing somewhere around the Top 5. I'm also planning on investigating volunteering myself after I complete graduate school. I'm sure that experience will rank in the Top 2.

Brrrrrr! left to right: Chris, Me, my Mom, and my Dad

Interested in Marine Dynamics shark-cage diving? Click HERE
Interested in shark conservation and how you can help? Step one: Educate. 


Here are a list of resources to help you get started:
  • - The Dyer Island Conservation Trust: http://www.dict.org.za/
  • - Stop Shark Finning: http://www.stopsharkfinning.net/
  • - Louis Psihoyos' (Academy Award winning director of The Cove) latest project: http://racingextinction.com/

Explore on! 



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