Last Posting for this Adventure

Saturday November 24, 2007

Wow – here we are back in jolly old London. The layovers were from 2 hours to 9 hours in Heathrow, but a time to regroup and relax.
Our last day in South Africa was a very busy one. We had a relaxing get-up and then on the bus with all bags packed at 9 AM. In the morning we made our way to Soweto, to a memorial for a Hector Peterson (13 yr old boy) who was killed during the student uprising, June 16, 1976. This saw students reacting to the pronouncement that Africans would be the official language of education. For most of us it was a very moving experience that gave us a clearer understanding of the struggle against apartheid. We then had a tour of Nelson Mandela’s home that he lived in with his first wife and with Winnie until his incarceration.
Without an exception we were all surprised at what we saw in Soweto. I know – for myself – I expected to see mile after mile of shacks – what we saw – were sections of shacks – surrounded by well kept up small to large middle class homes with well tended yards. We saw evidence of a thriving underground economy in sidewalk, car repair centers and open air car washes. Everything that might be useful for someone was up for sale, and the people were open, friendly – very well dressing and polite. There were lots of children around as they are just getting out for their summer break. Most – if in school – wore a uniform.
From here we went to Wandie’s Place for a task of an authentic African meal – except for the dessert which was a delicious cake with custard. I think the only part of the meal that did not go over well was the Tripe.
At 2 we said good bye to Marianna, Joan and Diane as they headed off to Rwanda to visit the Gorillas and Marianna’s brother. Then we were off to one last opportunity of shopping at a Wholesale Warehouse place. We had a great time, but this stop necessitated many of us doing a bit of repacking.
Then through heavy traffic to the airport – check-in – fight the line-ups, worry about the weight of our suitcases, then wait. The flight was uneventful and now – here we are in London. A few are staying over in England and Scotland, but the rest are heading back to our homes in Canada. We all agreed it was a wonderful trip – exceeding expectations, and providing us all with memories that we will keep for a lifetime.
Our thanks go to Rostad for great organization, for our bus drivers Sabon and Preggie, but particularly to our fabulous guide Stuart McMillan. He showed us so much of South Africa, and was never afraid to talk politics or to provide an education. It is evident that some of his love of his country has rubbed off on all of us, and those who can will likely return.

Thursday November 22, 2007

We had a nice leisurely start to our day, but surprisingly no one slept in, and by 7:30 almost all were down in the dining room enjoying another delightful breakfast. Paul made use of the pool to give an active start to his day. After loading all our ‘stuff’ onto the bus, we walked across the street to the Union Building, across a beautiful lawn and up a flight of stairs. Stuart filled us in on all the significant structures and statues along the way, and we stopped to get a group picture on the stairs, with the building in the background.
Preggie met us at the top of the stairs with the bus – as it was rather hot already – we were happy to get on to head towards our next stop the Cullinan Diamond Mine. The drive was about 1 hour along very good roads and through lush country side filled with farms, trees and a very red soil.
We arived at the mine on a very historic day. As we came into the town, we noticed a very colorful helicopter – we learned later that this was the De Beer’s Helicopter, and it carried the new owners of the mine. Today was the day that the papers were signed to transfer the mine that has been operating under De Beers for over a hundred years – to new owners. After our lunch we saw the helicopter leave. We were told that all the staff were being informed about the transfer while we were on our tour.
But more about our tour. It started with an 8 minute video presentation, followed by a walk through of the operations, with explanations of all the machinery, and the safety features of the mine. We then walked around to the top of the pit where we were shown samples of Brown, Black and Grey kimberlite, and were surprised at how easy it was to break up this material. The process of extracting the diamonds from the kimberlite was explained, and Diane won a replica of the Cullinen diamond. Then we headed off to watch and learn about cutting diamonds, and to be tempted into buying. Most of us were more than a bit shocked to learn that the price we thought was ‘reasonable’ was actually in US Dollars – not quite so reasonable.
After a wonderful lunch at the Whispering Oak Garden Café we returned to Pretoria to continue our sightseeing tout.
First stop was Voortrekker Memorial which tells the story of the Boer’s struggle to establish an independent state. Stuart talked us through the history of the Voortrekkers with the help of the marble fescos that cover the walls. A number of us took the elevator to the top to look down on the memorial, then most of us went through the rest of the museum. From here we drove to the Kruger House which the house that Kruger lived in during his presidency of the Transvaal. We learned a great deal about the history of this area during his presidency, and the Boer Wars. Many of us really appreciated the pieces of furniture from that era that are now in the house. We also viewed the wagon that is made completely of Stink Wood.
From there we drove around Church Square (where there is no church), then made our way through heavy traffic to our dinner engagement at the Carnivore Restaurant. This was quite an experience. The food was absolutely terrific – from chicken to Kudu to Wildebeest, to Crocodile, most tried everything. The wine courtesy of a special treat from Rostad – topped it all of. Then we had great fun exchanging gifts with our secret pals.

Wednesday November 21st

On the Road again! After an 8 AM start we headed South and slightly West toward Pretoria. We worked our encountered some beautiful farm land and climbed up the East Drakensberg Mountains. The Drakensberg Range provided rugged scenery, endless forests, cool streams and impressive waterfalls. It looks similar to rugged BC scenery except that the pine trees are all planted, so there are nice neat rows. We also viewed the devastating effects of last year’s forest fires.
Our first stop was at Wonder view about 100 M up the road from God’s Window – the same view but we avoided the steep walk. Next stop about 30 minutes down the road was Bourke’s Luck Potholes – which were formed by the joining of two fast flowing rivers. We had a bit of a walk down to the viewpoint but were well rewarded with the fabulous view. Next stop Blyde River Canyon which was a gorgeous panorama view of this very large canyon. From there we drove through more rugged terrain to our lunch stop at Dullstroom.
Oh what a lunch we had in Dullstroom – we were at Harrie’s Pancakes – where we enjoyed a combination of sweet and savory crepes – totally decadent. Then we were off again to Pretoria. Here we checked into a beautiful hotel – the Sheraton Pretoria Hotel – where we had a few little glitches in checking in, but were rewarded with beautiful rooms with lovely views of the government buildings across the street.
At 7 we made our way down to the dining room for yet another wonderful dinner and wine in celebration of Pete’s (Pierrette’s) birthday. All were really ready for time to get to bed early, or to start reorganizing bags for the trip home. Tomorrow is another full day of touring.

Tuesday November 20, 2007

At the end of the day—we all agreed that it had been a wonderful day, filled with once in a lifetime experiences. It all started very early at 5:30 when we piled into three open Lorries for our full day excursion around Kruger National Park. By the time we stopped for breakfast at 9 AM, many were ready for Lunch. The sun grew hotter and hotter but the cool breeze blowing through the open lorries helped to cool us down.
And what sights we saw. We saw Elephants, Baboons, Franklin (like a Grouse), a Giraffes, a Black Rhino, White Rhino’s, Steenbok Antelope, Lilac Breast Roller, Warthog, Kudu’s and numerous other birds and mammals, but the great cats eluded us. By lunch many were hot and a tad discouraged, then came the good word that someone had spotted a pair of mating lions at a distant part of the park. With a touch of skepticism and a thank you for a little cloud cover we were off on the quest of our lion sighting. The trip was quite long, but to everyone’s delight—along the way Clark spotted a Leopard—halleluiah! A few quick turns later and all of us had the opportunity to view and maybe take a few pictures of this amazing animal. Then on with the lion hunt. On the way we spotted our first zebra since entering Kruger, and then—in the middle of the field were our Lions. We observed their courting behavior for close to a half and hour, then were on our way back to the hotel and some cool time in rooms, the pool, or in the bar.

Monday November 19th, 2007

We awoke to a beautiful sunny day with a temperature already in the high twenties, and a completely blue sky. Stuart proclaimed this to be ‘his Africa’ not all this cold cloudy stuff we have been experiencing.
We left the hotel and traveled directly to the South African Border—and from there to Kruger National Park. We arrived promptly at 9:30 at the Malelane Gate and traveled North through the part spotting several species of park residents along the way, including many impala, elephants, Blue Wildebeest, Secretary Bird, Baboons, and a Dung Beetle . At 12 noon we left the part and at the Paul Kruger gate and drove the short distance to our hotel, the Protea Hotel Kruger Gate. After getting our luggage, and changing we caught a quick lunch then headed out in 3 open vehicles to tour the park. We saw any more graceful impala’s, elephants, Giraffe with Oxpicker birds, Kudus both male and female and two Hyenas who were nursing their young. One was very young—our guide estimated about 6 weeks. We arrived back in time to have a quick swim or a shower etc to cool off before a wonderful supper and early bed time as we will be early up in the morning.

Sunday November 18th 2007

Sunday morning – the sky is cloudy but the air is warm, and we are off at 8 AM for Swaziland. On our way Marianna, Barb and Harry led in a brief worship with some additional singing. The boarder crossing was uneventful due to our early arrival and Stuart’s fine preparation. The land in Swaziland is fertile and grows a number of crops, primarily sugar cane which produces much of the income for the country and the ruling King. The biggest danger on the roads is the cows that just stand in the middle of the road.
Our first stop is the candle factory where we had some snacks, watched a candle maker craft a lovely candles, and enjoyed some very different crafts.
From here we continued North past the cannery, and making a brief stop at King Sabhuza’s Memorial. We did not go in but were able to view the centre from the bus. Then we had a ½ hour walk through the Swazi Market – great fun for all of us, and a challenge to walk the length of the market in that time – there were just so many shops. On from there to the Swazi Glass Factory where they make beautiful items of recycled glass. We saw a wide range of beautiful glass articles, both decorative and practical and there was also a woodworking shop and a chocolate factory.
The factory is located on the outskirts of Mbabane – the capital of Swaziland which has a population of approximately 80 thousand. Swaziland gained its independence from England in 1968, and had its own constitution until 1972 then it came under the rule by King Sabhuza until his death in 1986 at which time his son took over.
It just so happened that Rostad Tours provided an afternoon chocolate snack for all aboard the bus – what a wonderful treat!
Then we were off again towards our hotel with the exception of a photo stop at the top of the Maguga Dam. The drive on either side of the dam was through pine forests which had been planted, and unfortunately had been partially burned during the past year.
While admiring the dam we shared some of our Canadian Gifts and Flag pins with some children who were selling their wares along the road.
Then on to Orion Pigg’s Peak Hotel for our one night stay – we arrived in time for a swim and a nice before dinner drink at the bar – a few also checked out the gift shop and someone one won a few Rand in the Casino. Our rooms are very nice, the pool cool and the view absolutely magnificent.

Early tomorrow as we head toward Kruger National Park.

Saturday Nov 17th, 2007

We awoke this morning to bright blue sky and warm sum but within an hour or so it had clouded over but remained warm. Our relaxed morning saw many walking around the beautiful hotel grounds, some even venturing through the gate and down to the river – but no crocs were seen.
At 10 we headed out to Dumazula – the Zulu cultural centre. On the way Stuart filled us in on South Africa’s 2-tiered medical system.
At Dumazula we were treated to demonstrations on traditional Zulu crafts, costumes, culture and language. The day closed there with a very energetic dance to the drums played by individuals from the village. A great lunch at the village restaurant was follow by time in the curio shop. Some took advantage of the opportunity to supplement their wardrobe as the weather was quite cold and rainy. A 45 minute drive and we arrived at our destination – Hluhluwe (pronounced sheshlui) Game Reserve were we were taken off on a 3 hour drive in 10 passenger land rovers around the reserve to see if we could spot any animals. We are thrilled to report that we saw Water Buffalo, White Rhino’s, Zebra, a wart hog several different birds, and four most of us, the greatest thrill were the Giraffes that walked right in front of our vehicles. The third vehicle was a little late in getting back as we were stopped by a group of water buffalo crossing the road.
A wet and cold group of travelers were taken back to the hotel where we were treated to yet another wonderful meal, singing and a Zulu dance group.
Tomorrow we are up early – headed into Swaziland.

Friday Nov 16, 2007

This is being posted on Sunday - the first of several days we have been able to get onto the net.

Our new driver is Preggie, and the bus is very comfortable. One of the sights along the way was a giant casino, which reminded us the profitability of Casinos. We drove through beautiful rolling hills which grow sugarcane – the primary product of Durban. Stuart reminded us that prior to sugar cane the biggest export was ivory. We learned about the challenges surrounding elephants – the need for conservation and also for control due to the heavy cost of maintenance.
Our first real stop was the St. Lucia Estuary. Here we loaded onto a boat with a group of Germans, and had a great lunch while we cruised through the estuary finding hippos, crocodiles and several types of birds.
After our trip through the estuary we enjoyed a group of young school children who were to be next on the boat. They were absolutely delightful and enjoyed having their pictures taken, and really liked the pens and Canadian Flag pins that we had available to give out. On our way to the hotel we took a brief 10 minutes (actually more like 20 minutes) stop at a local market and craft centre – where a definite contribution to the South African economy was made.
Then on to our hotel - Ghost Mountain Inn. As we disembarked we were greeted with a chorus of weaver birds that have taken over the trees outside the hotel.
After settling into our rooms, some went for walks, others to the shop, and others to the pool – but eventually – everyone ended up in the bar. At 7 we were all present for a delightful dinner and singing by a very talented group of African singers. Then we were off for a quiet rest of the evening.
Tomorrow is going to be a full day – but we will not be off until 10 in the morning.

Thursday November 15th, 2007

Unlike yesterday – this morning we awoke to a rainy, overcast day – a good day for travel. We started out at 8 AM and headed east along the Garden Route towards Plettenberg Bay – a lovely summer resort area. This is the recreation spot for the rich and famous – so there are all sorts of golf courses, and facilities for playing Polo. Apparently the Royal family have played here on more than one occasion. Our next brief stop was at the Bloukrans River Gorge which is a 400M span over a gorge. At the top the span rises 216M above the Gorge below. We were offered the opportunity to bungee jump – but no one participated. It likely was not the 300R price tag either - must have been the weather. Because of the rain we decided not to take the nature walk in the Tsitsikamma National Park to see the giant Yellow wood tree, but instead spent about an hour exploring the Storms River Mouth. Here we enjoyed time at the shop, time to take some wonderful pictures and to have a cup of coffee. Certain hosts also managed to get a bit wet in the Indian Ocean. This was a beautiful stop – then on to Port Elizabeth through miles of farm and ranch land. Here we had a wonderful lunch and a bit of time for shopping. At the airport we managed a group boarding almost without incident except that Kay learned what it looks like at the other end of the luggage conveyor belt. Short flight, and we arrived at Durban a large city with approximately 3 million inhabitants. Our hotel is the Southern Sun, and once again we were greeted with drinks and a well organized staff. This is great because many are very tired tonight. We will be up and out at around 8 tomorrow morning on to Lac St. Lucia.