About
This is me, hanging out with what I think is one of the coolest animals on the planet, and the inspiration for this blog. My name is Nicole and I started Peace, Love & Giraffes in September 2013 to document my adventure in South Africa for my friends and family in America. They were interested in what life is like here, and I enjoy writing about it! I hope this blog gives you a taste of what it’s like to live in the rainbow nation as an American and maybe inspires you to take a trip here!
I received my Journalism degree in 2010 from the University of Florida. I love to write, take photographs, design websites and travel. This blog is the love child of those passions. You may also see a lot of food, wildlife and some golf. My dad gave me a love of cooking and nature, and unfortunately my hopeless golf swing. My mom gave me her old camera when I took up photography, and although I don’t know who gave me a knack for words, my family has always been 100% supportive in whatever I’ve pursued, and they’ve never pushed me to be anything but myself. Some people wonder what my family think about me being here. The answer is they miss me, but they also know traveling is something I crave. I am also the proud sister of a US Navy sailor, who has been to more countries than I have. Turns out the travel bug runs in the family! Our parents are excited and happy that their children are exploring the world.
Tuesday, July 11th 2017 at 12:06 pm
Peace love giraffes?
Sounds cool but my neighbor that i really think is weird has one on her car so i had to google…
They are weird,
You dont seem to be Nicole.
Anyway had to share.
Happy adventures.
And a big Wassup from south east florida.
Sunday, June 29th 2014 at 3:43 pm
Hi Nicole! I just found your blog and love all of your posts! My husband and I are on an around the world trip and are currently in Johannesburg. We will be here through the 5th of July and were thought it would be fun to see if we could find some expats who were planning to celebrate July 4th. If you know of any thing in the area we would LOVE recommendations!
Best,
Danielle and Adam
Friday, June 13th 2014 at 6:14 am
Hi Nicole!
Great blog you have here. I’m a fellow Floridian dating a saffa. I saw from your Braai post you guys were living in FL at one point and time. My boyfriend and I are both expats in Korea, and consequently are having trouble getting a non-immigrant US visa for him to come and meet my parents. Would you happen to have any visa advice? And have you guys found it harder to enter the US now that you’re married? Thanks for any help you can offer! Cheers. 🙂
Monday, June 16th 2014 at 8:16 pm
Hi Daniella! Wow what a small world! Yes, we were living in Florida, and we just got back to Florida too! What’s it like to live in Korea? It’s destination that is definitely on my “to-go list”!
So, the visa situation can definitely be a little tricky. We were lucky in that my husband (then boyfriend) plays golf and when we met he was already in the states on a P1 visa (that’s a professional athlete visa). I know my mother-in-law was able to get a holiday visa (B-2) no problem. Maybe he could try that one? http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/general/all-visa-categories.html
Yes, it’s way easier now that we are married! My husband was able to apply for a permanent residence card(green card). The process itself is a lot of paperwork and money but we rarely have issues with him entering the US. You can get a visa if you are engaged (K1) http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/immigrate/types/family/fiance-k-1.html. Maybe that could be of interest to you at some point?
Good luck!!!
Sunday, May 18th 2014 at 3:19 pm
Hi Nicole, I’ve just recently read your blog on the SA Braai vrs the USA BBQ. I found your article very informative and very well written. You can clearly see from the way you have written your blog that you understand how much South Africans love to Braai. I could not make out if you are still living in SA or if you have returned back to the States. I work for a Salt company in Port Elizabeth, we manufacture the country`s favorite Braai Salt. I would love to send you some of our product for you to sample, the next time you Braai. My company website is http://www.salt.co.za, if you would first like to check us out so to speak. I don’t wish to receive any product exposure on your blog, my wish is purely for you to enjoy our product. If you are happy to receive a hamper, please send me your details and I will arrange the rest. Kind Regards Chris
Sunday, May 18th 2014 at 2:28 pm
Hi Nicole – I came across your blog and was wondering why I hadn’t seen it before, then realized you only just started it last year. I lived in South Africa from 2010 to 2013 and my labor of love while there was my blog, Joburg Expat. I still post to it regularly, but not so often about South Africa anymore, for obvious reasons.
I hope you find what you’re looking for in South Africa. It’s a great place to explore those questions of ambition, career, life, and passion. It’s a good place to do anything or nothing at all, frankly. It’s just a good place period.
Good luck!
Sunday, May 18th 2014 at 4:58 am
Have just stumbled upon your lovely blog, thanks to the sharing power of FB.
As a South African who moved to France last July, I started a similar concept, although your writings are so much better than my random ramblings.
While I empathise with you settling in a new country, I love your pictures and thoughts, and they make me miss home alot.
Heading over to the follow link…
good luck!
Sunday, May 18th 2014 at 9:11 am
Hi Gaenor, Thanks for reading! Wow, France! That is a big move. What is the name of your blog? Would love to follow along! 🙂
Sunday, May 18th 2014 at 10:32 am
By the sound of it, your time left in SA is short, so perhaps your postings will stop? Still, good luck with the move back Stateside.
If you are really bored, and can’t sleep, you can find me here:
http://nunubugsblog.wordpress.com
Friday, April 25th 2014 at 8:39 pm
Hello Nicole! It’s great to come across your blog! I am currently relocating to Cape Town, South Africa. Where about are you located? I have some questions in regards to work visas, finding job, etc. I would love to talk to you more about it! You can check out my blog http://www.ashleystrongphotography.com/wings-of-a-flower.html to find out a little more about me too! My email address is ashleystrongphotography@yahoo.com. I look forward to hearing from you and being in touch! 🙂
Saturday, April 26th 2014 at 7:58 am
Hi Ashley, so glad you found my blog! Relocating to Cape Town will be such an exciting adventure. I will be happy to send you an email and help out in any way I can. Talk soon!
Tuesday, December 3rd 2013 at 3:27 am
THe title of your blog is awesome. I love Giraffes! My husband just move back to Zimbabwe, but did spend a lot of his childhood between Zim and SA. I am looking to join him very soon, leaving Canada… It’s a big step! Just like your husband, mine is passionate about Cricket!
Thank you for your blog and continue doing so, it’s great!
Andréanne
Montreal, Canada
Tuesday, December 3rd 2013 at 8:34 pm
Hi Andréanne, Thanks for reading! I haven’t been to Zim yet, but I know quite a few people from there (all super friendly), and I’m very keen to visit Victoria Falls. Sounds like you are making a HUGE step, but it will be such an adventure and you can never go wrong when you’re with the one you love! Good luck!
– Nicole