2/13/09 Bomb Scare at Cape Town airport

Friday, February 13
I chuckle at this photo as it is the only picture I have from Feb 13. The photo was taken in the parking garage of the Cape Town airport. I had been warned that I needed to wrap my bag as the Joburg airport has a reputation for items commonly being taken from luggage. So I wrap my bag (note how small it is - impressive since it carries all my clothes and toiletries for my 9.5 weeks of travel). I go to check -in and notice that the staff is acting odd. The staff asks me to wait to check-in as I need to leave the building since there is a bomb treat. You bet I am happy to leave the building. We wait outside for about 30 minutes while the dogs go inside and check it out.
We get the all clear and I head back to check in for my flight to Joburg. I arrive at 4:40 and head immediately to check-in to my flight to Cairo. Only there is no one working at Egypt Air to check us in. So we wait and wait and wait. Finally, after waiting for 2 hours, the staff arrives to check us in. I have a red eye flight to Cairo. Land and head immediately to another gate to catch my flight to Sharm El Sheihk. I think I have been traveling for about 24 hours and I am ready to not be at an airport.

2/12/09 To the top of Table Mountain we go!!

Thursday, February 12

So today is my last day in Cape Town. I leave tomorrow for Joburg to fly to Cairo. I can't believe how fast the time has gone. I head out to the waterfront to once again hop on the red double decker tour bus to see the sights of Cape Town. I head immediately to Table Mountain as I hope to be able to go to the top since there is finally no wind. I wait in line for about an hour for the three minute cable car ride to the top. It is fast and steep to the top!

Once on top, I hang out for about an hour enjoying the views of Cape Town. It is simply magnificent! There is no wind and not a cloud in the sky! I have not been feeling that well this week so I head back to the hotel to chill out and relax. I pack all my items once again to head to the airport the next day.

2/11/09 Tour of Cape Town city

Wednesday, February 11

I took a tour on the double decker red bus around Cape Town. This tour bus is starting to feel like home since I have toured many a city on these buses.

The tour took us to the waterfront, clock tower, convention center, St George Cathedral, South African Museum, Mount Nelson hotel and the South African Jewish Museum. I got off the double decker bus and toured the 6th district which was an area where folks from all different backgrounds/heritage lived peacefully and quietly. Once the government enacted apartheid, they made everyone living in the 6th District move since it went against their new policy that people from different cultures could not live in the same neighborhood. I keep asking myself how this could have possibly happened....amazing the stupid policies that the government can create. Any who....

The first photo is taken from the downtown area and it shows the cloud cover which is quite common on Table Mountain. I was unable to go to the top of Table Mountain since it was too windy but the other photo I posted was from the base of the Table Mountain. I am going to try to go to the top tomorrow if the cable car is open...

2/10/09 Cape of Good Hope and Penguins!!

Tuesday, February 10

I went on a day trip down to the Cape of Good Hope which is the most south western point of the African continent. Beautiful does not accurately describe this place...wow...it was amazing!!

We started off the day following the Atlantic seaboard past Clifton and Camps Bay to the fishing area of Hout Bay. We took a cruise to Duiker Island to see the Cape Fur Seals in their natural habitat.

We continued to Chapman's Peak to Simon's Town to see a colony of rare jackass penguins at Boulders Beach. It was tremendously windy!

We had a picnic at the visitors center at the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and then went mountain biking and hiking through the reserve. We biked to the sign and then hiked the cliffs near the lighthouse. It was still very windy but very pretty!!

2/9/09 Cape Town!

Monday, February 9

We arrived in Cape Town around 10:30 and I immediately went to a travel agency as I still had to plan my trip in Egypt. Yes, I realize that I am going to be in Egypt in five days so thought I should get around to planning out the stay.

Lesley and Howard left me around noon to head back to Joburg and I checked into my hotel (photo of view from hotel posted) and then went for a walk through the Gardens, downtown, the market and Long Street. I was impressed by the clean downtown area! The garden area was very cool. I posted a photo of the tree lined path in the garden.

I booked a tour to the Cape of Good Hope. I really like Cape Town and look forward to exploring the city!

2/8/09 Wine Tasting!

Sunday, February 8

We drove to Gordon's Bay and had lunch at the beach. I am still amazed by the clean water and coastline. We decide to go wine tasting and got to 2 places before they closed up for the day. The first winery is shown. The wineries close down at 4 on Sunday so we were unable to visit many places.

We stayed at a B&B (picture of the garden and main house) that night. We ate at a pizzeria that night. Not sure if I have mentioned it but South Africa has the best pizza!

2/7/09 Howard gets bit by a horse!!

Saturday, February 7

We left Knynsa and went to Noetzie and walked along the beach in the fog which was very cool. We then went to Robberg Nature Conservatory (middle photo) and hiked for about 1.5 hours along the cliffs to the beach...it was so clean and picturesque! We drove to Heidburg and stayed at Honeywood, a bee farm. Yep, I cannot make this stuff up.

We checked in and went for a swim in the brown water pool which was weird and freaky since you cannot see the bottom of the pool. We went down to the stables to feed the horses and while Lesley was about to take a photo of me and Howard, one of the horses bit Howard. Strange, but true...

We had dinner that night with the owners of the place and chatted about bees, horses and world politics....because that is what you do right?

I felt like I experienced a whole different part of South Africa today and I really enjoyed it!

2/6/09 Bungy Jumping, Nature's Valley and Knynsa

Friday, February 6

OK for the record, I did not go bungy jumping but Howard did. The height of this bridge is 216 meters which is the highest road bridge in Africa and the southern hemisphere. Howard has always wanted to go sky diving so why not try bungy jumping. I have no desire to do this but some crazy people tend to like it. Lesley walked to the bridge platform with Howard and I took photos and video from a far....which is exactly as I like it.

After watching Howard take the dive, we went to Nature's Valley and sat at the beach for about an hour. It was rather windy so we decided to head out to Plettenberg Bay. Unfortunately, it was way too windy so we went to lunch and then drove to Knynsa. We checked into a cute place on the waterfront and Lesley and Howard took a nap. So I went and walked around the wharf and decided to go for a sunset sail on a catamaran. It was very beautiful and very relaxing. I headed back to our accommodations and had dinner with Lesley and Howard. We then went for drinks at a bar and attempted to go dancing at a night club but the DJ was so bad, we headed back to our place.

2/5/09 Canopy Tour in Tsitsikamma National Park

Thursday, February 5

We drove out of East London through Port Elizabeth to Tsitsikamma National Park. We stayed at the Greenside B&B which is shown in the photo. After checking in and dropping off our laundry (I shudder to think of the last time these clothes have been washed in a washing machine), we head out to go on a Canopy Tour. I think most folks know of this as a zip line. We had a ball and a video of the experience - too fun and very beautiful.

We then went to a cheese farm as that is what we do on this trip is eat cheese and head back to our B&B. We sat around the pool and watched the sunset. I called three friends and I am curious to get the bill to see how much it costs to call America from South Africa.

Things I find fascinating about South Africa:

1. The food is very inexpensive - and ham and cheese sandwich, fries and coke costs $3 at a restaurant right on the ocean!

2. A full tank of gas costs about $60

3. Everything is so green

4. Cost of self catering apartment runs about $12-30 per person a night

5. What a great chef Lesley is

6. The tours are inexpensive. The canopy tour/ride cost $40 for 2.5 hours and about 12 zip lines. The video of our experience was $10

7. I get good cell phone reception along the coast

8. Most of the cars drive under the speed limit to conserve gas (what???)

9. Not a lot of hotels have wi-fi Internet connection - still have to connect through ethernet cables

2/4/09 Overnight at Buccaneers in East London

Wednesday, February 4

We headed out out of Port Edward and drove to East London. We stayed at a backpackers "resort" for the first time on the trip. They charged about $18 US a person and for $4.50 we could have added dinner. Buccaneers is perfectly situated on a hill near the ocean and I am again reminded of the coast in Northern California. We share one cabin with about six other people. Lesley, Howard and I are in an open room next to the kitchen and we share one of the beds with a gal from Santa Cruz. All of us share one bathroom which was interesting taking tums in the morning since a few folks did not speak very good English or did not understand the standing in line protocol.

Upon arriving, we head out for a walk on the beach and then head to the pool where we are asked to join in a game of volleyball. I realize this is what happens when you just walk out the door and walk around. Fun and exciting things have a way of finding you. Lesley, Howard and I join about 7 guys from around the world - Scotland, Canada, Ireland, South Africa and America. This is building international relationships at its best. We play for about an hour and then head to dinner. We join the crazy volleyball people at the Buccaneers bar that night. Around 11:30, they offer a free shot to anyone who takes off their shirt. I posted the photos of the guys only as I felt that was most appropriate. As the only sober one in the bunch, I enjoyed dancing and chatting with folks from all over the world.

And for the record, I believe that the man on the far left is Mel Gibson's brother although he would not confirm it....

2/3/09 Mountain Biking and Boat Riding!

Tuesday, February 3 - Extreme Sports day!

Lesley and I slept in until 9:30 and we ate breakfast and headed out for our extreme sports day! We went mountain biking for a few hours which was wonderful. The trail went through the trees and ponds and ended at a beautiful cliff with waterfalls.

We then headed out to go water rafting but it started to rain so we decided to not go - so extreme sports day turned out to be not so extreme. We ended up going for a motor boat ride instead. The weather was not cooperating so we went back to our cabin by the sea and I downloaded photos and chatted with Howard while Lesley took a nap. I think the mountain biking zapped all her energy! We went to dinner at the local pizzeria and chatted with the drunk people which is always entertaining.

2/2/09 Lesley rides a Croc!

Monday, February 2 - drove thru Durban to Margate to Port Edward

Only have three weeks left of my trip and I am trying to figure out where the past six weeks went! We drove along the coast which was beautiful! We went to a Croc Farm for an hour near Margate. We stopped and had lunch at the Main Beach in Port Edward. We stayed at the Port Edward holiday resorts which were cute little cabins on a hill near the beach.

Lesley, Howard and I went for a walk along the beach. The area reminds me of Northern California's coast. The water is so incredibly clean and beautiful. We braai'ed (bbq) that night. Howard and I watched the Martian Kid that night.

2/1/09 Let the Adventure begin!

Sunday, Feb 1 - Escort to Durban

We stayed at the Blue Haze Lodge and drove through KwaZulu-Natal. Drakensberg is Southern Africa's highest mountain range with breathtaking views and steams flowing through secluded valleys. The drive was beautiful. We stopped at a goat farm and bought some cheese. Now there is a first.

We then drove to Durban and toured around the wharf. We drove to the Salt Rock beach area and checked into our bed and breakfast. We headed off to the beach and took a swim. It was wonderful!

Lesley happens to be a chef so she made us a yummy dinner. Howard and I watched 27 Dresses and Lesley crashed early. Great day!

1/31/09 A funny thing happened on the way to Phi Phi Island

Saturday, January 31 - Joburg, mom leaves, off to Cape Town

So today is mom's last day on the trip. It has been nice having her along and sharing all the experiences. We went to Mandela's Square around noon and then I met with Lesley and Howard.

So before I tell you about the day, I have to give you the background story going back to scuba diving at Phi Phi Island....I was hanging out with folks on the boat and asking about touring South Africa. I was interested in touring the Garden Route and driving from Durban to Cape Town. It so happened that one of the dive instructors, Clive, was from Cape Town and had a friend, Lesley, that was moving back to the area and had some extra time on her hands. So I sent an email to Lesley and asked if she would be interested in driving from Joburg to Cape Town. She drove over to my hotel on the 31st with her brother to determine if we were going to give it a go.

So Lesley and Howard and I met for a coffee and chatted for 30 minutes. We decided we would drive from Joburg to Cape Town in 10 days. They headed out to go pack a bag and planned to come back at 5pm to head out. In the meantime, mom and I walked around the mall and bought some souvenirs. We hung out at the hotel in the afternoon and had a snack and she left for the airport at 4pm.

I read a book and pondered whether or not two total strangers would actually return in one hour to pick me up for a 10 day excursion. Crazy enough, Lesley and Howard showed up at 5:10 and we left for Drakensberg. The sunset picture was taken from the backseat of Howard's car about 2 hours outside of Joburg. This is a crazy thing I am doing and yet it feels like the right thing to do....

1/30/09 Touring Joburg

Friday, January 30 - Touring Joburg

Mom and I took a tour of Joburg. The second photo is a shot of Joburg which I was surprised by how green the city was - they have received a lot of rain this season but I was pleasantly surprised by the green sights of the city.

The first photo is a home in Soweto (stands for South Western Township) where 20,000 people live with one faucet of running water and one toilet on each block). Mom and I were invited to meet one of the residents who had a 7 day old baby. The woman had bad facial scars and mom thought she may have AIDS since she was bottle feeding. Her home was two rooms - one bedroom and one kitchen/den that she shared with her baby and two other kids. This was a true reminder of how fortunate I am and how much I have. The thought of having no running water in my home rarely crossed my mind before this trip and yet I find myself thinking about it daily now.

1/29/09 departing Mozambique to Joburg

Thursday, January 29 - Mozambique to Joburg

Mom and I took the small plane from the Bazaruto Island to the Mozambique airport. The terminal was one room. Customs was one room. This is the smallest airport I have ever been to and air conditioning would have been great. The employees wanted to charge us $130 because our luggage was over the weight limit. I have to say that it is difficult to stay under the maximum 20 kilo weight limit per person - these guys even weigh your carry-ons which is a big bummer. There were only about 7 people on our plane so we got out of paying the excess baggage fee. I look forward to being back on my international flight itinerary so I can have all the baggage I want. Mom and I did leave some clothes and other items back at the resort for the local people which helped reduce our overall weight. I was impressed with myself that I only have one duffel bag for my clothes but perhaps I still brought too much stuff with me.

1/28/09 Hanging by the pool

Wednesday, January 28 - Playing around in the pool with Micah

Mom and I went scuba diving on Tuesday but the visibility was not that great. Natasha joined us for her very first dive. We saw a large ray and some big fish. On Wednesday, we hung by the pool and played with Micah. He was so much fun to play with...here he is working on his diving skills. He is adorable!

A few things I have learned on this trip....

I can't keep days and dates straight. I have to keep asking people about the day of the week.

I don't think Americans have a good reputation as tourists. I am trying to change that perception.

I have a hard time converting the time to home. East coast time is not a problem but those three extra hours set me over the edge.

I could watch a movie every night.

When I am done reading a book, I want to discuss with someone.

I am uncertain why we have not converted to the metrics system with the rest of the world.

I find it interesting that most foreigners I meet may not understand that I am from the US or the USA or the states but understand America.

1/26/09 Paradise Island

Monday, January 26 - Paradise Island

Mom and I took an excursion to Paradise Island which is about a 30 minute boat ride from our resort. The water was clear blue and the sand was fine white sand. We went snorkeling twice and saw so many big colorful fish! I saw more fish snorkeling than scuba diving which is a little irritating! It is a lot warmer here than Thailand so mom and I are still adjusting to the humidity.

Hello from Cape Town!!

Hello - Just wanted to let folks know that I am alive and doing well. I have been unable to download my photos and frankly I think the blog is more exciting when I have pictures attached so I am hoping to be able to update the blog in Egypt! I have had a wonderful time in South Africa - lots to catch up on. I leave for Cairo tomorrow and will have 9 days in Egypt before flying home on Feb 23. I cannot believe how fast the time has flown by and yet it feels like a long time since I have talked to friends and family. I look forward to a week at home before heading back to work so call me the week of Feb 23 to say hi and get re-acquainted!
Hopefully I will have the blog updated with photos and stories soon!
Love - kel

1/25/09 Bazaruto Island - Scuba and Sunsets

Sunday, January 25 - Bazaruto Island

Mom and I went scuba diving today. We went for about 50 minutes at 12 meters. We saw a turtle right away and a lots of Big Fish! We went back to the hotel and sat by the pool. I took a walk along the beach that night and met a local boy selling wood carved items. I told him I would buy the lighthouse the next day but I had no money. He said the lighthouse costs $20 plus a T-shirt. OK so that is the first time that I have ever made a purchase using money and my own clothes but the local people have very little so I was happy to give a shirt to the cause.

The next day, the local boy brought me the lighthouse and I gave him the money and the shirt. That night the locals came to play the drums and dance for us at the resort and one of them had on my shirt. I felt good that it went to use...apparently right away!

1/24/09 Beautiful Mozambique - and the tractor

Saturday, January 24 - Bazaruto Island

I had to include the tractor picking us up at the airstrip. It was just too funny!

Also included a shot of the view from the pool. It was very relaxing and very quiet. There was no place to go visit/tour/explore. It was our resort surrounded by the local people that live on the island. Mom did a scuba diving refresher course and I hung out by the pool. We had lunch and then I went water skiing behind a zodiac which was a first. We watched the sunset and had some dinner. The resort had free internet which allowed us to view our email but they did not have an electrical converter so I was unable to download photos when updating the blog. The computer was extremely slow and the room was hot and humid so mom and I did quick checks a few times a day.

1/23/09 Off to Mozambique!

Friday, January 23 - Flight to Mozambique from Kruger

Well....bad transportation karma is back. Mom and I made reservations through a travel agent to fly to Mozambique via Kruger Airport which is about 2 hours and 20 minutes from the game reserve. The travel agent did not book the transportation to the airport so after waiting 2 and a half hours, we finally had a taxi come to the game reserve and we were off to the airport. We made it 45 minutes prior to departure (this is an international flight but a small airport). We were met at the curb by three airport employees to take our bags and check us in. We boarded (which is the shot of mom) and headed to Mozambique.

We landed in Mozambique and we were told by the travel agent that a driver would pick us up and take us to Bazaruto Island so we figured we were taking a boat to the island. After waiting about 20 minutes a nice man approached up and asked about our holiday and proceeded to tell us that we needed to catch a plane to the island. OK. So we go back in the one room terminal, show our passports, they load the luggage and we are off for a 20 minute ride to the island. The view was amazing!!

We landed and we were met by a John Dere tractor to take us to the resort. Bazaruto Island has only 2 resorts on the island. Our hotel had 20 bungalows and we were 2 of 8 tourists there. Apparently, we are traveling during the off season!

1/22/09 Thorny Bush - Last Shots

Thursday, January 22

My lost photos of Thorny Bush - what a place! Perfect!!!

1/22/09 Thorny Bush - Last Day Afternoon Drive

Thursday, January 22 Thorny Bush - Afternoon Game Drive

Mom and I invited the Chef to join us on the ride and we had new comers, Tristin and Maggie join us. They live in Hong Kong but are originally from Canada. They are both teachers and have spent 3 years in Hong Kong at an international school. We had dinner with them after the game drive and really enjoyed getting to know each other. We were disappointed that we did not have more game drives together.

We saw so many animals on our last day and I did a lot of video vs still shots so I included a shot of the buffalo and baby giraffe.

1/22/09 Thorny Bush - Last Day Morning Drive

Thursday, January 22

The morning safari was just me, mom, Shoes and Peter. We saw elephant, hippo and lots of birds. Most of the staff was still sleeping when we left so we enjoyed a quiet game ride on our own. I included a photo of an elephant walking by us and another tracking vehicle. The rangers and trackers work together to find the animals and then take turns driving to them. There was never more than two vehicles observing the animals and when the next vehicle arrived, one would leave. It kept it very calm and enjoyable.

I gave Peter a hard time about this photo as well as I still think he is trying to get a gig with Eddie Bauer.