From Cape Town to Monkton

I still love Cape Town. That city is definitely on my somewhat short list of places I need to revisit some day in the future. Sunday morning, I met up with Caroline and Denise again to check out the local markets in town. I must say, I am awesome at bartering! It's like a challenge and so much fun. I just hope I haven't fallen into a habit - I don't think the cashiers at Target would appreciate it too much if I just started suggesting alternate prices!

Jen had to move on to her next project (working with penguins) so she was unable to join us. Denise showed Caroline and I the scenic waterfront of Capt Town. We had a really nice lunch at a cute place near the water. After lunch it was time for us to part ways again. I decided to then book a flight directly from Cape Town to Jo'burg. I had plans to get up at 5 am to get a bus to take me to George and catch a flight there... but that was just too much. Once I got that all sorted out I decided to just chill out at the hostel for the rest of the night and have some time to myself. Well, that plan completely went down the drain very quickly! I was eating dinner on the balcony with a few people and somehow (I really don't know how) I got convinced to go out salsa dancing! Oh. My. Little did I know, the guy that originally invited me was a salsa instructor! I'd like to think that I typically enjoy myself pretty easily on the dance floor, but this was a challenge! Everyone there obviously went salsa dancing at least on a weekly basis, but I didn't care, if I made a fool out of myself, I was leaving the country in less than 24 hours! When we all arrived back at the hostel, we ended up staying up til 4 am discussing everything from politics to the pets we had growing up. I really realized that last night that I LOVE travelling. I know I've said that before, but I love it even more now. I'm starting to realize that no matter what country you come from, you've got something to offer, something you want to experience, and something you want to acheive. I can't get enough of meeting people from all over the world, comparing each other's lifestyles, learning new things, and recognizing how much everyone in this world has in common.

I was a bit upset to be leaving. I've met amazing people, met some (hopefully) life-long friends, and done some amazing things. Before I left, I was worried that 2 countries wasn't enough for almost 7 weeks of travelling, but wow, I was so wrong. I could have EASILY spent more time in both Egypt AND South Africa. SO many highlights - camels, the Nile, hot air balloons, clubbing in Egyptian bars, snorkelling, diving, bungy jumping, fishing, surfing, safaris, salsa dancing, new friends, new food, new music, new wine... the list goes on! I know I said this at the end of my NZ blog, but I am NOT done travelling! I've built so much confidence and this world has so much to offer - whether it's on my doorstep or 12,000 miles away - let's just say I have a new addiction to experiencing and learning about the world.

CAPE TOWN!!!

I should have come to this city sooner!!! I am LOVING Cape Town! Yesterday was an absolutely, unbelievably fun day. Jen and I started out the day by going on a wine tour. When we were picked up and we got in the van, there were 4 other people on the tour... Caroline from Australia and Denise from the UK (both in there 40s), Jessica from Brazil (20s), and Scott from Canada (30ish). The 6 of us hit it off so well! We were all laughing and having a great time even BEFORE the wine tasting started. Our tour guide was awesome as well. She was so knowledgable about the area and fun! We went to 4 different vineyards and got to try as many different kinds of wine as we wanted. The weather was perfect, the company was perfect, the lunch was perfect... such an awesome day. We had so much fun exchanging travel and life stories.

We had so much fun together that we all decided to hang out for the rest of the evening. After the tour we took the cable car up to Table Mountain for the sunset. The views were AMAZING. After the sunset and we were back in town, we headed to Mama Africa, which was an INCREDIBLE restaurant! Jen and I ordered Robben Island iced teas... SO good! We had to wait for a table, but we were entertained by an awesome band... African originals and covers on just drums and mirambas. The band had maybe 7 people in it and I have NEVER heard people sing like this! Their voices carried with no microphones. I can't even begin to describe what an awesome experience it was... and it just got better from there. We were seated for dinner right next to the stage. I wanted to get a true, authentic African meal so I ordered a PLATTER of meat which consisted of crocodile, ostrich, kudu (sort of like antelope), sausage, and springbok (sort of like deer meat). The ostrich was by far my favorite! The crocodile was extremely tough. We spent several hours at this restaurant, eating, drinking, dancing... it was so amazing. I haven't had that much fun in such a long time. I wish I was staying in this city for longer!

Today Jen and I are meeting up with Caroline and Denise for lunch and then we are headed to a market to buy jewelry, etc. I'm so sad to be leaving this city tomorrow! I love Cape Town!!!

Last Day in Plett!

Yesterday was my last official day in Plettenberg Bay. It was a great last day and it was Jen's birthday! We started out by going fishing with Tracy out on the bay. We didn't catch many fish, but caught one huge one! I believe it was called a Leerie fish? After fishing Jen and I treated Tracy to lunch. And then after lunch, we decided to get pedicures... just a simple pedicure, maybe a half hour out of our day... wow, were we wrong! We got a crazy spa treatment pedicure... soft music playing, candles burning, relaxing on a bed while women scrubbed and massaged our feet. I took over an hour! I even fell asleep! And only $25 for an amazing spa treatment.

We then met up with Chrissie, Daniel, Tracy, and a new volunteer for drinks at a sushi restaurant. After dinner at the house, we concluded the birthday evening with cake and drinks out on the town.

Today Jen and I made the long jouney to Cape Town. Not only was it a 9 hour ride, but the freaking bus had to break down and we were stranded on the highway for an extra two hours! SOOO frustrating! We are now in Cape Town and it is definitely a vibrant cite, as all the tour guide book say. We just had an amazing (and cheap) dinner and we are about to explore Long Street. There are tons of people around and the hostel host assured us that this part of town is completely safe. It has sort of a southern feel to it... the architecture and atmosphere reminds both of us of either Charleston, SC or New Orleans. I'm excited to be spending my last weekend here... it seems like a fun city!

Accomplishments in Plett

Today was my last full day volunteering! Yesterday I did my practical for the marine guiding certification. Basically I just had to lead a boat tour full of the public and teach them about the animals we see. I had a group of 8 Germans who were very friendly and laughed at my jokes. We got to see a huge pod of bottlenose dolphins, and then we headed over to the seal colony. On the way, we even got to see a hammerhead shark! And... I passed! And I also passed the test so I have completed the marine guiding course in South Africa! If I want to get the official certificate, I just have to take an online test which I might do when I get home.

Today I went out on the boat 3 times, once with a public tour, once with a school group, and once with the staff because someone reported seeing Southern Right whale... unfortunately we couldn't find it, but we got to see a huge pod of common dolphins feeding and jumping completely out of the water which was cool.

Tomorrow we are going fishing in the morning (if the weather holds out) and spending a few hours at the township pre-school again. Jen and I are taking the afternoon off to get pedicures and relax on the beach. Tomorrow is her birthday so we are all going out for happy hour, sushi, and to Surf Cafe for the night. So I have to pack tonight because I'm leaving Plett on Friday morning! I can't believe I'm coming home so soon. It's crazy! But I'm definitely looking forward to it :)

Action-packed Weekend!

So far this weekend has been awesome! This morning Jen and I headed to Tsisikama Falls for a zipline tour. We were basically flying through a deep river gorge on zip lines! It was amazing! The scenary is beautiful here... definitely in competition with NZ! After lunch, we headed to the world's highest bungy jump! I wasn't planning on doing it at first... I have been sky diving and I am on a bit of a budget, but I walked onto the bridge with Jen, and I couldn't resist! They had music pumping while people were getting harnesses up and I knew I would regret it if I didn't do it! I asked if it was too late to change my mind (it was only $66) and they made arrangements for me to jump.

It was AMAZING. After watching many people jump, being amongst the noise, commotion, and music on the bridge (or should I say, underneathe the bridge, there were cars speeding above us), I couldn't NOT jump. I knew I would regret it if I didn't. It was AWESOME. After the initial departure from the bridge, it ended up being very peaceful. It was silent in this deep river rivine... surrounded by the Tsistikama mountains and seeing the river mouth opening to the Indian Ocean... I was speechless... I just screamed with amazement, not fear. It was like I was in my own world once I jumped. I can not explain how beautiful it was.

The physical side-effects were interesting though. I still feel like any bit of congestion that was in my body is now in my head. Hanging upside down for so long does some weird things to you. But it was SO worth it. I'm so glad I decided to do it. The views were amazing. And I don't think I mentioned this yet... it was the HIGHEST commercial bungy jump IN THE WHOLE WORLD!!! I have pictures, but I will upload them tomorrow.

I am back at the house now, safe and sound. We are having a big BBQ (or as the South Africans say "Braii"). I must rejoin them for some burgers and sausage. What an awesome day!

Yesterday we went on an amazing hike in Nature's Valley. Tomorrow, if we are feeling up to it, we are headed to hike to the point of RObberg peninsula! It should be awesome if the weather holds up the way it has for the last few days. I love South Africa!!

A Week of Fun and Research

This lifestyle here is awesome - I could get used to this! Everyday is a mix of research and just plain fun! I have been driving the boat up the river for water sampling... we went to the pre-school again yesterday and "made a thunderstorm" (old camp tradition) which they loved. And then we spent the rest of the day boogie-boarding on the use surf in the bay!

There are 2 more girls that have arrived from England. They spend the mornings working with disabled children (they are physical therapists, just out of school), and in the afternoons they join Jen, Tracy and I with whatever we are doing. Today Chrissie is taking us on a 3 hour hike through Nature's Valley (I can't say that without thinking of granola bars). Apparently it is one of the best hikes in the area - supposed to be gorgeous.

A few days ago we hiked part of Robberg peninsula which is pictured at the top of my blog! We stopped at the sandy beach to do a beach clean-up.

Two days ago we took a group of school children out on the boat. They were 12 years old and most of them had never been on a boat before - let alone see dolphins! We got to show them a huge pod of bottlenose dolphins which they loved.

Next week I will be completing my competent crew and marine guiding certifications so I actually have to study this weekend. On Friday, Jen and I are headed to Cape Town together. She is starting a new project there I am sight-seeing and enjoying my last few days in this beautiful country!

More Adventures in SA

There is another volunteer now! Her name is Jennifer and she is from Long Island... nice to have another person to hang out with. I took a surfing lesson on Friday afternoon! I was terrible, but I got up a few times so I guess it could've been worse. I saw GIANT jellyfish and sorta freaked out about it, but my instructor (who was like 17) assured me they feel no worse than a bee sting.

Friday night Daniel, Chrissie, Jen and I went to Surf Cafe for drinks and dessert. There was a decent band playing too which was cool.

Yesterday Jen and I met up with my friend Sara and went to an Elephant Sanctuary, a Monkey park, and a Bird Sanctuary. It was a long day and it was drizzling the whole time, but we had a lot of fun. At Moneyland we basically walked through an enclosed forest full of free-roaming monkeys! They were everywhere and so cute!

The weather is better today so we are thinking about hanging out at the beach and doing some kayaking. Can't wait! I will upload pictures soon!