More Kruger Park

Here are a few more pictures from our Kruger Park visit.

Hippo's playing. Notice the five other watching (just the eyes peeking out). Hope the picture isn't too small.

Zebra trying to hide.

Several very young monkies playing around the tables at the Oliphants Rest Camp.

Next post will be about the Cultural Village we visited near where we stayed. We were able to learn some very interesting aspects of Zulu and Ndebele life.

My trip is more than half over. It is going way too fast, but I'm seeing some marvelous things.

See you all soon.

Linda

Kruger Park

Hello Again,

Kruger Park was absolutely amazing. We went in through the Crocidile Gate which is the southern most entrance to the park and headed north. Our first stop was at the Hippo Pool where an armed Game Warden escorted us to the pool. We only saw the heads of the hippo's since they usually stay in the water during the day, but yesterday on our way out of the park, we saw a whole bunch out of the water. Most were sleeping, but a few were grazing.

Okay, here is a list of some of what we saw on our drive up to the Oliphants Rest Area where we stayed. I will put a few pictures.

• Elephants




• 
• Giraffe




• Impala (lots and lots, and lots)




• Kudu (a type of antelope/dear)




• Buffalo




• Zebra




• Wart Hog




• Hippo




• Crocidile




• All sorts of birds




• Leopard (which is rare)

That's it for now. We are heading for God's Window and Blyde River Canyon tomorrow. I may not be able to post anything until we get back to Cape Town Sunday night.

God bless you all.

Linda

Garden Route

Hello all,

We've been on the road, so I haven't had access to a computer. We left Cape Town on last Wednesday morning heading northeast up the coast toward Durban. We stopped in the town of Jeffrey's Bay for the night at a beautiful B&B with a view of the Indian Ocean. Here is a picture. As you can see it was a little cloudy but the water was warm.

From Jefferey's Bay we went to Alison's mom's house in Kloof (meaning cliff or something like that) just outside of Durban. Vervet monkeys come right up to the house to get the sunflower seeds she puts out for them.

From there we drove up to the Nelspruit area which is about 100 kilometers from Kruger Park and arrived on Friday at the Sudwala Lodge, where we are staying. We found the sunshine. This area is very dry and hasn't had any rain for quite a while. The Lodge is beautiful and quite peaceful. We've had monkeys, peacocks and lizards come to visit.

We're here for a couple days and then on to Kruger National Park.

Having a wonderful time.

More adventures to come.

Linda

Day 2 Travels

It seems that the expected jet lag has not been as bad as I anticipated. Alison says I'm doing "quite well," but I did wake up too late Sunday to make the morning service (8:30 am) of the church I wanted to visit. The church is on the north side of Cape Town, and would have taken a little while to find. We did find it in time for me to go to the evening service after taking a drive to a small quaint town called Franschhoek (which means French Corner in Afrikaans) a little over an hour from Cape Town in a very nice valley.

This area is very beautiful and popular with tourists because it has many wineries. This picture is of the Hotel Franschhoek a little ways outside of town. Notice the roof. It is made of thatch. You can still find old homes and buildings with this type of roof scattered here and there. As you can tell, the weather was beautiful. We were able to eat lunch outside at a delightful restaurant called Traumerel Restaurant & Cafe. The building is about 100 years old and has the original wood floors inside and wrought iron trim called "broekie lace" outside. Here is Alison at the restaurant, which she called "up market." There was a shop next door which reminded me of some of the places you would find in Poulsbo or Leavenworth. After lunch I purchased my first souvenirs from a street vendor- a carved and painted giraffe and a beautiful blue tablecloth that had been screen printed with drums and guinea fowl, a common but interesting South African bird. Alison made sure that the items were African made and not tooo expensive.

The final picture is of Devil's Peak as seen from outside of Alison's flat (apartment). Devil's Peak is on the back side of Table Mountain. As you can tell she lives very near the base which is south of main part of the city. I hope to take the tram up the mountain sometime during my visit.

We are working on plans to head for Kruger Park on Wednesday. More pictures tomorrow.

My best to all.

Linda B.

I've Arrived

Flying is an adventure in itself. I've arrive in Cape Town 37 hours after I left. Three long but interesting flights. Airplane seats are really not designed from anything but short flights: not enough padding!!! Needless to say, I have a very sort bottom!!! Everything went well. I had a long layover in Frankfurt, but that was okay. I spent the time people watching and sleeping. Cushioned benches are not bad at all for napping. The sights, sounds, and smells were all very different than what I am used to.

Sights - two of my favorite - a tall German man who came up an escalator and then strode through the crowds barefoot - not a pair of shoes in sight. My second favorite - a group of beautiful stewardesses from Thai Airlines in elegant turquoise and gold gowns.
Sounds - mutliple languages from the loud speakers, German, English, and Chinese. Japanese, Italian, French, and Russian and who knows how many other languages as I passed people or sat in a lounging chair listening to those passing me.
Smells - Eric - you are right, Frankfurt Airport is still smoky. Other smells, -we won't talk about that now.

My arrival in Capetown was very early this morning - 4:48 am. We were shuttled from the plane to a huge room to "queue up" for our passports to be checked, then on to baggage (yeah!! my bag arrived) and then through Customs. My friend, Alison, was waiting for me and off we went. Guess what, it was cloudy and rainy. I feel at home!!! It's not summer here like at home.
Today was the first official day of Spring.

My adventure has begun. Now to get over the jet lag. There is a nine hour difference in time from home. My days and nights are totally flip-floped.

My best to all. Thank you for the many comments.
I can now sign myself,
Linda,
World Traveler!!!

Welcome to South Africa Adventure Blog!

Hello Friends and Family,
My adventure begins August 31st when I head for the airport to board the plane for Cape Town. I'm excited and a little aprehensive, but looking forward to visiting with my friend Alison, and seeing a new country. I will be making posts as I am able to let you know where I am. Pictures will also be added as often as possible.

I hope you enjoy my travels with me. Please feel free to add comments. Viva la travel!!!