Notes from Afar

Sid and Kenny have the narrative format for their blogging paradigm, so I'm going to stick with bullet points. In no particular order here are a few random thoughts and stories:

- The South African highways live up to their reputation. The range of speed is anywhere from 50-100mph. Pedestrians will randomly walk in front of you. People missing your bumper by 2 feet is not uncommon. Tractor trailers on fire have already been encountered. And then there is the occasional bird. But I'll leave that for Sid to write about.

- On the safari our guide talked us into a competition. He explained to us that the dung from herbivores is not dangerous to put in your mouth, only dung from omnivores or carnivores. He then explained that it is a camping game to take giraffe turds (small, somewhat hard pellets about the size of a hershey kiss) and see who can spit them the farthest. Clearly skeptical of this, the guide and some other safari staff showed us how it was done. Now all 4 of us can honestly say that at 7:30am one fine Mozambique morning we had a competition to see who could spit giraffe turds the farthest.

The Giraffe Pellet Incident:


- Megan Crain: I believe it was Kenny who mentioned you were wondering what I smell like after 4 days of not showering and being in the woods. Peaches with a dash of rosemary....

- So far I think Argentina has the best fans. There is a deep, calm enthusiasm that permeates the stadium that turns into a melodious roar, with thousands of flags waving from everywhere. I also liked the crowds participation in their national anthem.

- I never thought the Swiss had such audacity. Walking back along the boardwalk in Durban after the Switzerland - Spain game, we were brushed aside by two Swiss guys in a rickshaw yelling "Part way for the winning team!"

- I wish I could say my mustache is bold and beautiful. Kenny should be condemned for his support of the North Korea team.

- Another favorite moment with the Swiss was being in a beach-side bar with John Denver's 'Country Roads' playing in the background. With their faces painted and wrapped in flags they walked in and immediately started belting it out. We all know the Blue Ridge are better than the Alps.

- So far I think Germany looks like the best team.

Blogger out.