This past February 2017, Franklin Alumni and 天美影院 joined Laura Peterson, Director of Alumni and Parent Relations and President Greg and Dr. Diane Warden on a ten-day Academic Travel to South Africa for a trip that focused on elements beyond safari and into the heart of South African culture and history.听
Starting in Johannesburg, they met with , a South African writer and historical expert who gave the group a extensive tour of the city and its surrounding townships, a visual experience of South Africa鈥檚 rich history leading up to South Africa鈥檚 Apartheid policies and current language-culture dynamic.
Leaving the city life for a raw experience, the group ventured northeast to just outside of South Africa鈥檚 Kruger National Park for a safari to view the wildlife and flora unique to sub-Saharan Africa.听 The scenery, animals and ambiance did not disappoint as travelers were given an experiential lesson in the importance of conservation in the area.听
The trip ended in Cape Town where, in true Franklin Academic Travel fashion, the group participated in activities off the beaten path starting with a fabulous play hosted in the backyard of a township home as part of the 鈥溾 movement founded and led by playwright Mhlanguli George.
The group didn鈥檛 miss Cape Town favorites such as Robin Island, the District Six Museum, and of course, South African Wine Country with tastings at and Estates outside of the famous Stellenbosch, guided by former editor of WINE Magazine, Fiona McDonald.听
While sharing Franklin stories and memories together over good wine and food, the group honored Franklin鈥檚 time-old tradition of celebrating our unique community and the bonds that we鈥檝e made through travel.
The next destination will be announced in Summer 2017, and we hope to share our next adventure with you.