The Garden Route

Let's see... where did I leave off? The wine tour I took was well worth it- had a great time and tried lots of South African vino. The next day, I ended up catching a ride to the Cape of Good Hope with a really great Israeli couple, Maya and Lior, who had rented a car and were traveling through Africa on their honeymoon. On the way, we passed by an ostrich farm and got out of the car to harass the big birds. If you make a fist and move it close to their faces, they try to nip at you but they've got no teeth and so it doesn't really hurt. We also stopped at Boler Beach where penguins abound. Along the way, we saw whales, although a good picture was hard to take. Then, we arrived at Cape Point and view from the top was amazing. Along the beach, there were rock hyraxes, which look like groundhogs (sort of) but believe it or not, they are the closest relative to the elephant. There were also ostriches grazing on the the dunes- pretty cool.

The next morning, I left for Wilderness. It's a tiny place with nothing but hiking to do, but the hostel had the best view of the beach. I went for a hike to a place called "The Map of Africa" and on the way, I passed by a Township where some of the children come out to the road to wave and say hello. The actual 'Map of Africa' is basicly when you look out into this valley, from your vantage point, you look down on this large peice of land that is carved out by a river and it's just like looking at the continent of Africa (standing on the southernmost tip looking north).

I left the next day for Knysna where I ran into Ally (Scottish), Helen (German) and Nicki (British) who I had met on the Baz Bus (the main transport for backpackers although so many people rent cars and offer rides that I wish I never bought the ticket among other reasons such as crappy service- but I digress!). I also met two British guys named Tom and Mark who convinced me that I should leep off the biggest bridge in Africa, from the highest bungee jump in the world, Bloukrans. It's amazing what a couple beers can make that sound like a good idea. So the next morning I set off with them and did the stupidest/bravest thing I think I have ever done. One of the hardest parts was walking to the center of the bridge where you actually jump from. You walk under the bridge on a narrow, metal grate bridge and if you look down, you can see all the way down. Needless to say, I never looked down and walked at a snails pace the whole way. I was fourth to jump and the waiting was HORRIBLE. Especially as you watch the otherthree jump before you. So, it was finally my turn and I did what any rational person would do- I prayed harder then I ever have and jumped. The height of the jump is 216 meters and you freefall for 4-5 seconds. The first couple seconds are a bit of a blur, but as you recoil and fall again, you are free falling for another 3-4 seconds (the second recoil is the second highest bungee distance in the world). Anyways, it was actually amazing once you realized you are still alive and I'm glad I did it, although I don't think I will be doing it again!

After the bungee experience, I went with Mark and Tom and a British couple, who had also jumped, to Jeffery's Bay- a really popular surfers beach where there are waves called super tubes where international surfing competitions are held annually. The hostel we stayed at was in the beach and was very laid back. The next night, Ally, Nicki and Helen showed up and that was a lot of fun being with the girls. I left J Bay and am now outside of Jo'burg in a town called Pretoria. Tomorrow morning, I get picked up by Bundu Safari company to do my 4 day safari. I can't wait! When I get back here on the 22nd, I leave the next morning for Zanzibar in Tanzania fir 5 days and then I am off to India.

South Africa has been a great experince and I wish I had more time here. There is so much to see, experience and learn about (including the jargon and understanding the acsents!). The history and baggage that comes with the country makes it all the more interesting.

Here's some south african vocab for you:
When something goes wrong you say- shame!
Instead of saying "you're welcome" it's: pleasure (plez-shaw)
Hey man= Hey bru' (brew)
BBQ- Braii (bray)

Ok, till next time!