Tillie James Travel

11/04/2024

11/04/2024

Tillie James

11/03/2024

South Africa Trip

Our South African trip was so exciting, spiritual, and eye opening. We were excited to host our first time visitors to South Africa (including us).

Here’s a recap of our time in Johannesburg and Soweto.

We arrived in Johannesburg after an over 14 hour flight from Newark NJ.
We were met at the gate with VIP services whisking us through Customs. Then, our driver transported us to the beautiful 5 star Da Vinci on Nelson Mandela Square hotel.

On Days 2 and 3 , we enjoyed our Private tours of Johannesburg and Soweto.

We visited the Apartheid Museum. Nothing captures the dark Apartheid years better than the Apartheid Museum. On our way to Soweto, we saw the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, which was once the largest in the world and now the largest in Africa and the Southern Hemisphere.

For most, Soweto (short for South West Townships) is synonymous with resistance to apartheid, South Africa’s former policy of racial segregation. The township’s complex past is visible in Soweto’s museums and historical monuments.

We visited Mr. Mandela’s first house he moved into with his first wife, Evelyn Ntoko Mase, in 1946. In 1997, Mandela donated the house to the Soweto Heritage Trust to be run as a museum. It is now known as the Nelson Mandela National Museum, or Mandela House.

We also visited his Houghton Estates home which is now a boutique hotel. There is a very small restaurant located inside the Mandela Sanctuary. We were excited to Dine like Madiba. In memory of Mandela’s love for food, the fine-dining restaurant serves as a tribute to his favorite dishes as previously prepared by his long-time personal chef, Xoliswa Ndoyiya. For more than 20 years, Xoliswa Ndoyiya was Madiba’s personal and family chef, from his presidency to his retirement and until his passing. The food and the service were awesome. They even gave us a private tour of the property.

The two days we spent in Johannesburg were exciting and very educational. It definitely was not enough time.

11/02/2024

This November, we come together to celebrate National Native American Heritage Month, a special time dedicated to honoring the rich culture, traditions, and accomplishments of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and affiliated Island communities. It's also a heartfelt opportunity to recognize and express our gratitude to the veterans who have courageously served our nation.

Our friends Rachel and Rebecca kicked off National Native American Heritage Month today at the Smithsonian American Indian Museum in Washington DC by participating in the Muscogee (Creek) Nation celebration!

They're hosting a two-day event packed with performances, music, and cultural arts. There's going to be live painting, a fashion show, and even presentations to honor veterans. Plus, there'll be all sorts of cultural demonstrations and hands-on activities that are perfect for families and kids. I'm especially excited about the showcase—they'll have gorgeous jewelry, traditional recipes, and so many unique experiences to enjoy. Doesn't that sound like so much fun?

Join them tomorrow by visiting the Smithsonian American Indian Museum in Washington DC.

10/24/2024

We just returned from hosting a group of travelers on an unforgettable journey to South Africa with an emphasis on Mr. Nelson Mandela’s life. It was truly a trip of a lifetime.

Oh my! We’ve got so much to share with you.

Stay tuned!

Tillie James

10/04/2024

This week, Tillie James Travel had the pleasure of hosting a wonderful bon voyage gathering at our office for the group of travelers heading to South Africa next week. It was great to see everyone's excitement as we shared final trip details and prepared for this incredible journey.

We are confident this trip to South Africa will be one for the books!

09/20/2024

This week, Tillie James Travel joined fellow travel agency owners in meetings with legislators on behalf of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). We had productive discussions with representatives from Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, Congressman Don Beyer, and Senator Mark Warner's offices about two key travel-related bills.

We’re excited about the positive responses and look forward to advocating for our travel community as these bills move forward. Stay tuned for updates!

09/15/2024

Had a great time today at the Grayhaven Winery’s South African Food and Wine Festival in Mineral Va. Met several vineyard owners and distributors. Enjoyed a VIP tasting too. The music and dancing were fun!! Got a video of me dancing but don’t think I’ll share that!!!

South Africa 2024 trip loading!

https://trips.tilliejamestravel.com/mandela2024

Join us in 2026! You won’t want to miss this great opportunity to explore and experience South Africa. DM me to be the first guests to sign up when the trip is officially announced.

09/08/2024