It is mid afternoon on the final day of 2011 here in South Africa, the sun is shining, and Michael and I are passing time poolside before getting ready for the big night. As the days have passed and we have shared discussions on our thoughts so far, we continue to struggle to find a way to accurately describe SA to our family and friends. The best I can come up with thus far is that it is a more rugged and outdoorsy version of many European countries, with a unique flare. Regardless of how we describe it, Michael and I are absolutely in LOVE with the country, and are already planning our next trip back (or at least I am:)
I thought I might use this blog to share a few more lessons we have learned in our time here. Enjoy!
Lesson 1
Beware of sharks....and trains???
At our first official stop (which was pretty much the first place Michael determined we were NOT in fact being followed by anymore 'white cars' :), we ventured out on to a lovely beach. It was Christmas Day so there were many families out having a "braai" (this is the equivalent to a North American BBQ). After parking our car and checking the locks 5 times, we took our first steps on to South African sand....and it was bliss. However, before we hit the beach a sign caught our eye:
This created slight concern however it wasn't until we saw the BLACK SHARK FLAG meaning the water was so rough they couldn't actually tell if there any were sharks around on this particular day. It was then that we decided walking in the sand would suffice as it would suck to get attacked by a shark on our first day. Oddly we had to walk over what appeared to be train tracks as we exited the parking lot onto the beach. I made the assumption that they had to be old tracks that were no longer in use as there were small children playing to and fro barefoot in the sand along the track line. A few minutes later as Michael and I sat peacefully enjoying the breeze in our hair we heard a dull hum. The hum quickly got louder and deeper until it turned into a "chug-a-lug", and sure enough as the children scattered, out of no where came a train zipping by at top speed. No need for safety rails here folks, it's South Africa!
Moral of the story: Don't worry about the sharks because you will likely get hit by the train first
Lesson 2:
A good view can make anything taste good!
After the close shark/train encounter, we finally reached our destination at Cape Point/Cape of Good Hope. It was Christmas Day and as this was one of few things that were open to the public, there were throngs of visitors at the Cape. Our first stop was going to be a special Christmas Day lunch at the restaurant, which we had heard had a beautiful view. Note the words 'WAS GOING TO BE' because we arrived to learn that the masses had managed to consume every morsel of food, leaving us celebrating the birth of Christ with pre-packed roast beef sandwiches and a bag of peanuts :( Seeing the silver lining, at least we had the view!!! Merry Christmas to us!!!
Cape of Good Hope
The historic light house - built in 1860 at 249m above sea level, it was often covered by the clouds, resulting in ships crashing into the point. A new one was built in 1911 at 87m above sea level.
Michael and I at Cape Point where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet (a little windy up there:)
Cape of Good Hope
NYC - 12,541km away. Up for a swim?
Moral of the story: A beautiful view and good company can make any meal a great meal!
As it is almost 2012, Michael and I want to wish every one a very happy and healthy new year. May you have a wonderful start to 2012!!! We know we will!
Good bye for now!
From Knysna with love!
