Would you believe me if I told you there is a remote island that exists in the Atlantic where a tortoise lives who is 194 years old? It’s the island where Napoleon Boneparte was exiled to and part of the transatlantic slave trade where the enslaved were forced beyond their will and exploited. It’s the island of St. Helena and it was magical to visit for one day upon our route to South Africa.

St. Helena was a port that we could not dock at, we had to anchor and then use tender boats to the island. The weather was nice but humid and the people were friendly and excited for our arrival! I was able to join a group for a tour. We visited five locations:

1) Two Gun Saddle Viewing Platform – Overlooking Heart Shaped Waterfall, High Knoll Fort, and the Briars Pavilion (Napoleon’s initial residence).

2) Napoleon’s Tomb – A peaceful walk through Sane Valley.

3) Longwood House – Explore where Napoleon spent his final years in exile.

4) Plantation House Grounds – the home of Jonathan the Tortoise (Guinness World Record holder for the oldest living land animal, at 194 years old) and the other giant tortoises.

5) Ladder Hill Viewing Platform – Overlooking James Valley and the 699 steps of Jacob’s Ladder.

Jamestown is only approx. 500 people, the island itself only has 4,500 residents. They have one flight a week that goes to Johannesburg, SA and the only way to enter is by boat. What an incredibly lush place. Welcoming residents who helped us navigate with cars and buses, scuba diving shops, and snorkeling excursions. Winding roads and coffee from a rare green plant. Such an amazing little spot that I would have never visited had it not been for the MV Odyssey and our stop.

I am endlessly grateful for all the gifts on this trip both unexpected and expected. I see this sabbatical as rest and rejuvenation. Helping me decided how I want to show up for the next phase of life (I turn 45 on November 7th!). I am grateful to have a space to continuing learning, to give to others from those who have poured into me. I learn from students and lifelong learners. Colleagues and student affairs staff. I am certain that all of these is part of the design of my life but I often have to pinch myself because I never would have imagined this life when I was in college and before!