Highlights of this South Africa trip:

1. Getting an entire row to myself for the 14-hour flight from NYC to Jo’burg.

2. Being serenaded as we landed in Jo’burg by an acapella group that was traveling in my section of the plane. Come to find out it was the Soweto Gospel Choir, and they’re kind of a big deal–like, Grammys and Oscars big! (http://www.sowetogospelchoir.com/)

3. Staying with my lovely hosts, Pastor Doug and Marike Wannenburgh, and their lively brood of four. Thanks for teaching me some cricket!

4. Presenting in the Stellenbosch OT Seminar on the topic: “The Legacy of Benjamin in Judah’s Bible.” It’s nice to at least make one contribution to the Stellenbosch Faculty of Theology community–better late than never!

5. Springbok for supper with Julia Burét. Leaner and faster than venison…

6. Coffee in Muizenberg on the beach of False Bay with Craig Richardson.

7. Successfully walking across the stage in my long red dress to receive my burgundy cape and diploma at the graduation ceremony. I have no idea what Louis Jonker said summarizing my dissertation topic–I was concentrating on walking at the right time, and not tripping over my dress.

8. Supper with Professor Jonker–his treat. Conversation about the growing overlap of Pentateuch and Chronicles scholarship; ostrich meat with chardonnay (I’m assured that there are no longer any rules about meat and wine pairings); and malva pudding with vanilla ice cream.

What a tremendous trip–a pity it was less than 72 hours…