tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37653245567284053932024-03-05T04:15:28.088-08:00DD Goes AgainMy travels from October 26 - November 25, 2013:
Cape Town and surrounding areas, South Africa
Florence, Italy
London, EnglandAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163790414818981044noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765324556728405393.post-43896226069273805212013-11-21T10:07:00.001-08:002013-11-22T08:34:37.532-08:00Part Two of the Garden RouteWe arrived in Jeffreys Bay an hour after leaving Tsitsikamma and found Dolphin Beach. The sun was out now, although quite windy, so we took a quick stroll on the beach to touch our toes in the Indian Ocean. I like being at the tip of a continent so I can touch two different oceans.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZNM9KvywHNA/Uo5L4B2jAhI/AAAAAAAAFy8/02OGfX7ul3A/s640/blogger-image-811000814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZNM9KvywHNA/Uo5L4B2jAhI/AAAAAAAAFy8/02OGfX7ul3A/s640/blogger-image-811000814.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I saw the tourist information office close to where we parked and car and decided to go in and ask what there was to do in Jeffreys Bay. The woman in the information office asked if we'd seen "surfer's village".</div><div>"no, we haven't"</div><div>"oh, it's just down the street. All the surf shops are down there and a few restaurants. </div><div>Well, Jeffreys Bay is one of the best surf spots in the world. It's where the Billabong surf contest is held every year. Since it's summer here the waves weren't so big. People come from all over the world to surf, shop in the surf shops (Billabong, RVCV, Quicksilver, etc), and hang out at the beach.</div><div>We had a fabulous lunch at In Food.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1Ce_7B46aT4/Uo5QvdEYq7I/AAAAAAAAFzM/H6z47UcIJ1Y/s640/blogger-image-2126537267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1Ce_7B46aT4/Uo5QvdEYq7I/AAAAAAAAFzM/H6z47UcIJ1Y/s640/blogger-image-2126537267.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Y4blMEH-TYg/Uo5QzQ05IjI/AAAAAAAAFzc/HJZCq64kfFQ/s640/blogger-image-1064101628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Y4blMEH-TYg/Uo5QzQ05IjI/AAAAAAAAFzc/HJZCq64kfFQ/s640/blogger-image-1064101628.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BpNDKISacRM/Uo5Qxt27mbI/AAAAAAAAFzU/jdfqMpTQn_g/s640/blogger-image-729277299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BpNDKISacRM/Uo5Qxt27mbI/AAAAAAAAFzU/jdfqMpTQn_g/s640/blogger-image-729277299.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div>We were really enjoying our time in Jeffreys Bay but I was told to be at the game reserve by 2:30. Not thinking we really had to be there exactly then we didn't leave until 2:00. Much to my surprise, when we arrived at 3:30 we found out the first afternoon drive started at 3:00, hench the reason to be there by 2:30. What's ya gonna do.</div><div>We were greeted by the owner who checked us in and then drove us to meet our group and guide, Andrew. There were already 8 people on the jeep and we made 10. We stayed with Andrew and the group for the 2 days we were there. After the first night a couple from Sweden left and then we were 8. A couple from Switzerland, and the other two couples from Germany. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vDNl5d4GZ-Q/Uo6GeCJ4G5I/AAAAAAAAF0E/SpMqsM1LyNo/s640/blogger-image--144120881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vDNl5d4GZ-Q/Uo6GeCJ4G5I/AAAAAAAAF0E/SpMqsM1LyNo/s640/blogger-image--144120881.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On our first drive of the day we saw rhino, giraffes, buffalo, antelopes, wilde beast, impalas and hippo eyes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-N7LAMCiPpzU/Uo6GcPSz3gI/AAAAAAAAFz8/IaN6LPF1u5U/s640/blogger-image--422955053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-N7LAMCiPpzU/Uo6GcPSz3gI/AAAAAAAAFz8/IaN6LPF1u5U/s640/blogger-image--422955053.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-w4ysorzwPdo/Uo6GZKk7yRI/AAAAAAAAFz0/vjwhIuT8vGI/s640/blogger-image-1507384529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-w4ysorzwPdo/Uo6GZKk7yRI/AAAAAAAAFz0/vjwhIuT8vGI/s640/blogger-image-1507384529.jpg"></a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-szZ8SzuwuWE/Uo6GVl0BHVI/AAAAAAAAFzs/0tWkFUPGSck/s640/blogger-image-2080847800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-szZ8SzuwuWE/Uo6GVl0BHVI/AAAAAAAAFzs/0tWkFUPGSck/s640/blogger-image-2080847800.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div>The first drive went until 5 then we stopped for tea and snacks in the saloon. Our next drive went until dinner and after dinner we had another drive. Unfortunately the rain started during this drive so we ended earlier than we should have.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TH-jLKuplu8/Uo6GgawxngI/AAAAAAAAF0M/clDkwr_YDFU/s640/blogger-image-760214104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TH-jLKuplu8/Uo6GgawxngI/AAAAAAAAF0M/clDkwr_YDFU/s640/blogger-image-760214104.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This game reserve, Schotia, named after the Schotia trees on the property, has been in the same family for 6 generations. Originally a cattle farm it took nearly 12 years to turn it into a game reserve. What I discovered, much to my dismay, was that the animals on private game reserves are not native to the area, they are purchased at auction and brought to the property. Animals in the national parks are from the area, such as Kruger Park. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4hc2B1AvWWU/Uo-Hc7aVhgI/AAAAAAAAF1w/1aQRmab9mmI/s640/blogger-image--1116836984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4hc2B1AvWWU/Uo-Hc7aVhgI/AAAAAAAAF1w/1aQRmab9mmI/s640/blogger-image--1116836984.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Next to Schotia is Addo Elephant national park, where we went on our second afternoon drive. I thought the animals were from here but was informed that they are all native to the north and brought here as well. Because it's a national park there are more of them.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We had a different guide take us to Addo, Christo, who told us we were very fortunate to see so many elephants at the watering hole. Baby's, mama's and papa's. It was so cute to see the little ones playing in the water. I gained a new appreciation for these gentle giants. The one thing I wish I could have done was have a ride on one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1fV-sw2-jsw/Uo-HixqCm0I/AAAAAAAAF2Q/q-OOZNgfTuQ/s640/blogger-image--118887943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1fV-sw2-jsw/Uo-HixqCm0I/AAAAAAAAF2Q/q-OOZNgfTuQ/s640/blogger-image--118887943.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-18KijL9bjtg/Uo-HbUIVBUI/AAAAAAAAF1o/A_3te0V_15M/s640/blogger-image--2077847910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-18KijL9bjtg/Uo-HbUIVBUI/AAAAAAAAF1o/A_3te0V_15M/s640/blogger-image--2077847910.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6Pb2KRnTWxw/Uo-HPhvLibI/AAAAAAAAF0o/d_5Wv5lyYTg/s640/blogger-image-1954388878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6Pb2KRnTWxw/Uo-HPhvLibI/AAAAAAAAF0o/d_5Wv5lyYTg/s640/blogger-image-1954388878.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I believe there are other animals in Addo, but primarily they are known for the elephants and that is all we saw.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nGQFwbUJqxw/Uo-HkQZpTuI/AAAAAAAAF2Y/jqITVsqVaHM/s640/blogger-image-841620955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nGQFwbUJqxw/Uo-HkQZpTuI/AAAAAAAAF2Y/jqITVsqVaHM/s640/blogger-image-841620955.jpg"></a></div>On our return to Schotia we stopped at a farm stall to have lunch. There are many farm stalls along the roads in South Africa. They are very nice road side stops for travelers with restaurants and food from the farm for sale. This one didn't have very good food but we did stop at other ones during our journey that were much better. For some reason these farm stalls reminded me of Lancaster county, PA. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The rain had subsided while we were at Addo but began again when we returned to Schotia. Emily and I said we wanted to take a rest and not go for the afternoon drive and then everyone decided to join in a rest period. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our game reserve package included 7 drives but we only participated in 5. It's a lot of drives for a short period of time and with so much rain it was plenty. I will say that I was happy with the number and variety of animals we saw during our stay. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-reMo6XNoVNI/Uo-HgENBWNI/AAAAAAAAF2A/bJ5X-TEBgEo/s640/blogger-image-2006872557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-reMo6XNoVNI/Uo-HgENBWNI/AAAAAAAAF2A/bJ5X-TEBgEo/s640/blogger-image-2006872557.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QT7nXXBeC9w/Uo-HSf628lI/AAAAAAAAF04/HybygJ2wnf8/s640/blogger-image-602720169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QT7nXXBeC9w/Uo-HSf628lI/AAAAAAAAF04/HybygJ2wnf8/s640/blogger-image-602720169.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dVq9CSx-M4A/Uo-HWzz2PqI/AAAAAAAAF1Q/2Ig4WnIz81I/s640/blogger-image--974232941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dVq9CSx-M4A/Uo-HWzz2PqI/AAAAAAAAF1Q/2Ig4WnIz81I/s640/blogger-image--974232941.jpg"></a></div>We had 2 night drives as well looking for the lions. Lions are very lazy animals and sleep about 21 hours a day. There are three lions, one male and two females on the reserve. They had more but the lions eat the other animals so they needed to get rid of some of the lions to help protect the others. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8Qv9Bu1jXgI/Uo-HQ6Ruk8I/AAAAAAAAF0w/jDQWs6An77E/s640/blogger-image-291019429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8Qv9Bu1jXgI/Uo-HQ6Ruk8I/AAAAAAAAF0w/jDQWs6An77E/s640/blogger-image-291019429.jpg"></a></div><br></div>We had all our meals in the lapa, where they cooked the food in cast iron pots and pans and used coals as the heat element.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oImMLB8rjyE/Uo-HVCSimGI/AAAAAAAAF1I/Au5Sgo73csY/s640/blogger-image--258032026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oImMLB8rjyE/Uo-HVCSimGI/AAAAAAAAF1I/Au5Sgo73csY/s640/blogger-image--258032026.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">the toaster:<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4wlQR864RUE/Uo-Hl3nlGsI/AAAAAAAAF2g/R7_hTrVYFmc/s640/blogger-image--1694821054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4wlQR864RUE/Uo-Hl3nlGsI/AAAAAAAAF2g/R7_hTrVYFmc/s640/blogger-image--1694821054.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We had our last breakfast, said our goodbyes, packed the car (in the pouring rain) then headed back toward Cape Town. We had one more night on the road since we didn't want to drive the 8+ hours straight back.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">About 10 minutes into our drive Emily asked me to get her phone that was in her purse so we could listen to music. I couldn't find her purse in the car and as it turned out she'd left it at Schotia. Oy, we turned the car around and went back. Fortunately the purse was there and we were so glad we hadn't gone further than we had before figuring out her purse was missing (with her passport and wallet).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We certainly have travel angels following us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Back on the rainy road to our next stop in Wilderness and last night on the garden route. Emily wanted to stay on the beach and we were lucky to find this B&B, Sea Paradise, situated right on the beach. Pity the weather wasn't better. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uV0tKQZ89IQ/Uo-HelMSqCI/AAAAAAAAF14/5yc2r_GWOeA/s640/blogger-image-247736614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uV0tKQZ89IQ/Uo-HelMSqCI/AAAAAAAAF14/5yc2r_GWOeA/s640/blogger-image-247736614.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We had a nice dinner at Pomodoro in the quaint town of Wilderness. I would come here again and spend time. It's a nice little village across the street from the beach.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TGrx4DmBIuk/Uo-HTo9M6QI/AAAAAAAAF1A/5CuJ5Wky6BU/s640/blogger-image-1909943716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TGrx4DmBIuk/Uo-HTo9M6QI/AAAAAAAAF1A/5CuJ5Wky6BU/s640/blogger-image-1909943716.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sadly we made our way back to Cape Town for our last night in South Africa. I can't believe how fast 3 weeks went for me. Emily was sad to leave her host family but ready to get back to America.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We had a last dinner with Emily's host family (Gail, Armian and Talia) at Beluga, a very hip sushi/dumpling restaurant in Green Point. On Sunday's they offer sushi 1/2 price.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AMaJ6WbUFUs/Uo-HNgEOWrI/AAAAAAAAF0g/UdsSbbwDc-E/s640/blogger-image--1898315243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AMaJ6WbUFUs/Uo-HNgEOWrI/AAAAAAAAF0g/UdsSbbwDc-E/s640/blogger-image--1898315243.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I was so happy for Emily and the White family that they'd both had great experiences with each other. Gail was so sweet and gave me a parting gift of a beaded giraffe. This was the first time they had hosted an exchange student and due to their good time with Emily, signed up for another student to stay with them for the next semester. I know it doesn't always work out for students and their host families to get along and know that Emily and the Whites will remain in contact. I hope they will visit us in Santa Barbara some time in the future. Thank you White family for taking such good care of my baby.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our last night was spent back at Balu's house. Another wonderful angel sent us here and we felt as though we'd been long family friends. We all got along so well that we discussed meeting in Greece for a family vacation. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Balu recommended we have dinner at a rather new and hip restaurant, The Pot Luck Club located in the Old Biscuit Mill. OMG, this was by far the best meal so far in the trip and one of the best meals I've ever had. Every bite was filled with flavor and spice perfectly blended. Hard to describe but believe me you want to eat here if ever in Cape Town.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Rachel on the left, Georgina on Emily's left and Balu to the right. Unfortunately, Ian, the dad and David the young son were unable to join us. David had water polo practice. Next to Rachel is Sean, a friend of Georgina's.<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MEbEhWAJor8/Uo-HYN5kGSI/AAAAAAAAF1Y/xlRuqlogXbs/s640/blogger-image--1303801863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MEbEhWAJor8/Uo-HYN5kGSI/AAAAAAAAF1Y/xlRuqlogXbs/s640/blogger-image--1303801863.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JoGI5lpaMwI/Uo-HZ4QR3bI/AAAAAAAAF1g/dY4YzZD0LlE/s640/blogger-image-68179277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JoGI5lpaMwI/Uo-HZ4QR3bI/AAAAAAAAF1g/dY4YzZD0LlE/s640/blogger-image-68179277.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Zb0mHyrCSoM/Uo-HhRWlTRI/AAAAAAAAF2I/_SJNAmcqQ5c/s640/blogger-image--599885641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Zb0mHyrCSoM/Uo-HhRWlTRI/AAAAAAAAF2I/_SJNAmcqQ5c/s640/blogger-image--599885641.jpg"></a></div>Time to say more goodbyes. Hugs and kisses all around then <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Balu drove us to the airport for our flight to London.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">South Africa, for me, was a wonderful experience filled with new adventures, interesting people and lots of culture.</span></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163790414818981044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765324556728405393.post-79349204746061214582013-11-19T14:01:00.001-08:002013-11-20T00:34:12.584-08:00Bats and cheetas and other wild things on the Garden RouteSince I didn't have much internet for our week long visit along the Garden Route I've put the week together. <div>Sunday we left Cape Town and headed towards <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Oudtshoorn, a small mountain town known for Ostrich farms. It was a long 5 hour beautiful mountainous drive on the N1, that took us </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">through the Huguenot tunnel that is 2.5 miles long. You cannot hold your breath through this one.</span><div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_9KJg1XuS18/UovcNJ5soLI/AAAAAAAAFqw/ab9xehieloI/s640/blogger-image-2010727482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_9KJg1XuS18/UovcNJ5soLI/AAAAAAAAFqw/ab9xehieloI/s640/blogger-image-2010727482.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EbeK1p7QMrI/UovcJM7h1eI/AAAAAAAAFqg/0xzLq3ckCdc/s640/blogger-image--624032143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EbeK1p7QMrI/UovcJM7h1eI/AAAAAAAAFqg/0xzLq3ckCdc/s640/blogger-image--624032143.jpg"></a></div> </span><div>Our B&B, The Gumtree, was very comfortable and in a good location near the Main Street. Oudtshoorn is not very big but due to the high tourism has over 100 B&B's. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7FJlscf5lns/Uovb2JEOfwI/AAAAAAAAFpQ/LfJbJRLEo5o/s640/blogger-image--881282389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7FJlscf5lns/Uovb2JEOfwI/AAAAAAAAFpQ/LfJbJRLEo5o/s640/blogger-image--881282389.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Monday's agenda included a visit to The Canga Wildlife Ranch. This is a place where they rehabilitate many different animals from all over the world. First stop on the tour was a visit to the bat cave.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CNUYQcMYnyM/UotXy5zbZLI/AAAAAAAAFoE/0zdo0n_XSTw/s640/blogger-image-2126912399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CNUYQcMYnyM/UotXy5zbZLI/AAAAAAAAFoE/0zdo0n_XSTw/s640/blogger-image-2126912399.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Lm5eb54KDjM/UotX9XiUL0I/AAAAAAAAFoU/K-oLx8oKD68/s640/blogger-image--1645907558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Lm5eb54KDjM/UotX9XiUL0I/AAAAAAAAFoU/K-oLx8oKD68/s640/blogger-image--1645907558.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6JZ1dlzuZfA/UovfkVwDr-I/AAAAAAAAFrs/6TCLcoM4fBc/s640/blogger-image-391077458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6JZ1dlzuZfA/UovfkVwDr-I/AAAAAAAAFrs/6TCLcoM4fBc/s640/blogger-image-391077458.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Crazy. They always hang upside down except for when they go to the bathroom. The bat below is carrying a baby bat. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6mGvO20QDss/UotXvhNUpyI/AAAAAAAAFn8/gtV3p0RhMxg/s640/blogger-image-1567643928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6mGvO20QDss/UotXvhNUpyI/AAAAAAAAFn8/gtV3p0RhMxg/s640/blogger-image-1567643928.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>A little bit creepy. Outside the bat cave was Dolce and Gabbana some kind of designer pigs.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mYQDzIohQH0/UovfbhV-t5I/AAAAAAAAFrU/rYMlGzEW2ac/s640/blogger-image-964997339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mYQDzIohQH0/UovfbhV-t5I/AAAAAAAAFrU/rYMlGzEW2ac/s640/blogger-image-964997339.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Next stop lemurs. Oh so cute. Love the strips.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eBxijZYrjwU/UovcPzB4SlI/AAAAAAAAFrA/_Agq0aGU2AE/s640/blogger-image--1361941780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eBxijZYrjwU/UovcPzB4SlI/AAAAAAAAFrA/_Agq0aGU2AE/s640/blogger-image--1361941780.jpg"></a></div>The mom carries both of her children on her back. Now I know us parents do that figuratively but here is nature at its best.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CJkJC78fzsY/Uovfr6fvtzI/AAAAAAAAFsE/CQuG9uvZyQg/s640/blogger-image-2003460936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CJkJC78fzsY/Uovfr6fvtzI/AAAAAAAAFsE/CQuG9uvZyQg/s640/blogger-image-2003460936.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Emily testing her wing span compared to a vulture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cZTahCJZ9x8/UovcGDD2BzI/AAAAAAAAFqQ/P8c9QV9PS2Y/s640/blogger-image-1719266555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cZTahCJZ9x8/UovcGDD2BzI/AAAAAAAAFqQ/P8c9QV9PS2Y/s640/blogger-image-1719266555.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We had a great guide with a fabulous sense of humor. She went to feed the croc so we could have a show and take photos. On the tour with us was one other couple from Germany. Our guide spoke fluent German, lucky for them, so we had a bi-lingual tour.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mBo5Myt2iYA/Uovfi4iwlXI/AAAAAAAAFrk/cTssdQ0-Trc/s640/blogger-image--226013085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mBo5Myt2iYA/Uovfi4iwlXI/AAAAAAAAFrk/cTssdQ0-Trc/s640/blogger-image--226013085.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In case you wanted to see those teeth a little closer</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ey3MfzWGjKs/Uovb6Bp1ZyI/AAAAAAAAFpg/3J2ornfoJwk/s640/blogger-image-51331764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ey3MfzWGjKs/Uovb6Bp1ZyI/AAAAAAAAFpg/3J2ornfoJwk/s640/blogger-image-51331764.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Even though we were in the Ostrich area this place had a few loving Emu's. There weren't any ostiches here as the Ostrich farm was further up the road. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gmYR-S30f4I/UotXr-BfuhI/AAAAAAAAFn0/4moCK4HThrI/s640/blogger-image--970570649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gmYR-S30f4I/UotXr-BfuhI/AAAAAAAAFn0/4moCK4HThrI/s640/blogger-image--970570649.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The main attraction here is the Cheetas. After the tour you can visit, pet and take photos with the Cheetas, for an extra fee of course. Being that I didn't think we were very likely to have this opportunity again we went for it. Also, the money is used to help rehabilitate the animals.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LLa2CIW7PkI/UovcB4bn7sI/AAAAAAAAFqA/6-_vNEuhJgU/s640/blogger-image-1839482950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LLa2CIW7PkI/UovcB4bn7sI/AAAAAAAAFqA/6-_vNEuhJgU/s640/blogger-image-1839482950.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-h1HIdPVCEHo/UotX6ByYSQI/AAAAAAAAFoM/NteW4tJRv1M/s640/blogger-image--1953849667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-h1HIdPVCEHo/UotX6ByYSQI/AAAAAAAAFoM/NteW4tJRv1M/s640/blogger-image--1953849667.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Not really being a cat person I will say it was a very cool experience. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pPuWpV4Ri8c/UovZx3hcOTI/AAAAAAAAFpE/n6037lFMenI/s640/blogger-image--1523045583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pPuWpV4Ri8c/UovZx3hcOTI/AAAAAAAAFpE/n6037lFMenI/s640/blogger-image--1523045583.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next stop Knysna. Again we drove through the mountains to get back to the ocean. This was one of my favorites drives so far. The terrain was so beautiful, it felt a little like the Swiss Alps.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8trAy7aaRSE/UovcRBGDHII/AAAAAAAAFrI/qr604PMULFA/s640/blogger-image-1871451178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8trAy7aaRSE/UovcRBGDHII/AAAAAAAAFrI/qr604PMULFA/s640/blogger-image-1871451178.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The weather changes quite rapidly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xsZxBZP0ZVI/UovcDy5-y8I/AAAAAAAAFqI/oN6ZQLYtC2Y/s640/blogger-image-485328752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xsZxBZP0ZVI/UovcDy5-y8I/AAAAAAAAFqI/oN6ZQLYtC2Y/s640/blogger-image-485328752.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AsTHf73y_CE/Uoxtpj5SJ9I/AAAAAAAAFtM/F0hMF3F2qyY/s640/blogger-image-722845767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AsTHf73y_CE/Uoxtpj5SJ9I/AAAAAAAAFtM/F0hMF3F2qyY/s640/blogger-image-722845767.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vFKluU0my2U/Uoxt3tkF43I/AAAAAAAAFuk/DFfTuRWRy3k/s640/blogger-image-2112659934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vFKluU0my2U/Uoxt3tkF43I/AAAAAAAAFuk/DFfTuRWRy3k/s640/blogger-image-2112659934.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We arrived in Knysna in the late afternoon at our next B&B, 9 on Heron. The location was a bit out of town and although it was a nice place and the owners extremely kind, I wouldn't stay in Knsyna again. We enjoyed other seaside towns; Plettenberg Bay, Jeffreys Bay and Wilderness much more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is outside our room at 9 on Heron.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mkLs-Sw-v28/UotYdq2altI/AAAAAAAAFos/x0ge30aw0Gw/s640/blogger-image--66124348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mkLs-Sw-v28/UotYdq2altI/AAAAAAAAFos/x0ge30aw0Gw/s640/blogger-image--66124348.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We had a nice fish dinner at the oldest restaurant in Knysna, The Anchorage. After dinner we drove down to the waterfront then back to our B&B for a good nights rest.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tuesday, another animal highlight, Knsyna Elephant Park. Here you can visit, feed and photograph the elephants. When you pay the entrance fee you can also pay for a bucket of food. The elephants eat all kinds of vegetables, beets, carrots, potatoes. They are so gentle, but you need to listen to the trainers very carefully and they stay very close to you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yPlOj-E9hH8/Uovfpn6kfGI/AAAAAAAAFr8/rY9EEiM6LFU/s640/blogger-image-1940793038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yPlOj-E9hH8/Uovfpn6kfGI/AAAAAAAAFr8/rY9EEiM6LFU/s640/blogger-image-1940793038.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WokKRrcJ6Oc/UotYBNs7vaI/AAAAAAAAFoc/sUSXyqos_WE/s640/blogger-image--14837123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WokKRrcJ6Oc/UotYBNs7vaI/AAAAAAAAFoc/sUSXyqos_WE/s640/blogger-image--14837123.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For someone who isn't an animal person, Emily really got into feeding and talking to the elephants.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3xh7AicPA4M/UovcHr2DuQI/AAAAAAAAFqY/oBkCB8jdgY8/s640/blogger-image-1470652290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3xh7AicPA4M/UovcHr2DuQI/AAAAAAAAFqY/oBkCB8jdgY8/s640/blogger-image-1470652290.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Felix, our guide, was very good with my camera and took excellent direction on how to take photos. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KOhaE8Zi7Vs/UovcLhFNImI/AAAAAAAAFqo/AmWruEpgzSk/s640/blogger-image-701493486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KOhaE8Zi7Vs/UovcLhFNImI/AAAAAAAAFqo/AmWruEpgzSk/s640/blogger-image-701493486.jpg"></a></div>Way to go Felix.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LZ4UPv-sdsM/UotYFXUymdI/AAAAAAAAFok/zrQOmRL_Mo4/s640/blogger-image--1191051268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LZ4UPv-sdsM/UotYFXUymdI/AAAAAAAAFok/zrQOmRL_Mo4/s640/blogger-image--1191051268.jpg"></a></div>I think the elephants are so cute when their ears are flapping.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When our visit at the Elephant park was over we headed into Plettenberg Bay for lunch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Omg, what amazing views this town has. We had lunch on the beach at the Lemon Grass restaurant which is attached to the Milkwood Inn (where we wished we were staying)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is what we had to look at while eating a wonderful meal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-X-xd4Wn6Kfw/Uovb9zJv7ZI/AAAAAAAAFpw/BPyldU4YJqo/s640/blogger-image-1077890517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-X-xd4Wn6Kfw/Uovb9zJv7ZI/AAAAAAAAFpw/BPyldU4YJqo/s640/blogger-image-1077890517.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We sat outside and enjoyed the wonderful sunshine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TmsktoPC-7o/Uovb3gyU91I/AAAAAAAAFpY/dqbq7gSxq1g/s640/blogger-image--1801447412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TmsktoPC-7o/Uovb3gyU91I/AAAAAAAAFpY/dqbq7gSxq1g/s640/blogger-image--1801447412.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The hotel is behind the tree, not bad, eh?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-psjP-WcPLgg/Uovb8Vt2bKI/AAAAAAAAFpo/f4X-K___-MU/s640/blogger-image--513384125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-psjP-WcPLgg/Uovb8Vt2bKI/AAAAAAAAFpo/f4X-K___-MU/s640/blogger-image--513384125.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A view of Plettenberg from above the town<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qGDWehqriLo/UovcOQ3ORTI/AAAAAAAAFq4/POnWzlSbMgk/s640/blogger-image--1844378234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qGDWehqriLo/UovcOQ3ORTI/AAAAAAAAFq4/POnWzlSbMgk/s640/blogger-image--1844378234.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After lunch we went into the small town of Plett (as the locals call it) to the craft workshop for a little shopping of local art. Emily found some paintings she liked and picked this one held by the vendor. He was also selling wood cuts that were printed on elephant dung (dried of course). These prints were not so cheap, as we were told, the elephant dung prints are not as common as all the other paintings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ROsh0-tdbYo/Uovff6K9s6I/AAAAAAAAFrc/5Pzz-uImqFA/s640/blogger-image--1666908199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ROsh0-tdbYo/Uovff6K9s6I/AAAAAAAAFrc/5Pzz-uImqFA/s640/blogger-image--1666908199.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We were on a bit of a timeframe because we had booked a catamaran ride back in Knysna for 4:30. When I purchased the tickets earlier in the morning I was told there would be 5 people on the cruise, but when we got to the boat it was only us. The weather was glorious today and we had a lovely 2 1/2 hour sunset cruise steered by Leon, a local Knysan boy. We were served a "snack" tray by the other two crew members on board, that was enough food for 10, that included all kinds of cheese, crackers, shrimps, yummy stuff. It filled us up so much we didn't need dinner.</div>We sure had a relaxing time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aJ_GvOl4P98/Uoxtq6qiEHI/AAAAAAAAFtU/4i2QJKXA_7c/s640/blogger-image--1260395567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aJ_GvOl4P98/Uoxtq6qiEHI/AAAAAAAAFtU/4i2QJKXA_7c/s640/blogger-image--1260395567.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8V0Q8u7ddAM/Uovfnb-00EI/AAAAAAAAFr0/qIY9yVX2x5s/s640/blogger-image-845744873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8V0Q8u7ddAM/Uovfnb-00EI/AAAAAAAAFr0/qIY9yVX2x5s/s640/blogger-image-845744873.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VtKJ695EpNI/UovoxHttidI/AAAAAAAAFsc/uSEmg8_Pzlo/s640/blogger-image--181324566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VtKJ695EpNI/UovoxHttidI/AAAAAAAAFsc/uSEmg8_Pzlo/s640/blogger-image--181324566.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2qULjM4dUOk/UoxtZZTfphI/AAAAAAAAFs0/_njdNrjBMmw/s640/blogger-image-637687344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2qULjM4dUOk/UoxtZZTfphI/AAAAAAAAFs0/_njdNrjBMmw/s640/blogger-image-637687344.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our boat ride was around the Knysna Harbor and out to the headlands. Unfortunately due to it being low tide we were unable to venture out to the Indian Ocean, but Leon took us to the entrance where this old lighthouse is. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-R_f7Xo9_Q4c/Uoxtau8laMI/AAAAAAAAFs8/6QiwWA_5td4/s640/blogger-image-445039362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-R_f7Xo9_Q4c/Uoxtau8laMI/AAAAAAAAFs8/6QiwWA_5td4/s640/blogger-image-445039362.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I thought it was a sorry looking lighthouse. He told us that this is the only harbor in the world that Lloyds of London will not insure boats due to the dangerous ocean current in trying to enter or exit the harbor. He also told us that many boats make it in but never make it out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-shhVkKmkiPQ/UoxtsYzG2fI/AAAAAAAAFtc/wAlUMYx04g4/s640/blogger-image--1103963635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-shhVkKmkiPQ/UoxtsYzG2fI/AAAAAAAAFtc/wAlUMYx04g4/s640/blogger-image--1103963635.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There are some incredible private homes along the shore. There is a road that takes 45 minutes to get to the house or you can take a boat from the harbor in about 20. I could live here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Leon was intent on our seeing the sunset before returning us to the harbor and what a beauty it was.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5XMbdwYfhJc/UoxttjKh-ZI/AAAAAAAAFtk/qA31W8FOToo/s640/blogger-image-237593716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5XMbdwYfhJc/UoxttjKh-ZI/AAAAAAAAFtk/qA31W8FOToo/s640/blogger-image-237593716.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The end to another very full day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our next adventure Wednesday morning took us to Robberg Peninsula, the largest Bungy Jump in the world and then to The Tsitsikamma forest where we took a canopy tour.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The water and rock formations along the coast make this one of the most naturally beautiful places I've ever seen. Some of it reminds me of the Chilean coast in Vina Del Mar. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our first stop this morning was the Robberg Peninsula which sits just south of Plettenberg Bay. We had a nice walk for about an hour along the trail and down to the beach. You can spend many hours hiking here but we didn't have that kind of time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5XmzlfNT4-8/UoxtoDUMvqI/AAAAAAAAFtE/lnO7iT1nhRU/s640/blogger-image-832682715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5XmzlfNT4-8/UoxtoDUMvqI/AAAAAAAAFtE/lnO7iT1nhRU/s640/blogger-image-832682715.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-q8J0lIn7qvQ/UoxtwKerFPI/AAAAAAAAFt0/vNRec-2ASxM/s640/blogger-image-1491501820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-q8J0lIn7qvQ/UoxtwKerFPI/AAAAAAAAFt0/vNRec-2ASxM/s640/blogger-image-1491501820.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3479QyeT1Ac/Uoxtu05Tq9I/AAAAAAAAFts/ibX2mYXYKuI/s640/blogger-image-1691166599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3479QyeT1Ac/Uoxtu05Tq9I/AAAAAAAAFts/ibX2mYXYKuI/s640/blogger-image-1691166599.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BhxyyYbZrUU/Uoxtz-RZ3XI/AAAAAAAAFuM/ekSgyDFSE54/s640/blogger-image--2023336683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BhxyyYbZrUU/Uoxtz-RZ3XI/AAAAAAAAFuM/ekSgyDFSE54/s640/blogger-image--2023336683.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Back on the road to the next stop,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JY3eTARBPeg/Uovov2bUxLI/AAAAAAAAFsU/8jZkp1u733U/s640/blogger-image--1674171893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JY3eTARBPeg/Uovov2bUxLI/AAAAAAAAFsU/8jZkp1u733U/s640/blogger-image--1674171893.jpg"></a></div>You have to see this to believe it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-97T-CBgeWfg/Uoxtyh_lDuI/AAAAAAAAFuE/e4kihaiwOgo/s640/blogger-image-2038542720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-97T-CBgeWfg/Uoxtyh_lDuI/AAAAAAAAFuE/e4kihaiwOgo/s640/blogger-image-2038542720.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-doMRpouxczs/UoxtxTNCoTI/AAAAAAAAFt8/180qMYpO6DY/s640/blogger-image--1741480996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-doMRpouxczs/UoxtxTNCoTI/AAAAAAAAFt8/180qMYpO6DY/s640/blogger-image--1741480996.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-v3QwX_y2LBM/Uoxt2QMSUTI/AAAAAAAAFuc/1hU4f7hccgU/s640/blogger-image--907708331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-v3QwX_y2LBM/Uoxt2QMSUTI/AAAAAAAAFuc/1hU4f7hccgU/s640/blogger-image--907708331.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Emily told me that if someone offered her 10 million dollars she wouldn't jump. I'm with her.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I have a great sense of adventure but it stops here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On to where we did have our adrenalin rush, zip lining through the canopy of the Tsitsikamma forest and our one night at the Tsitsikamma Inn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2CLD3uxyg7g/UoxtYIS7OBI/AAAAAAAAFss/gCcUpIgkjg4/s640/blogger-image-923222457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2CLD3uxyg7g/UoxtYIS7OBI/AAAAAAAAFss/gCcUpIgkjg4/s640/blogger-image-923222457.jpg"></a></div>Our guide Yolo was another crack pot and our tour consisted of just us. How fortunate to be getting all these private tours. I'm starting to think that tour guides in SA are given comedy classes in order to engage the tourists, or maybe it's just us that brings out the good humor. Our two hour canopy tour across the forest was filled with screams and fun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Included in our canopy tour was a lunch served in a restaurant that is part of a collective that also runs the tours. I have come across many organizations that have been started to help people make a better living. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P-8t1yS8zmw/Uox0ATOZ8TI/AAAAAAAAFvE/Nk8ezSx7dpE/s640/blogger-image--190281925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P-8t1yS8zmw/Uox0ATOZ8TI/AAAAAAAAFvE/Nk8ezSx7dpE/s640/blogger-image--190281925.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HUVF9wy_cBo/Uoxz-_VFI7I/AAAAAAAAFu8/8KgrkgjnOqo/s640/blogger-image--244053837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HUVF9wy_cBo/Uoxz-_VFI7I/AAAAAAAAFu8/8KgrkgjnOqo/s640/blogger-image--244053837.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LebohpRBi0A/Uoxz9e7GUAI/AAAAAAAAFu0/oEE3ENMn9Iw/s640/blogger-image-390189784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LebohpRBi0A/Uoxz9e7GUAI/AAAAAAAAFu0/oEE3ENMn9Iw/s640/blogger-image-390189784.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">that's a lot for now I'll post the rest of the week tomorrow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div></div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163790414818981044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765324556728405393.post-39860988628780024802013-11-14T03:07:00.001-08:002013-11-14T03:07:47.103-08:00On Top of Table Mountain and a beautiful sunset<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpN3kGv11ofNmy69eNZRa8K3wF3Ny6FtfpZTvtBuhD4to9_8Egc-vFLHsiaMi5uqJcrhyphenhyphen4RG7PbWHEKwsHqVb_x4_kBHdPDBdc2agqKJZaeEO2phGpngwdvbJckV1mbiWxsD_B_6xtPqM/s640/blogger-image-1218388776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpN3kGv11ofNmy69eNZRa8K3wF3Ny6FtfpZTvtBuhD4to9_8Egc-vFLHsiaMi5uqJcrhyphenhyphen4RG7PbWHEKwsHqVb_x4_kBHdPDBdc2agqKJZaeEO2phGpngwdvbJckV1mbiWxsD_B_6xtPqM/s640/blogger-image-1218388776.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Finally made it up to Table Mountain. Due to the changing weather I wasn't able to climb up but instead took the cable car. The ride on the cable car was interesting, the floor of the car rotates so you can't hold on to the rail. The ride is only maybe 5 minutes and extremely smoothe. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Views going up:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sgW8oGUhtM0/UoSuo3MAIXI/AAAAAAAAFl8/2PSH2zrAxaM/s640/blogger-image--1730945297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sgW8oGUhtM0/UoSuo3MAIXI/AAAAAAAAFl8/2PSH2zrAxaM/s640/blogger-image--1730945297.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YYBNwO7BJQY/UoSvANyYvQI/AAAAAAAAFnU/3U3hZERmY-c/s640/blogger-image-906489320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YYBNwO7BJQY/UoSvANyYvQI/AAAAAAAAFnU/3U3hZERmY-c/s640/blogger-image-906489320.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">When we got off the cable car there is a sign that says, "if you hear the hoot immediately return to this location." </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The weather difference was quite dramatic between the bottom, where it was fairly warm and not too windy, to the top where it was very windy and much colder. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What I learned the sign mean was, if it becomes too windy you must return to the entrance and then they decide if you can ride the cable car or need to walk down (the walk down would be 2 1/2 to 3 hours). According to a tour guide I met at the top, Table Mountain has more deaths than Everest because of human error. The weather change from bottom to top is extreme and people are not prepared both in clothing and water or food. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">He said it could get so windy that your ears hurt, and said today was not too bad. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">We arrived at the cable car around 5 and after buying the tickets realized that they offered a "ride for 1/2 price if you went up at 6. We laughed and thought how silly we were for not going later and saving $20. However, as fate would have it, when we got to the bottom, after our hour visit, the wind had become too much and they closed the cable car. So in the end we were lucky to have gone when we did. </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Some views from the top:</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ATehMZjjBxU/UoSuwy_BqII/AAAAAAAAFmc/t9q_D03J_Jg/s640/blogger-image--163537543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ATehMZjjBxU/UoSuwy_BqII/AAAAAAAAFmc/t9q_D03J_Jg/s640/blogger-image--163537543.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eLa5qrH6QdA/UoSu1ECFDUI/AAAAAAAAFms/HRosoU7TXpw/s640/blogger-image-925976448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eLa5qrH6QdA/UoSu1ECFDUI/AAAAAAAAFms/HRosoU7TXpw/s640/blogger-image-925976448.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">The cars are where we parked</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DaGOariRlAY/UoSu4T9tRfI/AAAAAAAAFm0/z1YMbSfosmc/s640/blogger-image--897798050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DaGOariRlAY/UoSu4T9tRfI/AAAAAAAAFm0/z1YMbSfosmc/s640/blogger-image--897798050.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is Robben Island</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_1g7WBcTeTg/UoSuuozButI/AAAAAAAAFmU/GGRKdzRPCvQ/s640/blogger-image-63241013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_1g7WBcTeTg/UoSuuozButI/AAAAAAAAFmU/GGRKdzRPCvQ/s640/blogger-image-63241013.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Looking down on Camps Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aLtRD4z-pbw/UoSu8urPY-I/AAAAAAAAFnE/LYs5m8EiO74/s640/blogger-image-1666399709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aLtRD4z-pbw/UoSu8urPY-I/AAAAAAAAFnE/LYs5m8EiO74/s640/blogger-image-1666399709.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jmyHv2Er0u4/UoSuqhJDkRI/AAAAAAAAFmE/6LvK6MldW5s/s640/blogger-image--1455105719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jmyHv2Er0u4/UoSuqhJDkRI/AAAAAAAAFmE/6LvK6MldW5s/s640/blogger-image--1455105719.jpg"></a></div>It's pretty amazing to be at 2100 feet looking down on the city</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Since we couldn't watch the sunset from above we decided to drive to Camps Bay and watch from the ocean. Camps Bay, Sea Point and Green Point are upscale neighborhoods on the Atlantic side. Camps Bay Main Street is filled with restaurants and shops across from the beach. It is quite the scene. We enjoyed a beautiful sunset. The light on the mountains was incredible. I'm increasingly amazed with what nature provides.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0qBH6u7d1e07DBwuyGrClrEIslTtsU277EiQKBX2JmwrSBpIBKJfaQu4mrolKDdGWu4AqyLtSU5OT3PQta2s62IOocaid6ztsNfjA6jEuGZG9oEypYU-NtOPiIPjuFldhIih9gOL4AM/s640/blogger-image--1053780715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0qBH6u7d1e07DBwuyGrClrEIslTtsU277EiQKBX2JmwrSBpIBKJfaQu4mrolKDdGWu4AqyLtSU5OT3PQta2s62IOocaid6ztsNfjA6jEuGZG9oEypYU-NtOPiIPjuFldhIih9gOL4AM/s640/blogger-image--1053780715.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2FoLKI5sVOM/UoSusrNoYhI/AAAAAAAAFmM/PRlX4rw24HI/s640/blogger-image--51586411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2FoLKI5sVOM/UoSusrNoYhI/AAAAAAAAFmM/PRlX4rw24HI/s640/blogger-image--51586411.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qWhKAaoDZdk/UoSuzCJ1RmI/AAAAAAAAFmk/gL3aXRvs8bA/s640/blogger-image--1084716394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qWhKAaoDZdk/UoSuzCJ1RmI/AAAAAAAAFmk/gL3aXRvs8bA/s640/blogger-image--1084716394.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Walking back to the car Emily noticed this sign behind a fence. She said, "that's the same sign in Malibu." We walked a security guard standing behind the fence what was going on and he said they were filming "Rescue 3." We figured they came to Cape Town to film due to the different seasons and also the cost was probably less than 1/2 than any where else in the world. Everything is quite reasonable for Americans (10 to 1 on the dollar).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0GIiPD-z7Bc/UoSu-bI01bI/AAAAAAAAFnM/iyxWRZPWNrA/s640/blogger-image-1394610023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0GIiPD-z7Bc/UoSu-bI01bI/AAAAAAAAFnM/iyxWRZPWNrA/s640/blogger-image-1394610023.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-E5MMqqX7XeI/UoSu6c0wonI/AAAAAAAAFm8/uTFWjKMsR2g/s640/blogger-image-1260386595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-E5MMqqX7XeI/UoSu6c0wonI/AAAAAAAAFm8/uTFWjKMsR2g/s640/blogger-image-1260386595.jpg"></a></div>The end to another wonderful day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Emily took me back to where I was staying so I could pack my things and she went to have her last night with her host family. I know she is sad to leave them as she has had a wonderful experience and they have been incredible to her. I as a parent am extremely greateful for their hospitality and care of her.</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163790414818981044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765324556728405393.post-62583918471775588582013-11-10T22:46:00.001-08:002013-11-10T22:46:47.793-08:00I'm so lucky<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AX5KB9-_PzQ/UoB9Gvz5AyI/AAAAAAAAFjw/83VNybngu9M/s640/blogger-image-1930838983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AX5KB9-_PzQ/UoB9Gvz5AyI/AAAAAAAAFjw/83VNybngu9M/s640/blogger-image-1930838983.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After lots of fun shopping and buying a new wardrobe, I followed Balu to her house where she allowed me to stay in her guest apartment. I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity not only to stay here but to be with a local family. It's my own home stay. Balu has 4 children, only 3 of whom are living at home, (her son, who is the oldest, is living in Israel). They also have 2 dogs (Diesel the big one and can't ever remember the name of the little one) who come to visit me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZXKFOOQw6AM/UoB9KJO7nWI/AAAAAAAAFkA/CJg89-HqH0I/s640/blogger-image-1616193422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZXKFOOQw6AM/UoB9KJO7nWI/AAAAAAAAFkA/CJg89-HqH0I/s640/blogger-image-1616193422.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The location of the house is in an area called Claremont a bit like Montecito. Large homes and tree lined streets. Here is a view from the back yard.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-v2v7BkeeTnk/Un9AH1d_A2I/AAAAAAAAFiY/VSxr7LRkb9E/s640/blogger-image--610213800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-v2v7BkeeTnk/Un9AH1d_A2I/AAAAAAAAFiY/VSxr7LRkb9E/s640/blogger-image--610213800.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pTsetuQgeEE/UoB9O7eO_rI/AAAAAAAAFkQ/MPVCa_TOyiY/s640/blogger-image-2079810856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pTsetuQgeEE/UoB9O7eO_rI/AAAAAAAAFkQ/MPVCa_TOyiY/s640/blogger-image-2079810856.jpg"></a></div>You can see why I'm feeling lucky to stay here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We've become fast friends and feel so comfortable. Balu's husband is Ian and he runs her business, oldest daughter, Georgina is 22 studying fashion design, the youngest daughter Rachel is 14 and the young son David is 13 who go to the fancy private school Reddam. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thursday morning I went with Balu to her gym and worked out for an hour. What a great gym and the views were incredible.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They have a nice cafe so I was able to have breakfast after my workout. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">the view from the gym.<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-e-sI4rx21Tg/Un9ACjJupxI/AAAAAAAAFiI/IJG1b0qB7dc/s640/blogger-image--1333148187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-e-sI4rx21Tg/Un9ACjJupxI/AAAAAAAAFiI/IJG1b0qB7dc/s640/blogger-image--1333148187.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We got back to Balu's house and Emily came to pick me up. It was a rainy day so I didn't take many photos today. The weather has been good and bad but that comes with the territory.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We had a nice lunch with Emily's homestay sister, Talia at Hudson's. The restaurant is known for it's burgers but also has great vegie choices. Yummy meal. Overall I would say all the food I've eaten is great, fresh and healthy, quite similar to California. Their climate is like that of Santa Barbara so they are able to have local fruits and vegetables.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Thursday night Emily went with her friends to celebrate Rose's birthday and I met my cousin Esme and her boyfriend Frank for dinner at A'Tavola, an Italian restaurant in Claremont. She picked this place because it was close to where I was staying but it wasn't a good choice. The place was very noisy which made it difficult to sit and talk. It was nice to visit with her though and she brought photos of my dad from the 1980's. He was so young and happy. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">My days are so filled and I'm not keeping up with the blog like I thought I would.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Friday morning I woke early, as I have been. The sun comes up at 5:40. Also there is a bird that knocks on the window as soon as the sun comes up. I decided I would go to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens since it opened at 8:00 a.m. and spend some time taking photos. The gardens are close to where I'm staying and it was easy to get there. What a beautiful place, although I will say that the wild fields along the road at Cape Point were far more dramatic.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">I'm lucky to be here during Protea season with so much in bloom.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OdNc99fhz9o/Un9ANJDcjAI/AAAAAAAAFio/9LJMFkOo4JQ/s640/blogger-image-193480641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OdNc99fhz9o/Un9ANJDcjAI/AAAAAAAAFio/9LJMFkOo4JQ/s640/blogger-image-193480641.jpg"></a></div><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One of the first plants I came to was a special golden birds of paradise named for Nelson Mandela. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WKtY1RKmL4E/UoB9C3ZxP4I/AAAAAAAAFjg/O7WuE8wkOq8/s640/blogger-image-1526086275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WKtY1RKmL4E/UoB9C3ZxP4I/AAAAAAAAFjg/O7WuE8wkOq8/s640/blogger-image-1526086275.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It looks so lovely set against the mountains</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qlG7zdemotA/Un9AFXpRqHI/AAAAAAAAFiQ/Bc4JhSkRExU/s640/blogger-image--1752101540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qlG7zdemotA/Un9AFXpRqHI/AAAAAAAAFiQ/Bc4JhSkRExU/s640/blogger-image--1752101540.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YtlY7hgtLjU/UoB9TKd_TmI/AAAAAAAAFkg/pRZn6vIjVCs/s640/blogger-image--764862189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YtlY7hgtLjU/UoB9TKd_TmI/AAAAAAAAFkg/pRZn6vIjVCs/s640/blogger-image--764862189.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FSxqIV804lw/UoB88KjPO5I/AAAAAAAAFjQ/Is7Eb0KQtBg/s640/blogger-image--100646412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FSxqIV804lw/UoB88KjPO5I/AAAAAAAAFjQ/Is7Eb0KQtBg/s640/blogger-image--100646412.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6ANl9NjI1gM/UoB9U345NgI/AAAAAAAAFko/IHnIUwVupAU/s640/blogger-image-1948955959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6ANl9NjI1gM/UoB9U345NgI/AAAAAAAAFko/IHnIUwVupAU/s640/blogger-image-1948955959.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PsxNpD19p4E/UoB9If7C0pI/AAAAAAAAFj4/TElwOz_y_-I/s640/blogger-image-1792821927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PsxNpD19p4E/UoB9If7C0pI/AAAAAAAAFj4/TElwOz_y_-I/s640/blogger-image-1792821927.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Walking along the path I saw, what I thought was a statue of a duck but then realized it was real.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The beauty of nature fills me with wonder. The colors and textures of this duck were amazing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--ctsIsx9WDM/Un9ARZ4-vNI/AAAAAAAAFiw/NRzrIZld_9w/s640/blogger-image--595594566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--ctsIsx9WDM/Un9ARZ4-vNI/AAAAAAAAFiw/NRzrIZld_9w/s640/blogger-image--595594566.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hLYjjB0WsFY/Un9AVUyk3HI/AAAAAAAAFi4/DNeExS4tvtA/s640/blogger-image--417505211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hLYjjB0WsFY/Un9AVUyk3HI/AAAAAAAAFi4/DNeExS4tvtA/s640/blogger-image--417505211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uDiyFiB5tV0/Un8_93hVQaI/AAAAAAAAFiA/ylADS9SqId0/s640/blogger-image-1891694351.jpg"></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">I wandered though the gardens for a few hours enjoying the beauty of the plants, flowers and trees.</div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mbQYZuC0XRg/Un9AJ08D1wI/AAAAAAAAFig/OJovKFIG9C4/s640/blogger-image-2097607866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mbQYZuC0XRg/Un9AJ08D1wI/AAAAAAAAFig/OJovKFIG9C4/s640/blogger-image-2097607866.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LqQ4YkSnKuk/UoB9Ar0Qy5I/AAAAAAAAFjY/kqi-TnqyYB0/s640/blogger-image-1670934289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LqQ4YkSnKuk/UoB9Ar0Qy5I/AAAAAAAAFjY/kqi-TnqyYB0/s640/blogger-image-1670934289.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BmKmsm9gaLE/UoB9MF_w4dI/AAAAAAAAFkI/Qe1c4gDJlwc/s640/blogger-image--305259241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BmKmsm9gaLE/UoB9MF_w4dI/AAAAAAAAFkI/Qe1c4gDJlwc/s640/blogger-image--305259241.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div></div>The Gardens also have a fantastic nursery where you can buy plants, seeds and other garden gifts. I bought some protea seeds so I can try to have some of these lovely flowers at my house. The woman in the shop said that protea's are incredibly difficult to grow outside of South Africa in that they need certain soil, blah blah blah. It's worth a try. I also bought this bouquet for Balu's shabbat dinner table.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This bouquet was $4.00.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VxxHtf5SVxw/UoB9EoZ9XhI/AAAAAAAAFjo/D5RX8Uv_PB8/s640/blogger-image-22628361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VxxHtf5SVxw/UoB9EoZ9XhI/AAAAAAAAFjo/D5RX8Uv_PB8/s640/blogger-image-22628361.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>When I'd had my fill of the garden I drove to where Emily was at Rose's house. Emily was helping Rose pack because she was leaving this evening to go back to America. Rose (Koper) is also from Santa Barbara and she and Emily were really lucky to have each other here in South Africa. Funny how one can travel thousands of miles from home only to meet someone from your own backyard. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We decided to take a drive to Hout Bay for lunch at a very chic restaurant at the Chapman Peak hotel. The hotel is at the bottom of the mountain road I had driven the other day. Emily said they were known to have the best fish in Cape Town. YOLO. It was a gorgeous day so we enjoyed a 20 minute drive there and did indeed eat a fabulous fish lunch. (<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Sorry, I was so relaxed I didn't take any photos.) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The sun was shining and we sat outside overlooking the harbor of Hout Bay. We laughed at the very posh locals, sitting at the table next to us, because it was like watching a movie. They drank lots of wine, smoked lots of cigarettes and ate a little. I guess You had to be there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We needed to get Rose back to her house and then get to Balu's because we were going to Shabbat services. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At Rose's house, we all hugged goodbye and wished her a safe flight. Then we drove to Emily's house, which is in the same neighborhood as Rose's, where she packed her bag for our Garden Route journey. Both girls are sad to leave but happy to be going home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Shabbat services were at a reform temple in an area called Wynberg. Emily had been there several times before and knew many of the people who were at services. Small world. On this Friday night it was a special "all music" service. One of the players and leaders of the temple is Peter, who is the nephew of my friend Zoey. Unfortunately the room had just been painted and we had trouble breathing so went outside to play with the children. One of the children was Emily's favorite, Aliya, who is quite precocious. She is beautiful, adorable, funny, and only 11 but two grades ahead in school because she is so smart. I can tell you this child will make her mark in the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With services over we went back to Balu's house for an incredible Shabbat meal attended by 25 others. This is only one of the 3 tables that were set for the meal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YC8BFdkBT4U/UoB9QunGE1I/AAAAAAAAFkY/ifrfZYI92b4/s640/blogger-image--1748471981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YC8BFdkBT4U/UoB9QunGE1I/AAAAAAAAFkY/ifrfZYI92b4/s640/blogger-image--1748471981.jpg"></a></div> </div><br></div>I was so happy to be here and felt so comfortable. An end to another full day.</div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163790414818981044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765324556728405393.post-8897458236469693782013-11-06T13:10:00.001-08:002013-11-09T22:53:00.576-08:00Wednesday--rain--Chapmans Peak and lots of shopping<div>After my journey to Cape Point I went back to Kalk Bay to have a coffee and wait to hear from my friend Zoey's cousin Cathy. We had quite the rendevous. She was running late and suggested we meet on the road to her son's school (who she needed to pick up), so I could follow her there. Thank goodness for cell phones otherwise this couldn't have transpired. She told me where on the road she would be and to look for her grey fiat with the red roof. I love this kind of adventure. We connected </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-giWSiVT7IDQ/Un8tL99Cy0I/AAAAAAAAFhY/Nkx1Brd6QVI/s640/blogger-image-1748384805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-giWSiVT7IDQ/Un8tL99Cy0I/AAAAAAAAFhY/Nkx1Brd6QVI/s640/blogger-image-1748384805.jpg"></a></div> </div><div>She collected her son from this most amazing school, Reddam, and we then continued to her home in Noordhoek. The drive through the mountains was incredible. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-aK1axqUCp0Q/Un8tQXevCbI/AAAAAAAAFho/rF0AFnNUd_w/s640/blogger-image-1255268899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-aK1axqUCp0Q/Un8tQXevCbI/AAAAAAAAFho/rF0AFnNUd_w/s640/blogger-image-1255268899.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Driving and taking pictures is a bit difficult and slightly dangerous especially on a mountain road I've never been on, but how else was I going to document this. All of Cape Town is surrounded by the mountains making it one of the most geographically beautiful places I've ever been. The politics and way of life are another matter all together. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I arrived at Cathy's home and met three of her four children. She is an artist and took me to her studio, on the property of her home and showed me some of her work. She inherited a wine collection and uses the wine as one of her mediums to paint with. The results are quite good. I was sorry that I missed her exhibit at the Jewish Museum here, that was taken down just before I arrived. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When Cathy's husband Steve came home we had a nice home cooked meal. I appreciate joining in family life while traveling and not just seeing sights and eating out all the time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I was a bit nervous to drive back to my hotel in the dark on a mountain road but Cathy made a map for me and it was easy enough. In only 15 minutes I was safe and sound back in Simon's Town.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div><br></div>My plan was to get up at sunrise and go back to Cape Point but as all well made plans unfold this didn't happen. I got myself up, packed my stuff, had a coffee and loaded the car. I studied the map to see what road I would take back to Cape Town. I was to meet Cathy's sister Balu in the afternoon so I could do some shopping in her store and then check into her guest house.<div>I choose the mountain route back through Noordhoek and over Chapman's Peak. The roads are clearly marked and I found you can't really get lost. My first stop was at Noordhoek beach. The weather has not been what I thought it would be but the clouds make for interesting texture in the sky.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6B8tCbvxvOY/Un3jfhwoNwI/AAAAAAAAFgg/Tg6HtZGOSXA/s640/blogger-image--870224093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6B8tCbvxvOY/Un3jfhwoNwI/AAAAAAAAFgg/Tg6HtZGOSXA/s640/blogger-image--870224093.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sbLS309ABN4/Un8tSXWzAUI/AAAAAAAAFhw/lwZ30SEOF1I/s640/blogger-image-21083505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sbLS309ABN4/Un8tSXWzAUI/AAAAAAAAFhw/lwZ30SEOF1I/s640/blogger-image-21083505.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5DERXFtd0R4/Un8tKaI2AHI/AAAAAAAAFhQ/yxu_aLysSqg/s640/blogger-image--1108241795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5DERXFtd0R4/Un8tKaI2AHI/AAAAAAAAFhQ/yxu_aLysSqg/s640/blogger-image--1108241795.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The wind was howling so driving over the mountain around Chapman's Peak was quite unnerving. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-K-pqHK1lR4o/Un8tOnkD23I/AAAAAAAAFhg/HXymZGmeECw/s640/blogger-image--662029765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-K-pqHK1lR4o/Un8tOnkD23I/AAAAAAAAFhg/HXymZGmeECw/s640/blogger-image--662029765.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This scenic road is similar to highway 1 in the Big Sur area where you drive along the cliffs. However, I've never seen the mountain come over the road like this. I must say I was glad when I got to the bottom and was on a straighter path. There was a toll of nearly $4.00 that I needed to pay when I got to the end. It was worth it. I just wish the weather had been better. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The town at the bottom is Hout Bay. It was raining so hard that I decided I would just go to Emily's house. I was quite proud of myself for getting myself to Emily's without having to call her. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With so much rain it was a good day to go shopping. We spent the next few hours at Balu's store. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163790414818981044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765324556728405393.post-39756155847822176172013-11-06T13:09:00.001-08:002013-11-07T22:21:15.759-08:00Tuesday--Penguins and the southern most point of South AfricaHow many of you bet we wouldn't make the 8:30 a.m. breakfast. Most of you are right. I did get there around 8:45 and Emily stolled in around 9:30 a.m. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Guess what there were people much later and yes they stayed until close to 10:00. Oh well. </span>It was quite lovely this morning and we were able to sit on the balcony with a fabulous view. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--OTrYxLtyAY/UnyByHw3kyI/AAAAAAAAFdo/2T7bncsIY5k/s640/blogger-image-1360507630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--OTrYxLtyAY/UnyByHw3kyI/AAAAAAAAFdo/2T7bncsIY5k/s640/blogger-image-1360507630.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div>The plan of the morning was to go see the penquins. Emily had wanted a "chill" beach day but the weather wasn't really in her favor. It wasn't raining but it wasn't beach weather and a previous engagement meant Emily was going back into town after lunch. </div><div>On our walk to the penguin beach we came across a new way to travel</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lSDX9xgqBdU/UnyBff2E1YI/AAAAAAAAFcg/mMLltIBtLW0/s640/blogger-image-1928908138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lSDX9xgqBdU/UnyBff2E1YI/AAAAAAAAFcg/mMLltIBtLW0/s640/blogger-image-1928908138.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Emily was surprised at the size of the penguins saying that she thought they would be bigger. From my point of view the Penguin beach was a bust. There were more tourists than Penguins. Of course I am spoiled after being in South America but it's definitely more enjoyable to see animals in the wild and not caged. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-aP5ltOtIK50/UnyB7et62cI/AAAAAAAAFeQ/dkFLBBBb5lA/s640/blogger-image--1464754167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-aP5ltOtIK50/UnyB7et62cI/AAAAAAAAFeQ/dkFLBBBb5lA/s640/blogger-image--1464754167.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1bmwdhStUpo/UnyBhmpWlmI/AAAAAAAAFco/90v-Vo5aY_o/s640/blogger-image--1480651683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1bmwdhStUpo/UnyBhmpWlmI/AAAAAAAAFco/90v-Vo5aY_o/s640/blogger-image--1480651683.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xlvj-LlFvVU/UnyBTFfiqMI/AAAAAAAAFbw/zSJRCiQAcjQ/s640/blogger-image--340599966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xlvj-LlFvVU/UnyBTFfiqMI/AAAAAAAAFbw/zSJRCiQAcjQ/s640/blogger-image--340599966.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our visit with the Penguins was not too long and that was about all there was to do in Simon's Town. Emily suggested we drive to Kalk Bay and walk around the shops and then she would take the train back to town from there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Kalk Bay has more character than Simon's Town with shops of local goods, clothing and art galleries. We found a nice little restaurant across the street from the sea, Tri Bakery, where we shared a lovely lunch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l7mdulFnCkw/UnyBkOvyGNI/AAAAAAAAFcw/KEMiX1ddoNM/s640/blogger-image-54193670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l7mdulFnCkw/UnyBkOvyGNI/AAAAAAAAFcw/KEMiX1ddoNM/s640/blogger-image-54193670.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JgoBb8jRYBU/UnyBooJAfKI/AAAAAAAAFdA/lLRO48NYATM/s640/blogger-image-2044078906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JgoBb8jRYBU/UnyBooJAfKI/AAAAAAAAFdA/lLRO48NYATM/s640/blogger-image-2044078906.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jiFTOIAHBqQ/UnyBz0d1g-I/AAAAAAAAFdw/JeRtqffd3fY/s640/blogger-image-1074502835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jiFTOIAHBqQ/UnyBz0d1g-I/AAAAAAAAFdw/JeRtqffd3fY/s640/blogger-image-1074502835.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Quite convienently located across the street from the station, we walked across the road so Emily could catch the 12:25 back to Plumstead.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JRt0VfvmLPc/UnyB39lLt2I/AAAAAAAAFeA/NMmxNopshm8/s640/blogger-image-1213115516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JRt0VfvmLPc/UnyB39lLt2I/AAAAAAAAFeA/NMmxNopshm8/s640/blogger-image-1213115516.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-utnZQaMvlZo/UnyBwnPSXRI/AAAAAAAAFdg/9Kxf1kyViKc/s640/blogger-image-80555128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-utnZQaMvlZo/UnyBwnPSXRI/AAAAAAAAFdg/9Kxf1kyViKc/s640/blogger-image-80555128.jpg"></a></div><br></div>I said goodbye, got back in the car and headed to Cape Point National Park. A peaceful drive, maybe 20 minutes along the coast to arrive at the entrance to the park. http://www.capepoint.co.za </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The entrance fee was less than $10.00. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6pYor7fnc94/UnyCAr0rDXI/AAAAAAAAFeo/4gVAixmDzWc/s640/blogger-image-1537427974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6pYor7fnc94/UnyCAr0rDXI/AAAAAAAAFeo/4gVAixmDzWc/s640/blogger-image-1537427974.jpg"></a></div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What I was so amazed with was the vast amounts of protea fields. Unfortunately it wasn't the best time to be taking photos but I did the best I could given the situation. This is the season for proteas to bloom. There were also fields of white flowers, not sure what they are, and other wild flowers as well. So gorgeous. I stopped many times along the road.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-y-9USe3mvnM/UnyBqtKVUZI/AAAAAAAAFdI/TQProwv3vb8/s640/blogger-image--1044997220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-y-9USe3mvnM/UnyBqtKVUZI/AAAAAAAAFdI/TQProwv3vb8/s640/blogger-image--1044997220.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-M4CleiT8SOg/UnyBuyDeBZI/AAAAAAAAFdY/T2i-0ZDXQWs/s640/blogger-image--1489876846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-M4CleiT8SOg/UnyBuyDeBZI/AAAAAAAAFdY/T2i-0ZDXQWs/s640/blogger-image--1489876846.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6Op6H9RUhQY/UnyBRa-gbRI/AAAAAAAAFbo/O74PSWepXrA/s640/blogger-image--1825589976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6Op6H9RUhQY/UnyBRa-gbRI/AAAAAAAAFbo/O74PSWepXrA/s640/blogger-image--1825589976.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KawpgExOg1s/UnyBmT1wjPI/AAAAAAAAFc4/iVxTlKme9rw/s640/blogger-image--731000129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KawpgExOg1s/UnyBmT1wjPI/AAAAAAAAFc4/iVxTlKme9rw/s640/blogger-image--731000129.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I drove for maybe half an hour before I arrived at the turn for Cape of Good Hope. There seems to be a backup with the cars in the road when I discovered it was because of the baboons. I had seen the signs on the road to be aware of baboons in the road but didn't really take much heed. Then I was laughing when I saw them. They apparently are quite a nuisence. They jump on your car, which I found quite entertaining.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nIt4gi0j5h8/UnyB1rfhBaI/AAAAAAAAFd4/ncyg_Ns7ql0/s640/blogger-image-1983508446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nIt4gi0j5h8/UnyB1rfhBaI/AAAAAAAAFd4/ncyg_Ns7ql0/s640/blogger-image-1983508446.jpg"></a></div>I thought this was such a sweet moment.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VFQz_czUzgE/UnyBs-bzC-I/AAAAAAAAFdQ/S_kT2-0sS3E/s640/blogger-image--321237219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VFQz_czUzgE/UnyBs-bzC-I/AAAAAAAAFdQ/S_kT2-0sS3E/s640/blogger-image--321237219.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>When I arrived at the "cape of good hope" official sign I was swept into the sea of tourists. They were lining up to take their photos behind the sign. I said to myself, "this is why I don't take bus tours."</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kY6xyx8BCQg/UnyB9F62fHI/AAAAAAAAFeY/o1IIOFC-5Tc/s640/blogger-image--1407429637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kY6xyx8BCQg/UnyB9F62fHI/AAAAAAAAFeY/o1IIOFC-5Tc/s640/blogger-image--1407429637.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pe0GvcnheDQ/UnyB5m5RFxI/AAAAAAAAFeI/maWtHXAyXvs/s640/blogger-image--704501329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pe0GvcnheDQ/UnyB5m5RFxI/AAAAAAAAFeI/maWtHXAyXvs/s640/blogger-image--704501329.jpg"></a></div>Nature is amazing and I was in awe of what I was viewing. Now I have been to both Cape Horn and Cape of Good Hope, bucket list, check. I did learn though that this is not where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. There is another place several hours away Cape Agulhas where they actually meet. I won't be going there this trip.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gw-xuRHZSEI/UnyBbC5wXuI/AAAAAAAAFcQ/4rtK2wG8w28/s640/blogger-image-563009573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gw-xuRHZSEI/UnyBbC5wXuI/AAAAAAAAFcQ/4rtK2wG8w28/s640/blogger-image-563009573.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OBWu_xhbBDs/UnyBVCjHUcI/AAAAAAAAFb4/A8d0kiX7krg/s640/blogger-image--1814055743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OBWu_xhbBDs/UnyBVCjHUcI/AAAAAAAAFb4/A8d0kiX7krg/s640/blogger-image--1814055743.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VfHGx3JZ8t4/UnyBXQ7NnVI/AAAAAAAAFcA/NXIpnZq6YQA/s640/blogger-image--851305242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VfHGx3JZ8t4/UnyBXQ7NnVI/AAAAAAAAFcA/NXIpnZq6YQA/s640/blogger-image--851305242.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lg2WSp30yy8/UnyBZCv6mXI/AAAAAAAAFcI/ISMWhpwunow/s640/blogger-image-2103850619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lg2WSp30yy8/UnyBZCv6mXI/AAAAAAAAFcI/ISMWhpwunow/s640/blogger-image-2103850619.jpg"></a></div> From Cape of Good Hope it was a short drive to Cape Point. I was unable to walk to the light house as it would have taken 1 1/2 hours and I didn't have the time. I was happy to be there and take in the view.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5Ico8UIY5pg/UnyB-8C8zPI/AAAAAAAAFeg/t9p5ciWGC_c/s640/blogger-image-1943764223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5Ico8UIY5pg/UnyB-8C8zPI/AAAAAAAAFeg/t9p5ciWGC_c/s640/blogger-image-1943764223.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On my return trip I found more Baboons on the road.</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WAnaBDlsZDA/UnyBdKm3elI/AAAAAAAAFcY/41SyB_T3boc/s640/blogger-image-846043582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WAnaBDlsZDA/UnyBdKm3elI/AAAAAAAAFcY/41SyB_T3boc/s640/blogger-image-846043582.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163790414818981044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765324556728405393.post-68904661617998188572013-11-05T22:31:00.001-08:002013-11-05T22:31:40.202-08:00Robben Island--a moment of historyI only got lost twice on my drive to the waterfront to catch the ferry to Robben Island. Yves from the B&B gave me directions on how to get on the highway (freeway) and that I should just follow it to the Waterfront, which was very well marked. My first mistake was missing the turn to get on the highway. Fortunately I've driven on the Main Road enough to realize that I had gone too far, turned around and got on. So I was happy now driving on the highway and reading the signs to the Waterfront, easy enough, until I actually got to the waterfront and took the first right turn not the second one. Now I was going back onto the highway and it split going in two different directions, both of which seemed to be wrong for where I was trying to go. There was a road worker in the middle of the highway and I stopped the car and asked him which way I should go. He said stay to the left and come back around, which I did and this time I knew to take the second right to get to the Waterfront. Good thing I gave myself plenty of time to get down there. I successfully parked the car and got myself to the ferry entrance. The ferry was scheduled to leave at 11:00 and it left at 11:04. <div>The ferry ride was only 25 minutes across the water and it was a beautiful. After many days of rain I was glad to have the sun shining.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is one of the billboards you see when arriving on the island. <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sBvnwQeH2YA/UnniKBChIXI/AAAAAAAAFYo/WD9SU3jC9bI/s640/blogger-image--1770028260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sBvnwQeH2YA/UnniKBChIXI/AAAAAAAAFYo/WD9SU3jC9bI/s640/blogger-image--1770028260.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dEZO_Wqa8V4/UnnhbqfE6TI/AAAAAAAAFVw/lblU8fTADrk/s640/blogger-image--1198138390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dEZO_Wqa8V4/UnnhbqfE6TI/AAAAAAAAFVw/lblU8fTADrk/s640/blogger-image--1198138390.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The tour lasts 2 1/2 hours which includes the boat ride there and back. The tour, which incredibly interesting is a bit of a cattle call. When you disembark from the ferry you are told to walk to the busses to be taken around the island before going into the actual prison. There was a tour guide on the bus to explain the history of the island and the prison.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Li05MZPhC5A/UnnhzDBX7YI/AAAAAAAAFXI/QD3K081r27Q/s640/blogger-image-583942748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Li05MZPhC5A/UnnhzDBX7YI/AAAAAAAAFXI/QD3K081r27Q/s640/blogger-image-583942748.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">http://robben-island.org.za</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">for those of you interested here's the link to Robben Island. Our first stop was at the Robert Sobukwe House. He was held in this area and forced to live alone and forbidden to have any contact with the other prisoners. http://www.sahistory.org.za/people/robert-mangaliso-sobukwe</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He was moved to another prison in Kimberly, South Africa and died in prison in 1978.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IFXdBljveX0/UnnhtLCVobI/AAAAAAAAFWw/NOaPK1fWTvA/s640/blogger-image--2125658922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IFXdBljveX0/UnnhtLCVobI/AAAAAAAAFWw/NOaPK1fWTvA/s640/blogger-image--2125658922.jpg"></a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WLH3TrVYv-0/Unnh9OYlL6I/AAAAAAAAFXw/Ihbg5ROZhsg/s640/blogger-image--1030574714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WLH3TrVYv-0/Unnh9OYlL6I/AAAAAAAAFXw/Ihbg5ROZhsg/s640/blogger-image--1030574714.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If you look to the left of this site you see this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-a0Fvl9BLEbg/Unnh7Id_NTI/AAAAAAAAFXo/P_RRensQgWI/s640/blogger-image--1562891169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-a0Fvl9BLEbg/Unnh7Id_NTI/AAAAAAAAFXo/P_RRensQgWI/s640/blogger-image--1562891169.jpg"></a></div>Quite the juxtapostion. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our next stop was at this incredible view point, where there were bathrooms and a snack station. We were given 10 minutes but it really was about 20. Enough to use the facilities and take a few shots. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ivDPF0ITUug/Unnhfix3GdI/AAAAAAAAFWA/ctA-NdCYqGk/s640/blogger-image--1477574572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ivDPF0ITUug/Unnhfix3GdI/AAAAAAAAFWA/ctA-NdCYqGk/s640/blogger-image--1477574572.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I was fortunate to have a window seat and when we continued the journey I snapped this shot of these rare birds, whose name I forget. I think the tour guide said they are only found here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4qGOD1wuDG4/Unnhj3xj-fI/AAAAAAAAFWQ/ACRv60i4EMU/s640/blogger-image--77315628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4qGOD1wuDG4/Unnhj3xj-fI/AAAAAAAAFWQ/ACRv60i4EMU/s640/blogger-image--77315628.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Red beaks, check.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we continued we saw these guns that were put here during WWII. The only problem was they put them here too late and they were never used.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Bv-jlXxUePc/UnnhxX1xVTI/AAAAAAAAFXA/NjLjc3xaSqo/s640/blogger-image-394625354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Bv-jlXxUePc/UnnhxX1xVTI/AAAAAAAAFXA/NjLjc3xaSqo/s640/blogger-image-394625354.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VqOg1hN9XNc/UnnhvJoffHI/AAAAAAAAFW4/ROEZAYpAxNc/s640/blogger-image--1169806619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VqOg1hN9XNc/UnnhvJoffHI/AAAAAAAAFW4/ROEZAYpAxNc/s640/blogger-image--1169806619.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pHhs8L-t6j8/Unnh25KnfhI/AAAAAAAAFXY/SKOvxHSjsnc/s640/blogger-image--175721017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pHhs8L-t6j8/Unnh25KnfhI/AAAAAAAAFXY/SKOvxHSjsnc/s640/blogger-image--175721017.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is the Lime Quarry, where the prisoners were made to do hard labor for 8 hours a day. The pile of rocks was made after the prison was closed by prisoners who worked here. One of the prisoners picked up a rock and others followed ending with this pile as a recognition of what they had done.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-z6fMxPazb2Q/UnnhmONDaII/AAAAAAAAFWY/8hMgg1QH3PY/s640/blogger-image-1685559847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-z6fMxPazb2Q/UnnhmONDaII/AAAAAAAAFWY/8hMgg1QH3PY/s640/blogger-image-1685559847.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We unfortunately did not get out of the bus here. Pity, as I would have liked to walk around or just stand in the quarry to get the sense of what it was like to have been there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Taking this tour was rather surreal and emotional for me. Imagining what life was like for those who were here just because they spoke their mind. How Apartide existed is as unfathomable to me as the Holocaust. But they both happened and the monuments and museums made to remind people these atrocities did happen are so very important.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6Qz7qxWzcY0/UnniEuJzqEI/AAAAAAAAFYQ/0OmfU3OqPfc/s640/blogger-image-952696879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6Qz7qxWzcY0/UnniEuJzqEI/AAAAAAAAFYQ/0OmfU3OqPfc/s640/blogger-image-952696879.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our next stop was the prison itself. This is Zozo<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aWgWCSjz3Cc/UnniO2UI-tI/AAAAAAAAFZA/wmBFD5U-lq8/s640/blogger-image-1943240091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aWgWCSjz3Cc/UnniO2UI-tI/AAAAAAAAFZA/wmBFD5U-lq8/s640/blogger-image-1943240091.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He introduced himself and told us his prisoner number was 45077. All the tour guides inside the prison were prisoners themselves. Zozo Madolo served 5 years as a political prisoner. He also told us that he really wants to go to America but he was labled a "terrorist" by the South African government so the U.S. government won't let him in. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here are some photos from around the prison including Mandela's cell.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-liUwIiyjoL0/UnniIRMX7qI/AAAAAAAAFYg/sMOhaHL9h2c/s640/blogger-image-2100617232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-liUwIiyjoL0/UnniIRMX7qI/AAAAAAAAFYg/sMOhaHL9h2c/s640/blogger-image-2100617232.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Tv1IMmQfD50/UnniCE0Ys8I/AAAAAAAAFYI/Tm9hM9smLFk/s640/blogger-image-1438096373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Tv1IMmQfD50/UnniCE0Ys8I/AAAAAAAAFYI/Tm9hM9smLFk/s640/blogger-image-1438096373.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DnXf89Si4Sk/UnniGFUtvVI/AAAAAAAAFYY/evogjCjuxh4/s640/blogger-image-654556031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DnXf89Si4Sk/UnniGFUtvVI/AAAAAAAAFYY/evogjCjuxh4/s640/blogger-image-654556031.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hVk1kTBvTBE/UnniQwYbAHI/AAAAAAAAFZI/HJ7gxeiE1TA/s640/blogger-image-19015588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hVk1kTBvTBE/UnniQwYbAHI/AAAAAAAAFZI/HJ7gxeiE1TA/s640/blogger-image-19015588.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>If you saw Invictus, you may remember this yard. I am standing in one corner so you can see that the yard is not very big. The far right corner was named Mandela's corner.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ob8L5b8pu9g/Unnh1OJj1GI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/oqf1auGO56M/s640/blogger-image-1630946698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ob8L5b8pu9g/Unnh1OJj1GI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/oqf1auGO56M/s640/blogger-image-1630946698.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On the bench under the vines, Mandela would hold court and teach other prisoners. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Mandela's cell<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-V50LGqWN2Vs/UnnhoPA3PlI/AAAAAAAAFWg/sv_bCdB_Pe0/s640/blogger-image-931754030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-V50LGqWN2Vs/UnnhoPA3PlI/AAAAAAAAFWg/sv_bCdB_Pe0/s640/blogger-image-931754030.jpg"></a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZwfooZuQ3GI/UnnhdnXU5fI/AAAAAAAAFV4/UFmxXD9VEPM/s640/blogger-image-866206347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZwfooZuQ3GI/UnnhdnXU5fI/AAAAAAAAFV4/UFmxXD9VEPM/s640/blogger-image-866206347.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SHtakjptObY/UnlodQwHZwI/AAAAAAAAFVU/nBB5Xc3Liro/s640/blogger-image--425536968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SHtakjptObY/UnlodQwHZwI/AAAAAAAAFVU/nBB5Xc3Liro/s640/blogger-image--425536968.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After Mandela's cell Zolo walked us over to where his cell section was. On the way he showed us the soccer field where the inmates were allowed to have games.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-W4SSs7RNnps/Unlm3f_pWMI/AAAAAAAAFVI/Q8JQSZ6w0Ys/s640/blogger-image-12565405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-W4SSs7RNnps/Unlm3f_pWMI/AAAAAAAAFVI/Q8JQSZ6w0Ys/s640/blogger-image-12565405.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-O3N1b4ttMJQ/UnnhhjpGzaI/AAAAAAAAFWI/gHc9FN8CKTA/s640/blogger-image--1602221026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-O3N1b4ttMJQ/UnnhhjpGzaI/AAAAAAAAFWI/gHc9FN8CKTA/s640/blogger-image--1602221026.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mpwQGFoSo2w/Unnh-S-eCiI/AAAAAAAAFX4/9tkV-M30E_M/s640/blogger-image--51768209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mpwQGFoSo2w/Unnh-S-eCiI/AAAAAAAAFX4/9tkV-M30E_M/s640/blogger-image--51768209.jpg"></a> </div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6GpN4bI3H6U/UnniSdzgmGI/AAAAAAAAFZQ/7nSX55XtquI/s640/blogger-image--636025079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6GpN4bI3H6U/UnniSdzgmGI/AAAAAAAAFZQ/7nSX55XtquI/s640/blogger-image--636025079.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was quite emotionally draining (and often difficult to understand his English) to listen to his story and what transpired at the prison. I believe it is a must do when in Cape Town.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When I arrived back on the other side and got off the boat I felt the need to have quite and settle my soul. I saw a juice kiosk and went and bought a wonderful green drink. I saw that he was using the greens from a tower garden and found all these tower gardens. How great is that!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JsLNwAT_Y6I/UnniL0keU-I/AAAAAAAAFYw/RcHSBGzZqtQ/s640/blogger-image-637822717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JsLNwAT_Y6I/UnniL0keU-I/AAAAAAAAFYw/RcHSBGzZqtQ/s640/blogger-image-637822717.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> A shout out to #ChapalaGardens<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AUBDQkm30zA/UnnhqJAHgdI/AAAAAAAAFWo/aYO-LAoLxMA/s640/blogger-image-1332849993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AUBDQkm30zA/UnnhqJAHgdI/AAAAAAAAFWo/aYO-LAoLxMA/s640/blogger-image-1332849993.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After my juice I navigated my way to the Company Gardens to meet my cousin Esme (she's the one in the red). She is my father's contemporary and related to my father's mother. Also there was another cousin's wife, Henya. Esme told me she comes to the Company Gardens every Saturday and Sunday. Her boyfriend, Frank plays chess and feeds the birds. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lNZWIpGDmUk/UnniNhouZ_I/AAAAAAAAFY4/LR-_kHXvE04/s640/blogger-image--1540388886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lNZWIpGDmUk/UnniNhouZ_I/AAAAAAAAFY4/LR-_kHXvE04/s640/blogger-image--1540388886.jpg"></a></div>We visited for several hours and talked about family, politics and the world. Henya is a Holocaust survivor and was filmed by Spielberg for the Shoah. Esme was born in the same town as my grandmother Frances, Dordrecht. I was interested to learn that the reason my great grandparents came here was because my great grandmother's sister was in South Africa and that is Esme's great grandmother. Good to get the family tree connected.</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kfxFKLHmuBQ/Unnh4crnMXI/AAAAAAAAFXg/SGb5_7YLqAk/s640/blogger-image--1678978536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kfxFKLHmuBQ/Unnh4crnMXI/AAAAAAAAFXg/SGb5_7YLqAk/s640/blogger-image--1678978536.jpg"></a> It had been Franks birthday and Esme had this chess cake made for him. While quite the creative cake, the taste did not match. Each chess piece was solid chocolate and those were good.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-m9aLq4FhzmU/UnniAMF4-QI/AAAAAAAAFYA/rfdcGFsApEk/s640/blogger-image--666147373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-m9aLq4FhzmU/UnniAMF4-QI/AAAAAAAAFYA/rfdcGFsApEk/s640/blogger-image--666147373.jpg"></a></div><br></div>The end of another filled day of adventure and learning. I drove over to Emily's homestay and then brought her into town to study. I went back to the B&B and went to sleep.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><br></div></div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163790414818981044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765324556728405393.post-77663390581227905652013-11-05T22:27:00.001-08:002013-11-07T09:05:04.463-08:00A visit to UCT and then to Simon's TownMonday morning and the sun was shining. Business to attend to: walk to Rondebosh (this is the University town), buy more airtime and talk to the car rental guy. I decided that I wasn't comfortable driving the "student" rent a car on the Garden Route so I arranged to rent a new vehicle and needed to be back to the B&B by 11:30. I had a lovely breakfast, packed my bags and went to check out. When Yves tried to put through my credit card it was denied. Funny I'd gotten a call from one of the other hotels I'd booked on the Garden Route saying this same credit card was also denied. I thought it strange, just paid with a different credit card and then walked into town. It was an easy 10 minute walk. It felt good to walk. This was the first time since arriving in Cape Town that I was in a place where I felt comfortable walking on the street. I went to the Vodacom store and purchased another 40 rand of air time. I couldn't talk to the car rental guy because he wasn't going to be there until 2. <div>When I arrived back at the B&B, I got online to check my Wells Fargo Credit Card and saw that it had in fact been "temporarily shut down" and I needed to call to see what was what. I used my local phone to make the call, because on the back of my credit card it said it was a free call. Good thing I just bought more air time, because 1/2 way through the conversation I was cut off. Even though it was technically a free call, anything international gets charged. So I used my iPhone to call again. During the first call I learned that there are been charges made on-line that the fraud department thought looked suspicious so they shut the card down. Thank you fraud department for being on the ball. One of the charges was $790.00 worth of cosmetics, that's funny, obviously the thief doesn't know me. The man on the phone said Wells Fargo would fed-ex a new card to me in South Africa but I decided not to since I have 3 others. Best to keep that one clean for now. Oy, what can I say.</div><div>The new car rental company came to the B&B to deliver a nice new VW sedan. What a difference and I feel so much better about taking this car on a long distance drive. They even have road side assistance for any problems. It's only money, but safety is important, especially in this country. </div><div>The safety issue here is the hardest part for me. Not being able to walk alone for sure at night anywhere and even during the day in some places. It is their way of life and I'm glad I don't have to live it and in my jaded mind don't think anyone should have to live this way. Most houses have gates, the windows have bars and don't ever think of leaving anything visible in your car. Not for me, thank you.</div><div><br></div><div>With the morning sorted out I was now free for a few hours to walk around the University Campus, UCT, I think I previously called it CTU. Emily was taking her last exam so I wanted to see the campus.</div><div>The campus is magnificent, built under the mountain. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7nSVePv1Vjw/Unqxj2aZwXI/AAAAAAAAFZw/4MBRcrOCNtY/s640/blogger-image-1097450682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7nSVePv1Vjw/Unqxj2aZwXI/AAAAAAAAFZw/4MBRcrOCNtY/s640/blogger-image-1097450682.jpg"></a></div>I wanted to find the student store to buy a UCT sweatshirt. I took the Jammie (the local UCT bus to the upper campus. The University is split into Upper, Middle and Lower campuses. I met a nice girl on the bus from Kenya. She was kind enough to show me where the store was. Unfortunately there wasn't much choice so I wasn't able to buy any momentos. I did enjoy taking photos of students and others congregated outside the food hall.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iKDEfg38oas/UnqxgMVp02I/AAAAAAAAFZg/3cB0fytxgxM/s640/blogger-image--313563700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iKDEfg38oas/UnqxgMVp02I/AAAAAAAAFZg/3cB0fytxgxM/s640/blogger-image--313563700.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pwruAexWpiM/UnvHuzFyJHI/AAAAAAAAFaQ/AcbmrE9omvc/s640/blogger-image--716536560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pwruAexWpiM/UnvHuzFyJHI/AAAAAAAAFaQ/AcbmrE9omvc/s640/blogger-image--716536560.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> The courtyard outside the food hall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U70wXWJ3GrY/UnqxoTwLY6I/AAAAAAAAFaA/eQvfIS1xGq8/s640/blogger-image-1631534763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U70wXWJ3GrY/UnqxoTwLY6I/AAAAAAAAFaA/eQvfIS1xGq8/s640/blogger-image-1631534763.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ogyz2zns7sA/UnvH95k35VI/AAAAAAAAFbI/HYgSyJoYCC4/s640/blogger-image--184596743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ogyz2zns7sA/UnvH95k35VI/AAAAAAAAFbI/HYgSyJoYCC4/s640/blogger-image--184596743.jpg"></a></div><br></div>lots of smokers, great faces.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dAk_UNu36R8/UnvH7-Pfy3I/AAAAAAAAFbA/26erAtOxNEc/s640/blogger-image--1271199863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dAk_UNu36R8/UnvH7-Pfy3I/AAAAAAAAFbA/26erAtOxNEc/s640/blogger-image--1271199863.jpg"></a></div><br></div>These trees are from the lower campus. The trees fill the campus and make it a beautiful place to study. The mountain hugs everything in Cape Town.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Emily fininshed her exam and was completely done with her semester. Hard to believe she only has 1 1/2 more years before graduating. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We had a bite to eat at Cocoa Wah Wah then drove over to visit with Eunice (she's the one who heads Sister's for Sister's) . We were a bit later than planned and when we arrived, Eunice asked us to take her to the plastic store, not far from where we were, so she could buy little bags for the bracelets they make. She recieved an order of 500 bracelets that needed to be delivered by the next day. We drove her to the plastic store where she was going to buy 500 bags but when I discovered that 1,000 was $6.00 I bought her the 1,000 so they could have another 500 after this order went out. She was so happy she just hugged me and thanked me profusely. I felt great to be able to do this small gesture (for me but grand for her). On our walk back to the car I told her her price was to wait while I took some photos of this water faucet sculpture inside the "Community House" grounds. She obliged me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-we8WK4JQSi8/UnvHwnr_K4I/AAAAAAAAFaY/sUiJ4SJR1Ow/s640/blogger-image--1854932065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-we8WK4JQSi8/UnvHwnr_K4I/AAAAAAAAFaY/sUiJ4SJR1Ow/s640/blogger-image--1854932065.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mN_Udi7_PCs/UnvIAKHqbQI/AAAAAAAAFbQ/SBoqEUEjRL0/s640/blogger-image-329795793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mN_Udi7_PCs/UnvIAKHqbQI/AAAAAAAAFbQ/SBoqEUEjRL0/s640/blogger-image-329795793.jpg"></a></div><br></div>On the opposite wall was this mural. My observation is that there is no shortage of space for people to draw and make statements here in Cape Town.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jpIFEnXzOq4/UnvIB31fScI/AAAAAAAAFbY/XoJV_VKkBeg/s640/blogger-image-1576673366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jpIFEnXzOq4/UnvIB31fScI/AAAAAAAAFbY/XoJV_VKkBeg/s640/blogger-image-1576673366.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After our short visit with Eunice we headed to Simon's Town, a small town about 1/2 hour (with no traffic) outside of Cape Town. It had been the British Navy's headquarters until they left South Africa. Now it is used by the South African Navy. The other attraction is Boulder's Beach where Penquins live. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Because we left during rush hour traffic it took us nearly an hour to get there but it was a lovely drive along the coast. We passed through the beach towns of the Western Cape: Muzenburg, St. James, Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek, and then Simon's Town. This is the road that continues to Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. Some think that this is where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, but in fact it is not. There is another place further south called Cape Agulhas. As much as I would like to, I doubt I will get there. I'll have to be happy with Cape of Good Hope.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Once in Simon's Town we found our B&B, The Chariton House high above the town. A great view. I had thought it was going to be on the beach for some reason, but not to be. Actually, I've worn more of the clothes I brought for Europe, long sleeves, because it's been raining and cold. I was hoping for summer but it's still spring. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is the door to our room.<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RcjuIOC4VCY/UnvH4W7VToI/AAAAAAAAFa4/JzGPYU1X1Kk/s640/blogger-image-1645700824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RcjuIOC4VCY/UnvH4W7VToI/AAAAAAAAFa4/JzGPYU1X1Kk/s640/blogger-image-1645700824.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kc5_Baa7hwg/UnvH2Fz52qI/AAAAAAAAFaw/3hbnPQXz5pU/s640/blogger-image-907689166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kc5_Baa7hwg/UnvH2Fz52qI/AAAAAAAAFaw/3hbnPQXz5pU/s640/blogger-image-907689166.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our hostess, Denise was a bit strange but very hospitable. When she asked us what time we wanted breakfast, I said, "10", half kidding and she said how about "half past 8". A little passive/aggressive. Then we saw that the hours of breakfast were posted as 7-9. She then explained that she didn't like people to come at 9 because then they stayed until 10. We just shook our heads and said we would try to be there at 8:30. Really, I'm a traveler and want to sleep in!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A very sleepy town and seasonal to boot. When we asked what restaurants were open we were told "Just Sushi" down at the harbor. Many restaurants were closed on Monday some on Tuesdays and many Mondays and Tuesdays. We were lucky because Just Sushi was fabulous.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6FqTWAHRvQ0/UnvHzfQYbuI/AAAAAAAAFao/iQhvC7wv5QU/s640/blogger-image--1713375379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6FqTWAHRvQ0/UnvHzfQYbuI/AAAAAAAAFao/iQhvC7wv5QU/s640/blogger-image--1713375379.jpg"></a></div>these are called sushi sandwiches. i'd never seen them before. they were so good we had to have another order. Then we had what they call "roses", not only are they beautiful they were delicious.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RkwwLX7i79Y/UnvHyKysvPI/AAAAAAAAFag/vAwdI9Kirig/s640/blogger-image-1564068865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RkwwLX7i79Y/UnvHyKysvPI/AAAAAAAAFag/vAwdI9Kirig/s640/blogger-image-1564068865.jpg"></a></div>Not much to do after dinner but back to the B&B and get ready for another day of adventure.</div><br></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163790414818981044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765324556728405393.post-55705384427773304042013-11-03T12:19:00.001-08:002013-11-04T13:12:55.713-08:00Saturday--November 2--Old Biscuit Mill and a fund raiserI don't know why but I was up at 6:30 and the sun was already up. I grabbed my camera, even though I missed the sunrise, it was still beautiful outside my window.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H6h6hUTu1PQ/Unav4CmQAkI/AAAAAAAAFQM/MD3iinfKPcM/s640/blogger-image-1167877943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H6h6hUTu1PQ/Unav4CmQAkI/AAAAAAAAFQM/MD3iinfKPcM/s640/blogger-image-1167877943.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZEE1gllZFFE/Una7vt0ELHI/AAAAAAAAFRc/BX2fR7eEizg/s640/blogger-image-728680050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZEE1gllZFFE/Una7vt0ELHI/AAAAAAAAFRc/BX2fR7eEizg/s640/blogger-image-728680050.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And then I got back in bed and slept until 8 because I needed to meet Emily at the car rental place by 9:00. Not exactly how I wanted to start the day. It was an expensive visit. Even though Emily took insurance on the car, there was the deductible. Emily had already had a little fender bender the week prior so I had to pay for that and the missing headlight cover. We got another car and headed to Old Biscuit Mill. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When we arrived at Old Biscuit Mill we had to park a few streets away. Here in Cape Town there are parking people who wear yellow vests and watch your car. You pay them when you return to the car. I'm a bit overwhelmed with what I can carry and the whole safety issue. When nearly to the entrance, I realized I had my camera but no media card and I'd left my iphone in the car. Emily suggested I use her camera, which was a good idea except that she only had 29% battery. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Old Biscuit Mill is fabulous and a must do when in Cape Town. The food is amazing, the scene vibrant with high end locally and hand made: clothing, jewelry, and crafts outside. There are other permanent stores and restaurants as well, but the more interesting is what is outside and the handmade local food and drink. We walked around inside the food area and it was so hard to decide what to eat. All the vendors have samples and you want to try everything but it's not possible. After so many samples we decided to have, what Emily has had before, a huge potato pancake (latke) with lox and a cooked egg on the top made by the "Test Kitchen". They actually have a full on restaurant here as well. OMG so good.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then we walked around a bit to work up an appetite before having some dessert. To get to the shopping you have to walk through the hall again and pass all those enticing samples. Sorry not to be able to show you any photos. We will go again next Saturday, as it is only open on Saturdays, and I will be sure to have all cameras working.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After our visit at Old Biscuit Mill we needed to check me out of the Hilton. I'd booked a room at a B&B called the Carmichael House closer to the campus. We got my bags, paid my bill and off we went. What a quaint place and in an area I can walk around by myself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sSL2Zykb3pk/Una60eqhkiI/AAAAAAAAFRI/gURWF9cnwqI/s640/blogger-image--936918018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sSL2Zykb3pk/Una60eqhkiI/AAAAAAAAFRI/gURWF9cnwqI/s640/blogger-image--936918018.jpg"></a></span><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sSL2Zykb3pk/Una60eqhkiI/AAAAAAAAFRI/gURWF9cnwqI/s640/blogger-image--936918018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ARR_rhPiyGM/Una7BOyBHrI/AAAAAAAAFRQ/i-HY_RvnMDg/s640/blogger-image--1823255365.jpg"></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">The room is on the second floor and while it doesn't have a view like the Hilton, it's very comfortable and what a bathroom. The couple who run the place are very friendly. So far I highly recommend it. http://www.carmichaelhouse.co.za</div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wHSUZiweZ1I/UnbArW0BQfI/AAAAAAAAFSQ/_n4m5F-5rDk/s640/blogger-image--942274471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wHSUZiweZ1I/UnbArW0BQfI/AAAAAAAAFSQ/_n4m5F-5rDk/s640/blogger-image--942274471.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> I was able to rest for a bit before going to a fund raiser for the charity "Sister's for Sister's" where Emily has been volunteering. The organization was started by Eunice to help woman who have been abused or are struggling alone raising children. This is Emily and Eunice. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--H2RizBpGMc/UnbAzUYMETI/AAAAAAAAFSg/ypT1ROAfUQE/s640/blogger-image-198936891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--H2RizBpGMc/UnbAzUYMETI/AAAAAAAAFSg/ypT1ROAfUQE/s640/blogger-image-198936891.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Eunice has worked very hard to grow this organization that started 5 years ago. The woman come to workshops to learn how to be stronger and independent. They make and sell bracelets in some of the different street markets around town. Emily has helped to make and sell these bracelets too.</div>This is a photo of Eunice and two of her friends who are in the group. Aren't they beautiful and colorful!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1SrsxCjIE5s/UnbAZRbykeI/AAAAAAAAFRw/npS4hIpqnTM/s640/blogger-image--762726385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1SrsxCjIE5s/UnbAZRbykeI/AAAAAAAAFRw/npS4hIpqnTM/s640/blogger-image--762726385.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4eV5DPjG1iE/UnbAR9YSkTI/AAAAAAAAFRo/yr1JJlRGvPw/s640/blogger-image-2029279172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4eV5DPjG1iE/UnbAR9YSkTI/AAAAAAAAFRo/yr1JJlRGvPw/s640/blogger-image-2029279172.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here are some more of the faces I encountered during the program:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is little Nancy<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GYoTvVJB6m0/UnbAmwK7J-I/AAAAAAAAFSI/XNnXZR22M30/s640/blogger-image-558342777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GYoTvVJB6m0/UnbAmwK7J-I/AAAAAAAAFSI/XNnXZR22M30/s640/blogger-image-558342777.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is Mama Nancy<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-p7zmdABTU8I/UnbAcXEZKmI/AAAAAAAAFR4/OzdP4YZsrSs/s640/blogger-image--162489263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-p7zmdABTU8I/UnbAcXEZKmI/AAAAAAAAFR4/OzdP4YZsrSs/s640/blogger-image--162489263.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is Eunice's daughter.<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Yn5DITI2m5g/UnbAvu8T8oI/AAAAAAAAFSY/nsa3t-N9Jpk/s640/blogger-image--1139910993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Yn5DITI2m5g/UnbAvu8T8oI/AAAAAAAAFSY/nsa3t-N9Jpk/s640/blogger-image--1139910993.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-erH2z8I2-B8/UngMU-GpzII/AAAAAAAAFUo/BA2NVd5DdWI/s640/blogger-image--835430252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-erH2z8I2-B8/UngMU-GpzII/AAAAAAAAFUo/BA2NVd5DdWI/s640/blogger-image--835430252.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">it was a very nice event. I bought bracelets and a fabulous patchwork bag. They had lots of food and musical entertainment.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-edRgz31Ow3Y/UngMJqZHkuI/AAAAAAAAFUI/aNAGYvf6wf0/s640/blogger-image--1379607350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-edRgz31Ow3Y/UngMJqZHkuI/AAAAAAAAFUI/aNAGYvf6wf0/s640/blogger-image--1379607350.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#0000ee"><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2SGgiuKXa88/UngMCYwtJDI/AAAAAAAAFT4/IuycNrpnfVc/s640/blogger-image--141956433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2SGgiuKXa88/UngMCYwtJDI/AAAAAAAAFT4/IuycNrpnfVc/s640/blogger-image--141956433.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UFPqqzScwOI/UngMHnUBg3I/AAAAAAAAFUA/Cy1LEhgAAGA/s640/blogger-image-1147420200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UFPqqzScwOI/UngMHnUBg3I/AAAAAAAAFUA/Cy1LEhgAAGA/s640/blogger-image-1147420200.jpg"></a></div><br></u></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">here are some of the instruments that were used for the entertainment</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2HzP3I8iJw4/UngMYDfu6bI/AAAAAAAAFU4/DfZPYACU68I/s640/blogger-image--1573328455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2HzP3I8iJw4/UngMYDfu6bI/AAAAAAAAFU4/DfZPYACU68I/s640/blogger-image--1573328455.jpg"></a></div>the neighborhood where the church was had fabulous art on the walls.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It reminded me of Valparaiso, Chile.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YCGgjpMjJ08/UngMWUbIdbI/AAAAAAAAFUw/PPgbgg5BHJw/s640/blogger-image--1618613318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YCGgjpMjJ08/UngMWUbIdbI/AAAAAAAAFUw/PPgbgg5BHJw/s640/blogger-image--1618613318.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8_anfuhtjJU/UngL9x-dzCI/AAAAAAAAFTo/DU1i5VcKLHE/s640/blogger-image--215030168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8_anfuhtjJU/UngL9x-dzCI/AAAAAAAAFTo/DU1i5VcKLHE/s640/blogger-image--215030168.jpg"></a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KfJY6QoZPzg/UngMAmZPxII/AAAAAAAAFTw/TwvImgYY3GQ/s640/blogger-image-76342093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KfJY6QoZPzg/UngMAmZPxII/AAAAAAAAFTw/TwvImgYY3GQ/s640/blogger-image-76342093.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The great art outstanding then I saw this painted on a fence:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-etR6TkKSCvk/UngMRsGGuwI/AAAAAAAAFUY/FO2sFCMUQYg/s640/blogger-image-1774282989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-etR6TkKSCvk/UngMRsGGuwI/AAAAAAAAFUY/FO2sFCMUQYg/s640/blogger-image-1774282989.jpg"></a></div>So off we went on a drive around Table Mountain to the other side of Cape Town to see Camps Bay and an incredible view from Signal Hill. There is hardly any where you can be in Cape Town and not see this incredible mountain.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rZoKPbWvZrQ/UngMOfDO61I/AAAAAAAAFUQ/QPbsFF3bJfk/s640/blogger-image--1706643215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rZoKPbWvZrQ/UngMOfDO61I/AAAAAAAAFUQ/QPbsFF3bJfk/s640/blogger-image--1706643215.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We drove back into town to a neighborhood called Observatory to meet Emily's host family for dinner at Pancho's, a Mexican restaurant. One of the most interesting shops I saw on the street was the Anarchist Book store. I'll leave you with a little anarchist art:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RCFaP22FbWA/UngMTZHmmbI/AAAAAAAAFUg/E7izjCjILU0/s640/blogger-image--1309735061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RCFaP22FbWA/UngMTZHmmbI/AAAAAAAAFUg/E7izjCjILU0/s640/blogger-image--1309735061.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163790414818981044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765324556728405393.post-36893328822966362642013-11-02T14:07:00.001-07:002013-11-03T12:24:16.285-08:00Friday November 1--High Tea and another dance performance<div><br></div>A lazy morning. I slept until nearly 9:30. Yesterday I had spoken with a cousin of a friend and made an arrangement to meet her at her store. Her name and the name of her store is Balu. http://www.balu.co.za Not only is the store inviting but they also offer juices, coffee and muffins. Even though I was going for high tea at 2, I had a fresh squeezed juice, a coffee and a freshly made cinnamon crumble muffin. As Emily taught me, YOLO, you only live once. Great philosophy. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MfE2Q4iZSy0/UnVplhUNjKI/AAAAAAAAFNk/YXgHLpuofrE/s640/blogger-image-2036327293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MfE2Q4iZSy0/UnVplhUNjKI/AAAAAAAAFNk/YXgHLpuofrE/s640/blogger-image-2036327293.jpg"></a> </div><br></div> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">When I come back from Simon's town next week I'm going to let her outfit me. Her clothes are just my style.</span></div><div>When the weather is nice people sit outside on her lovely patio.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3gaHeKD6ir0/UnVpjITZ1fI/AAAAAAAAFNc/4eJfwrIyk_c/s640/blogger-image--1885073850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3gaHeKD6ir0/UnVpjITZ1fI/AAAAAAAAFNc/4eJfwrIyk_c/s640/blogger-image--1885073850.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Balu was quite busy but she took the time to visit with me. Her older daughter is a dancer and I told her about Emily's performance. When i showed her a photo of Emily's teacher she knew who she was. Balu was so nice she offered me to stay at her house when I return from Simons town. Sometimes its good not to have made plans cuz you just don't know when opportunity will knock.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I had to get on my way as I <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">needed to pick up Emily and Rose (Koper) to go to the Mt. Nelson hotel for high tea.</span></div>Emily thought it would be easiest for me to drive on the Main Road which went all the way to her home stay. It was Friday and I was on local streets with so much, yes, TRAFFIC. I just can't get away from it. I need to learn how to navigate the highways. What was suppose to take 15 minutes took 30, but I arrived. I got Emily then she drove to pickup Rose but we needed to stop at my hotel to get Emily's costumes because she'd left them there last night. A bit out of the way which made us 30 minutes late. Not a problem here. We phoned the hotel and they were fine with it.</div><div><br></div><div>We arrived at the Mt. Nelson Hotel, a lovely refined 100+ year old hotel. The pink color is similar to the Beverly Hills Hotel. When I asked at reception if anyone had ever told them that, she said, "yes, we are compared to them all the time."</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="/var/mobile/Applications/D7C5D0A2-E9A7-4A38-8233-713780398573/Documents/Blogger/blogger-image-957595991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="/var/mobile/Applications/D7C5D0A2-E9A7-4A38-8233-713780398573/Documents/Blogger/blogger-image-957595991.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="/var/mobile/Applications/D7C5D0A2-E9A7-4A38-8233-713780398573/Documents/Blogger/blogger-image--1372922712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="/var/mobile/Applications/D7C5D0A2-E9A7-4A38-8233-713780398573/Documents/Blogger/blogger-image--1372922712.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="/var/mobile/Applications/D7C5D0A2-E9A7-4A38-8233-713780398573/Documents/Blogger/blogger-image-1425535421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="/var/mobile/Applications/D7C5D0A2-E9A7-4A38-8233-713780398573/Documents/Blogger/blogger-image-1425535421.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We were seated outside the main dining room on the covered balcony. The weather was lovely but really windy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--_366nNMB_s/UnasjCJeSkI/AAAAAAAAFPo/xJDdOzjSQ00/s640/blogger-image--1072671303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--_366nNMB_s/UnasjCJeSkI/AAAAAAAAFPo/xJDdOzjSQ00/s640/blogger-image--1072671303.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Emily said we needed to dress up, which we did, but there were many people in jeans. It was more fun to be dressed nicely. The spread was incredible. We were all hungry since we hadn't eaten much all day preparing for our visit. Here are some samples of what we ate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="/var/mobile/Applications/D7C5D0A2-E9A7-4A38-8233-713780398573/Documents/Blogger/blogger-image-590587699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="/var/mobile/Applications/D7C5D0A2-E9A7-4A38-8233-713780398573/Documents/Blogger/blogger-image-590587699.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">First we had savory delights and then desserts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="/var/mobile/Applications/D7C5D0A2-E9A7-4A38-8233-713780398573/Documents/Blogger/blogger-image-1180449982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="/var/mobile/Applications/D7C5D0A2-E9A7-4A38-8233-713780398573/Documents/Blogger/blogger-image-1180449982.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="/var/mobile/Applications/D7C5D0A2-E9A7-4A38-8233-713780398573/Documents/Blogger/blogger-image-546528608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="/var/mobile/Applications/D7C5D0A2-E9A7-4A38-8233-713780398573/Documents/Blogger/blogger-image-546528608.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="/var/mobile/Applications/D7C5D0A2-E9A7-4A38-8233-713780398573/Documents/Blogger/blogger-image-1077554706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="/var/mobile/Applications/D7C5D0A2-E9A7-4A38-8233-713780398573/Documents/Blogger/blogger-image-1077554706.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We were offered to choose one tea and were given our own tea pot. Here are the choices of tea. The one I first chose, Lapsong Souche, was out of stock.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="/var/mobile/Applications/D7C5D0A2-E9A7-4A38-8233-713780398573/Documents/Blogger/blogger-image-1757023536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="/var/mobile/Applications/D7C5D0A2-E9A7-4A38-8233-713780398573/Documents/Blogger/blogger-image-1757023536.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The girls had two savory plates before moving to the sweets. So hard to choose what to try so we tried just about everything.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="/var/mobile/Applications/D7C5D0A2-E9A7-4A38-8233-713780398573/Documents/Blogger/blogger-image--113698100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="/var/mobile/Applications/D7C5D0A2-E9A7-4A38-8233-713780398573/Documents/Blogger/blogger-image--113698100.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="/var/mobile/Applications/D7C5D0A2-E9A7-4A38-8233-713780398573/Documents/Blogger/blogger-image--1697124717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="/var/mobile/Applications/D7C5D0A2-E9A7-4A38-8233-713780398573/Documents/Blogger/blogger-image--1697124717.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="/var/mobile/Applications/D7C5D0A2-E9A7-4A38-8233-713780398573/Documents/Blogger/blogger-image-2072712701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="/var/mobile/Applications/D7C5D0A2-E9A7-4A38-8233-713780398573/Documents/Blogger/blogger-image-2072712701.jpg"></a> in case you don't know what you are eating they made little signs on the different cakes.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="/var/mobile/Applications/D7C5D0A2-E9A7-4A38-8233-713780398573/Documents/Blogger/blogger-image-1425726568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="/var/mobile/Applications/D7C5D0A2-E9A7-4A38-8233-713780398573/Documents/Blogger/blogger-image-1425726568.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As you can imagine after eating our delectible fare we could barely breathe. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oi3IaapwQKk/Unaw6hUrenI/AAAAAAAAFQk/LxF0zLnGR3w/s640/blogger-image--2089935093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oi3IaapwQKk/Unaw6hUrenI/AAAAAAAAFQk/LxF0zLnGR3w/s640/blogger-image--2089935093.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vuCBvn6I8_k/Unaw18IvxkI/AAAAAAAAFQc/ySK-GPwHlkw/s640/blogger-image-229032135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vuCBvn6I8_k/Unaw18IvxkI/AAAAAAAAFQc/ySK-GPwHlkw/s640/blogger-image-229032135.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was a bit after 4 and Emily needed to be at her dance call by 6. After yesterday's traffic disaster, and being Friday, Emily thought it might be better to wait until closer to 6. We went to the front desk to ask for directions and the gentleman concurred that it would be wiser to wait. He said that actually people left work early on Friday and if we left at 5:30 we'd get to campus by 6. We took his advise and took a walk on Kloof Street and back around to the hotel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When the car came up from the garage, all three of us noticed that the plastic cover over the right headlamp was missing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IfjweG-KImo/UnasdPnuAHI/AAAAAAAAFPg/GuqB56jBYCI/s640/blogger-image--242462392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IfjweG-KImo/UnasdPnuAHI/AAAAAAAAFPg/GuqB56jBYCI/s640/blogger-image--242462392.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You can only imagine was ensued. The parking attendant was insistent that we brought the car in that way and that they had the camera to prove it. They said we could see the footage from the security camera. O.k. well after waiting 15 minutes and no security person was coming we had to leave. Are you kidding me. The good news after this debacle was not having any traffic and Emily arriving 15 minutes early. Horray.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Rose and I dropped Emily off and went back to my hotel so I could get the tripod for my camera. I was able to video tape all of Emily's dances. The show, I thought was better tonight than last night. Many of Emily's friends and her home stay family attended her performance, which I know made her feel good. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Rose and Emily went off to "go out" and I got in the car and went back to the hotel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I took my things to my room and decided I would go to the bar and have a beer. I just wanted to unwind a bit. The bar was empty, which I enjoyed, and I ordered a local beer that was on tap called Jack Black. The story the bar tender told me was that 2 boys from CTU (Cape Town University) found the beer receipe on the internet. It apparantly originated in Texas. They started making it in their garage with very small distribution. A business man tasted it and thought it was great so started a bigger distribution. Now it's one of the most popular beers in Cape Town. Amazing what you can find on the internet. One last note, a very large glass of beer was $2.00.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163790414818981044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765324556728405393.post-36694821126348128072013-11-01T01:26:00.001-07:002013-11-02T13:26:43.662-07:00A lazy to crazy dayThursday started as a lazy, as Emily says, "chill" day but didn't end that way. <div><br></div><div>We leisurely slept in and nearly missed breakfast since we slept until 10. I called down to the front desk and found breakfast was served until 10:30 so we quickly brushed our teeth threw some clothes on and went down for breakfast. The hotel has a nice buffet and a chef who will make eggs. We both ordered fried eggs and added grilled tomatos and mushrooms. The buffet is quite nice with cereals, breads, juice and the hot foods. </div><div>After breakfast we needed to go to Emily's home stay so she could get more clothes before our massage appointment at 2:00. I was able to write my blog with unlimited wifi, as at the hotel I am limited to 120 mb per day. When I booked the hotel it said free wifi, but I guess that doesn't mean unlimited. Such is the life of a traveler. </div><div>Talia used almost every spice and my glasses case to demonstrate to Emily how to get to where we were going. After all her time and energy it was fruitless because Emily took a wrong turn. We got so terribly lost but, as always, in the end we got there. I was quite impressed with how much of the city Emily has learned to navigate through especially since she is driving on the other side of the road. </div><div>Well, we finally got to the Medi Spa and since it had been raining most of the day the walkway was very slick and I turn a little spill onto my right back thigh. Good thing I was going for a massage.</div><div>The room where we had our massages was in a large communal room with 4 tables. We were the only two so it was o.k. but it could have been a bit awkward to take our clothes off with others in the room. </div><div>We both enjoyed our hour long massage for $40.00. Because the U.S.dollar is so strong, nearly 10-1, everything is quite reasonable for us. Food and drink is also extremely cheap for us. I know it will be quite the opposite when we get to Europe. We're living it up now.</div><div>Since Emily needed to be at her dance call at 5:00 we decided to have a meal after the massage across the street at Arnolds. </div><div>They offered fresh squeezed juice so I tried the "green" juice. I trying to be good and eat my fruits and vegetables. We enjoyed a local fish that was grilled and a greek salad. The portions are large here so we share just about everything and still can't always finish what they serve.</div><div>It was about 4:15 and still raining but Emily felt she could make it back to campus.</div><div><br></div><div>Then the nightmare began. The roads were completely gridlocked. We tried 3 different ways to get around but only continued to get stuck. You can only imagine how frustrated and helpless we were. Wait, I'm not in L.A. Believe me when I tell you that Cape Town has traffic that rivalys L.A. The only good part is that there are only 2 hours for "rush" time 4-6 p.m. and we were right in the middle of it The rain also did not help one bit. Given this horrible situation,and by the way we were only going about 10 miles, we arrived at campus at 6:00 p.m. and in desparate need of the toilet. So much for our relaxing "chill" day at the spa.</div><div><br></div><div>I dropped Emily off and went back to the hotel to take a shower and change my clothes. Poor Emily couldn't have a shower but she was performing and going to sweat anyway.</div><div>I was in such a rush that I forgot my tripod to video tape the performance so I used my iphone and figured I'd video tape the next night. Fortunately there were two performances.</div><div>Emily's performance was smashing. She was in 3 of the 7 dances, and one of the stars (I might proudly add). This dance group, while classes are held on campus, is a private company that Emily has been taking lessons with twice a week. The classes have been going on for 4 years but this was their first public performance.</div><div>Here's some of the first nights photos:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CdiuQ2dJ5EY/UnVfgMtySoI/AAAAAAAAFMk/Eu8pBakqPhI/s640/blogger-image--1650136019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CdiuQ2dJ5EY/UnVfgMtySoI/AAAAAAAAFMk/Eu8pBakqPhI/s640/blogger-image--1650136019.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ci_19_P97UU/UnVfl6CsjHI/AAAAAAAAFM8/9ePlBIZFXC4/s640/blogger-image--1564092187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ci_19_P97UU/UnVfl6CsjHI/AAAAAAAAFM8/9ePlBIZFXC4/s640/blogger-image--1564092187.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-v98PFNQSPXg/UnVfniRw66I/AAAAAAAAFNE/y39UthtHjdA/s640/blogger-image--176952275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-v98PFNQSPXg/UnVfniRw66I/AAAAAAAAFNE/y39UthtHjdA/s640/blogger-image--176952275.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SRAgwZvRYNg/UnVfh_thVyI/AAAAAAAAFMs/QCZEUSFB26M/s640/blogger-image-1098279067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SRAgwZvRYNg/UnVfh_thVyI/AAAAAAAAFMs/QCZEUSFB26M/s640/blogger-image-1098279067.jpg"></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SRAgwZvRYNg/UnVfh_thVyI/AAAAAAAAFMs/QCZEUSFB26M/s640/blogger-image-1098279067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cY51FZYRusM/UnVfaJAFiAI/AAAAAAAAFMM/6nbdnL8xdUs/s640/blogger-image--826556470.jpg"></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Vk3X-8vBqpE/UnVfefgmL2I/AAAAAAAAFMc/soG71vX1WzI/s640/blogger-image-89101287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Vk3X-8vBqpE/UnVfefgmL2I/AAAAAAAAFMc/soG71vX1WzI/s640/blogger-image-89101287.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">After all her hard work, Emily wanted to have ice cream. Her friend Chiari, who had attended the show and was going out with Emily after, went with us to the Creamery. Yummy ice cream. </div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VrtNybN27gE/UnVfpRB1QwI/AAAAAAAAFNM/jidzq9KFdMQ/s640/blogger-image--2035716030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VrtNybN27gE/UnVfpRB1QwI/AAAAAAAAFNM/jidzq9KFdMQ/s640/blogger-image--2035716030.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">Emily ordered her favorite, a waffle with a scoop of peanut butter ice cream that also came with chocolate sauce. These were all hand made ice creams using all natural ingredients. Of course I was offered to taste every one of them. The people in the shops and restaurants are extremely gracious and want to make sure you are happy.</div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NKAHMtk5yb8/UnVfce-8RfI/AAAAAAAAFMU/VSWFDpqXWrM/s640/blogger-image-56926220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NKAHMtk5yb8/UnVfce-8RfI/AAAAAAAAFMU/VSWFDpqXWrM/s640/blogger-image-56926220.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xExtSuQ6E9w/UnVfj0paSNI/AAAAAAAAFM0/juEc2GENCQ4/s640/blogger-image-100441011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xExtSuQ6E9w/UnVfj0paSNI/AAAAAAAAFM0/juEc2GENCQ4/s640/blogger-image-100441011.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I wanted something a bit lighter and had the apple crumble. It was so cute, it came in a mason jar and on a plate with a scoop of salted caramel ice cream. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After our sweet stop, I dropped Emily and Chiara off at a club called The Tiger. Since it was Halloween, even though it isn't really celebrated here, many people were dressed up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I on the other hand, drove back to the hotel and after such a hectic day was glad to be back in my room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#ff0000"><u><br></u></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#ff0000"><u><br></u></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#ff0000"><u><br></u></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#ff0000"><u><br></u></font></div><br></div></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163790414818981044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765324556728405393.post-87027877771970984412013-10-30T14:29:00.001-07:002013-10-31T04:22:21.751-07:00Where the action is<div><br></div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Emily spent the night with me, after a wonderful dinner prepared by Gail, her host mom. Dinner was with Talia, her home sister, Gail and us. Armien, the dad was away on business. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We started the morning having breakfast in the hotel then asked the shuttle driver to take us to Green Market Square.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Crafts person at Green Market Square</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uB26e8H9UeQ/UnF6RJuXc0I/AAAAAAAAFJs/OGnyqAsSGPg/s640/blogger-image--1942156291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uB26e8H9UeQ/UnF6RJuXc0I/AAAAAAAAFJs/OGnyqAsSGPg/s640/blogger-image--1942156291.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Green Square Craft Market</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uB26e8H9UeQ/UnF6RJuXc0I/AAAAAAAAFJs/OGnyqAsSGPg/s640/blogger-image--1942156291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rYxGc49nhYU/UnF6SdFatfI/AAAAAAAAFJ0/g01KyAcmiI0/s640/blogger-image--326318194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rYxGc49nhYU/UnF6SdFatfI/AAAAAAAAFJ0/g01KyAcmiI0/s640/blogger-image--326318194.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After the market, we walked toward the Jewish Museum and on the way found the Slave Lodge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JJ6ZungsrqM/UnF6U2OOjQI/AAAAAAAAFKE/9o1FD7E4o7Y/s640/blogger-image--1669657195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JJ6ZungsrqM/UnF6U2OOjQI/AAAAAAAAFKE/9o1FD7E4o7Y/s640/blogger-image--1669657195.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The building which houses the museum now was originally a building where slaves lived.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was enormous. Such a sad story.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div>When we walked out we saw this sea of humans on the street in front of us. We started asking people what was going on but, what I discovered was the protest was just starting and no one really knew. We walked closer and found some police man who said they were protesting over housing issues.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SLJpPFRSsnY/UnF6P6dc_TI/AAAAAAAAFJk/Rg8dpT9VF5Q/s640/blogger-image--1656391314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SLJpPFRSsnY/UnF6P6dc_TI/AAAAAAAAFJk/Rg8dpT9VF5Q/s640/blogger-image--1656391314.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zARzjP-xSgI/UnF6TYt0oNI/AAAAAAAAFJ8/MAigHUp7zzE/s640/blogger-image--386245348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zARzjP-xSgI/UnF6TYt0oNI/AAAAAAAAFJ8/MAigHUp7zzE/s640/blogger-image--386245348.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>We hung out for 15-20 minutes so I could take photos and video (having a hard time posting video) and then went on our way to the Jewish Museum. What we found out later was that this protest got completey out of control. The people were protesting to get "proper" housing. They are living in informal settlements without running water or electricity and they want the government to provide these bare essentials. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m5-yWgqpcx0/UnI9N3WBm_I/AAAAAAAAFKw/rx6Qf4Nm5M8/s640/blogger-image-701658870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m5-yWgqpcx0/UnI9N3WBm_I/AAAAAAAAFKw/rx6Qf4Nm5M8/s640/blogger-image-701658870.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Madiba is Mandela</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nksUlgMUBrw/UnI9PqSP2jI/AAAAAAAAFK4/DBnM5Gz7Ii8/s640/blogger-image--1122985862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nksUlgMUBrw/UnI9PqSP2jI/AAAAAAAAFK4/DBnM5Gz7Ii8/s640/blogger-image--1122985862.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>To get to the Jewish Museum we had to walk through the "Company Gardens". A lovely place to stroll or sit and have a picnic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6AtXo_U2LVk/UnI9KjGgQSI/AAAAAAAAFKg/6xr_fgIzsKE/s640/blogger-image-1782740147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6AtXo_U2LVk/UnI9KjGgQSI/AAAAAAAAFKg/6xr_fgIzsKE/s640/blogger-image-1782740147.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The building that houses the Jewish Museum was the original synagogue and when the congregation grew they needed to build another synagogue, which is across the courtyard and currently in use.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-i2ONpAmaTnc/UnI9RMSfh2I/AAAAAAAAFLA/_o5j8-MI1eY/s640/blogger-image-356553880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-i2ONpAmaTnc/UnI9RMSfh2I/AAAAAAAAFLA/_o5j8-MI1eY/s640/blogger-image-356553880.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is the bimah in the museum:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uNETh-fLTWs/UnI9UqrMX3I/AAAAAAAAFLQ/rYVCV79mF8s/s640/blogger-image--1830418413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uNETh-fLTWs/UnI9UqrMX3I/AAAAAAAAFLQ/rYVCV79mF8s/s640/blogger-image--1830418413.jpg"></a></div><br></div> Inside the museum is the story of how the Jews arrived in Cape Town and also that South Africa has the largest population of Jews in the Diaspora. The Jewish community here is very strong and mostly observant. There are 21 synagogues in Cape Town with only 3 being Reform and the rest modern Orthodox. After the museum we went to the current synagogue where we were treated to a private tour by Jill. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FM8_QNgH4qc/UnI9S0eceDI/AAAAAAAAFLI/jIvz6K_pcXU/s640/blogger-image-2029426714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FM8_QNgH4qc/UnI9S0eceDI/AAAAAAAAFLI/jIvz6K_pcXU/s640/blogger-image-2029426714.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jill was born in Cape Town and a member of this synagogue. She told us the history of the building and how it was designed by a non-Jewish architect who fashioned it after visiting synagogues in Europe. When Emily told her I was a photographer she said she would allow me to go upstairs, not normally allowed for tourists, to take photos.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aXQFUDOxG5w/UnI9WW-NVyI/AAAAAAAAFLY/Qqy3yQIuJ2o/s640/blogger-image--1759372734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aXQFUDOxG5w/UnI9WW-NVyI/AAAAAAAAFLY/Qqy3yQIuJ2o/s640/blogger-image--1759372734.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When full, the synagogue holds over 1,000 people. Jill invited us to come this Friday night to their once a month "Sushi and Scotch" shabbat. Really. What an interesting combo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The stained glass windows on the bottom floor were just recently done by a local plastic surgeon who recently lost his wife. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Y0_sDjISmAk/UnI9YywOD5I/AAAAAAAAFLg/AzuvQs-9xPs/s640/blogger-image-163229575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Y0_sDjISmAk/UnI9YywOD5I/AAAAAAAAFLg/AzuvQs-9xPs/s640/blogger-image-163229575.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Dk3_U8_Bq8o/UnI9amWVztI/AAAAAAAAFLo/dqINtVZ6xVw/s640/blogger-image--644523911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Dk3_U8_Bq8o/UnI9amWVztI/AAAAAAAAFLo/dqINtVZ6xVw/s640/blogger-image--644523911.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We were hungry by this time and Jill told us to eat at the restaurant in the courtyard. I ate the local Baboodie, a veggie version made from lentils with cooked egg on top. It was delicious.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-F8ukEldXlB4/UnI9IRjOVzI/AAAAAAAAFKY/RyAgms4XYpc/s640/blogger-image--1772849470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-F8ukEldXlB4/UnI9IRjOVzI/AAAAAAAAFKY/RyAgms4XYpc/s640/blogger-image--1772849470.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our travel back to the hotel was quite a nightmare. We phoned to be picked up and due to misunderstanding, roads closed because of the protest it took the driver nearly an hour to collect us. It was mostly a concern because Emily needed to be at her dance rehearsal at 6:00 p.m. All was o.k. though.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Emily had a short rest and I went to the gym in the hotel for some exercise. On her way to rehearsal she dropped me at her favorite restaurant, the one she took me took when I arrived, Coco Wah Wah, to sit and write.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Not that the day wasn't full already when Emily came back for me we went to one of her friends house for a party to raise money for a 12 year old girl who is battling cancer. The kids decided to dress up for Halloween in honor of this little girl.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CbtgyNXqzYI/UnI9MR53pVI/AAAAAAAAFKo/I0tDmoxa4mk/s640/blogger-image-861994442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CbtgyNXqzYI/UnI9MR53pVI/AAAAAAAAFKo/I0tDmoxa4mk/s640/blogger-image-861994442.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That's it for another full day of adventure here in Cape Town.</div><br></div> </div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163790414818981044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765324556728405393.post-85635821388210968562013-10-30T10:10:00.001-07:002013-10-30T10:22:26.789-07:00First night at the hotel<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After a short rest at Emily's home stay, where I met her house sister and father, she drove me to the <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">hotel, which was not such an easy place to find. </span><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Gkngh4X5F8A/Um_b_kSWY-I/AAAAAAAAFG4/cfYPUAjCw5w/s640/blogger-image-1472274823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Gkngh4X5F8A/Um_b_kSWY-I/AAAAAAAAFG4/cfYPUAjCw5w/s640/blogger-image-1472274823.jpg"></a></div>Emily thought she knew where she was going but unfortunately we kept getting turned around. Finally we discovered that we had made a wrong turn at the get go. When we did turn around we were able to find it. The rental car was giving us some trouble so in the midst of being lost, and Emily now late for her dance rehearsal, Emily called the car company and told them they needed to come to the hotel to collect the car. It's always something, no matter where in the world you are.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-87CLo6n5_ws/Um_cA3bQg5I/AAAAAAAAFHA/1feyKzwT8Ok/s640/blogger-image-397471987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-87CLo6n5_ws/Um_cA3bQg5I/AAAAAAAAFHA/1feyKzwT8Ok/s640/blogger-image-397471987.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I was given a nice room in the back of the hotel with a great view of the mountain. Here you can see my first sunset. My windows are dirty and I couldn't open them to get my camera outside.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1jjHI2DxLH8/UnFAIYSwP4I/AAAAAAAAFIE/NFMbXnlqXgA/s640/blogger-image--162351066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1jjHI2DxLH8/UnFAIYSwP4I/AAAAAAAAFIE/NFMbXnlqXgA/s640/blogger-image--162351066.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I was happy to be in my room and unpack my things. It's a very long journey to get to Africa.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I had a small dinner and then to bed around 10 p.m.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MfhhIg_1li0/UnFADgUBtzI/AAAAAAAAFHk/3fm1NX1py-k/s640/blogger-image--1862856868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MfhhIg_1li0/UnFADgUBtzI/AAAAAAAAFHk/3fm1NX1py-k/s640/blogger-image--1862856868.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This was my small dinner. A salmon appetizer with potato croquettes, a small salad in the background, and a vodka martini--all for $10.00. The service people are very nice and must have asked me 15 times if everything was o.k. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> I was able to sleep very well and slept until 9:00 a.m.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TL_oUV5G_2M/UnFABKTL7II/AAAAAAAAFHU/bjkFR-n1pSM/s640/blogger-image--1039461749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TL_oUV5G_2M/UnFABKTL7II/AAAAAAAAFHU/bjkFR-n1pSM/s640/blogger-image--1039461749.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A new day but not such nice weather. After a lovely breakfast, I took the hotel shuttle to the waterfront. This is the entrance to one of the malls where I was dropped off.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I was trying to walk through the mall to get to the city information booth when I was stopped by these overzealous Israeli's, who saw a customer in me after I, of course, complimented her (the one on the right) on her hamsa necklace. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tqN8MH6efjE/UnFAGWOCYVI/AAAAAAAAFH0/dgf7qOZQYi0/s640/blogger-image--2086887115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tqN8MH6efjE/UnFAGWOCYVI/AAAAAAAAFH0/dgf7qOZQYi0/s640/blogger-image--2086887115.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">She was insistent on me buying her nail product box filled with a nail buffer, cuticle oil, and a nail file (which Emily insists she already bought me for Hannukkah one year from the Paseo Nuevo Israeli booth). I ended up being swindled into buying it, but ce' la vie I'll have nice cuticles for the rest of the trip! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>This is a celeb appearance from Emily, checking in from the hotel while the Digital Diva showers and pampers herself. We're going to dinner tonight at my house here and my host mom is cooking dinner (I think she wants to show off her cooking skills and prove she hasn't starved me). I'm staying in the hotel with my mom tonight to get a bit of a luxurious nights sleep whilst in the midst of final exams. Exams are really stressful in Africa, if any of you DD followers were wondering. My social justice and inequality exam today was worth 60% of my grade so if I fail that, I fail the class. Let's hope I didn't fail and knew enough about the changing economic and occupational structure in global cities from post-industrialization through the lens of professionalization and social polarization thesis. Sounds riveting huh... Okay we're off to dinner now! Enjoy following my mom for the rest of her trip.--Emily</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-USR1sD3KqJc/UnFAS0cxWEI/AAAAAAAAFI8/LAQ6zLbrLyc/s640/blogger-image-1821938908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-USR1sD3KqJc/UnFAS0cxWEI/AAAAAAAAFI8/LAQ6zLbrLyc/s640/blogger-image-1821938908.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-style: italic; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Cape Town waterfront is extremely touristy, which also means safe. The above photo was taken with a new filter on my new Olympus OMD-5. I was able to spend 3 hours walking around. I saw these four men, who are from Kenya, perform acrobatics. One of them asked if I spoke Spanish, and then proceeded to talk to me in Spanish. I was able to answer him in Spanish. That was funny. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ASzSuiQf-Q8/UnFALoPax8I/AAAAAAAAFIU/tTv8b10bxyk/s640/blogger-image--1689776334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ASzSuiQf-Q8/UnFALoPax8I/AAAAAAAAFIU/tTv8b10bxyk/s640/blogger-image--1689776334.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>I asked if I could take their photo and there were more than happy to comply.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ci7CFMYjOKs/UnFAT0_p-4I/AAAAAAAAFJE/QGXEhQl5ung/s640/blogger-image--215422785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ci7CFMYjOKs/UnFAT0_p-4I/AAAAAAAAFJE/QGXEhQl5ung/s640/blogger-image--215422785.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TIbhzoZCK3o/UnFAKVBjNsI/AAAAAAAAFIM/OyLuLKPdU7g/s640/blogger-image--170665986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TIbhzoZCK3o/UnFAKVBjNsI/AAAAAAAAFIM/OyLuLKPdU7g/s640/blogger-image--170665986.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qo-8JaLI7bM/UnFAFBGSNhI/AAAAAAAAFHs/0pXEveRPbV4/s640/blogger-image--129288894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qo-8JaLI7bM/UnFAFBGSNhI/AAAAAAAAFHs/0pXEveRPbV4/s640/blogger-image--129288894.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KWD2wlMnvDM/UnFAPx2qZqI/AAAAAAAAFIs/F89R4jsPX_Q/s640/blogger-image--1488353353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KWD2wlMnvDM/UnFAPx2qZqI/AAAAAAAAFIs/F89R4jsPX_Q/s640/blogger-image--1488353353.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-S5nkFKY9WtY/UnFACV_JnjI/AAAAAAAAFHc/-kJLeKBcKd0/s640/blogger-image--1424766322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-S5nkFKY9WtY/UnFACV_JnjI/AAAAAAAAFHc/-kJLeKBcKd0/s640/blogger-image--1424766322.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PR-jHzGWay4/UnFAMxTt8UI/AAAAAAAAFIc/nH7P6xrSXiM/s640/blogger-image--1935852041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PR-jHzGWay4/UnFAMxTt8UI/AAAAAAAAFIc/nH7P6xrSXiM/s640/blogger-image--1935852041.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After my little photo shoot with the boys I ventured into the Craft Market and found this man trying to teach 3 boys how to use African sticks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">DD says, always be prepared with yours camera.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0QhfrA-Y3HI/UnFARZ0yBoI/AAAAAAAAFI0/5VlyzxGRMmQ/s640/blogger-image--978333635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0QhfrA-Y3HI/UnFARZ0yBoI/AAAAAAAAFI0/5VlyzxGRMmQ/s640/blogger-image--978333635.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Still a bit groggy from the flight not much looked interesting to me except the products created from tea bags that are sent from around the world and repurposed as art. This woman is one of 8 artists, from a close by township, who make and sell many different products made from teabags. They love to receive bags so if you are a tea drinker start saving.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eGT1HJB-Q94/UnFAOvhH81I/AAAAAAAAFIk/-dQDtBLEbU8/s640/blogger-image--1273929179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eGT1HJB-Q94/UnFAOvhH81I/AAAAAAAAFIk/-dQDtBLEbU8/s640/blogger-image--1273929179.jpg"></a></div><br></div>My last stop was to see if I could book a seat on the boat to Robben Island for later in the week. I loved this sign that shows how far different places in the world are from Cape Town.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-c-0MYZVRaQQ/UnFAHbK6JDI/AAAAAAAAFH8/Wq77YleQ_cw/s640/blogger-image--717338870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-c-0MYZVRaQQ/UnFAHbK6JDI/AAAAAAAAFH8/Wq77YleQ_cw/s640/blogger-image--717338870.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Enough for one day. More tomorrow.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12163790414818981044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765324556728405393.post-78787068853168032162013-10-29T02:44:00.000-07:002013-10-29T02:44:02.510-07:00LAX to Heathrow<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8k69ZiCNhMI/Um98lZ3PtXI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/7MF4YWDoK7k/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8k69ZiCNhMI/Um98lZ3PtXI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/7MF4YWDoK7k/s320/image.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
October 26, 2013<br />
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A new journey, Digital Diva on The Road Again. This time from LAX to London to Cape Town, arriving in Cape Town after 2 nights on an airplane.<br />
This journey didn't start off so fabulously. I have never done this before. I had a small travel wallet that had my drivers license, atm card, and $300.00. I went to pick up the one-way vehicle I ordered to drive to LA. I made two other stops before going home and I was sure I used the house key that I had put in the wallet to get into the house. At 2:00 p.m. when I was set to leave SB I couldn't find that wallet. I tore up my house and my luggage but to no avail I couldn't find it. Fortunately I had my passport, other credit cards and foreign currency in another wallet. Oy, like I said in all my years of travel I have never done this. I was not the happiest camper and at 3:00 p.m. I had to leave. One of the consolations was that on my drive to LA, I received a phone call from Zoey in Australia telling me Emily and I could stay at her friends flat in London at the end of the trip. That alone is way worth more than the $300. I lost or misplaced. OY Oy Oy.<br />
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I arrived in LA and went to my great niece, Charlie's 2nd birthday, before heading to LAX.<br />
Getting to the airport was flawless and I checked in at Virgin Atlantic International terminal. There was a Nate n Al's restaurant so I bought a Lox and cream cheese sandwich to take on the plane.<br />
I walked around a bit, this terminal does not have much, as I knew I'd be sitting for the next 11+ hours.<br />
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My seat was in a good location on the plane, right behind Premium Economy, aisle of a 2 seater and I had a nice seat mate. I was quite tired both physically and emotionally so it wasn't difficult to fall asleep. I took a trazadone (sleep medicine) and slept for 4 hours. I woke, went to the bathroom and slept for another 4 hours. Not bad on an 11 hour flights. I missed all the meals but I had my lox and cream cheese so I was satisfied. I slept so much I didn't read anything and barely watched movie. The one thing I saw was an episode of Curb your Enthusiasm. <br />
The flight was extremely smooth and the flight attendants couldn't have been nicer.<br />
I landed at 3:30 and my next flight wasn't until 9:00. I got some misinformation when trying to get to where I needed to be for my flight to Cape Town and I was glad I was in a country that speaks English. I got where I needed to go and was told there was a lounge for a fee where I could hang out and have food, drink and wifi.<br />
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I found Lounge No1 in terminal 3 and can tell you it was a find. Great food, nice people and quiet. If you ever have a long layover and don't have entry to an airline club, this is the ticket. It was $50. and they had wonderful food, drinks (which I had none) and much comfort. The shopping in the terminal was outrageous. High end designer stores, caviar bars, etc. so I was fine to just sit in the lounge. I was a bit nervous when I got off the plane, because the flight attendant said there was a hurricane coming, thinking my flight might be delayed. Fortunately this didn't happen. But a huge storm is coming this way later tonight and the city of London is preparing to shut down all the public transportation. Oy. Glad I hadn't planned to stay here now.<br />
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Sunday's flight<br />
Flight number 2 was not as lovely as number 1. There was good and bad. The good was I was able to upgrade to an exit row and sat next to a handsome young man, unfortunately too young (35) from Cape Town, who thought I was 38. How cute is that. When I told him I have a 21 year old daughter he figured I wasn't as young as he thought. Oh well.<br />
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The bad, there were three young children across the aisle and one of them was screeching, not just crying for over an hour. Willy, my seat mate was so incensed that he said something to the parents and I thought he and the father were going to get into a major fight. Oy. About 2 hours later the child calmed down. It was not as easy for me to get to sleep on this flight but I did finally.<br />
The arrival into Cape Town was magnificent. I was sitting at the window and had my camera ready. I have no idea what I was looking at but it was beautiful at 20,000 feet. What do you think?<br />
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The landing was perfect. I was surprise to find that I didn't need to fill out a landing card. But each step of the way they want to know that you have a ticket out of Africa.<br />
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I good my passport stamped and off I went to collect my baggage, which came within a few minutes. I walked out into the terminal and there was my baby girl.<br />
She has learned to drive on "the wrong" side of the road and took me to one of her favorite restaurants near the University.<br />
We had a nice meal and then we went to her home stay for a needed rest.<br />
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I'm very happy to be here. </div>
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