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.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
The Bet
The Germany-Australia match was incredible. The Durban stadium is gorgeous, and we lucked out by getting one of the more entertaining matches thus far. Germany put on a clinic, and look to be a favorite. Now its off to Spain - Switzerland. Very pumped.
But before I head out, let me inform you all about "The Bet"...
Background: John and I haven't shaved in quite a while.
Story: We were at Buccaneer's - the Ragtime of Durban - last night watching Brazil v North Korea. 35 minutes into the game (tied 0-0) John makes a statement that Brazil will end up winning 3 or 4 to nothing. I said, ok, I'll put the over/under on Brazil's goals. Gentleman's bet. Well John, never one to be accused of being a gentleman, decided that wasn't enough. He came up with the idea that if Brazil hit the over, I would have to keep only a mustache for the rest of the trip, and post a picture of it as my Facebook profile picture for two weeks. If it was under, then John would have to do so. The over/under: 2.5. It was a stressful second half, but in the end the North Korean backline, nicknamed the "DMZ" by me, held on and only gave up 2 goals. So, I am now typing next to a guy with the weakest trash stache you've ever seen. Its hysterical. Look forward to the Facebook profile pic!!
But before I head out, let me inform you all about "The Bet"...
Background: John and I haven't shaved in quite a while.
Story: We were at Buccaneer's - the Ragtime of Durban - last night watching Brazil v North Korea. 35 minutes into the game (tied 0-0) John makes a statement that Brazil will end up winning 3 or 4 to nothing. I said, ok, I'll put the over/under on Brazil's goals. Gentleman's bet. Well John, never one to be accused of being a gentleman, decided that wasn't enough. He came up with the idea that if Brazil hit the over, I would have to keep only a mustache for the rest of the trip, and post a picture of it as my Facebook profile picture for two weeks. If it was under, then John would have to do so. The over/under: 2.5. It was a stressful second half, but in the end the North Korean backline, nicknamed the "DMZ" by me, held on and only gave up 2 goals. So, I am now typing next to a guy with the weakest trash stache you've ever seen. Its hysterical. Look forward to the Facebook profile pic!!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Durban, the Oasis
Leaving Mozambique was a welcome transition. I have experienced the laziness and disrespect of many third world nations' inhabitants, but it seemed only here that that attitude has spread like an infection so that it plagues the culture into a perpetual state of poverty and malaise. Although the experiences there were wonderful [isolated beaches, an amazing safari, etc.], the people, as I later dubbed them "Dicks/Dickheads," ruin any chance I may return.
Our plan was to drive to Swaziland on the way to Durban, but Didier Dusty [our Honda Civic] had taken quite a beating driving the potholed highways and unpaved roads of the African wilderness. Instead, we chose to skip Swaziland and head straight to Durban, South Africa. Our drive started at 11am on Friday as we dreamed of our first shower in 4 days. We all switched off driving in shifts of several hours and traffic and border crossings went surprisingly smooth as we passed into South Africa at around 830pm that night. The drive to Durban continued into the morning...
Exhausted from 24 hours of driving, immune to the smell our ourselves which must have been quite apparent to any others, and expecting another third world nation's beach town, we arrived on the Durban beach at 7:30am Saturday morning. The drive was the equivalent in driving time as that of Washington, DC to Denver, Colorado.
Durban was and is the golden oasis we had not even hoped for or expected. As we drove into the World Cup host city, we headed straight for the beach not knowing if we could check in early to our Bed and Breakfast. The sun was rising on the most pristine city beach with clean wide boardwalks with many locals jogging and running, and long stretches of white immaculate sand before the clear blue/green water welcomed many surfers and swimmers. We were truly in awe and felt instantly our all-nighter was well worth it.
We walked the beach for 30 minutes which immediately surpassed any city beach I/we have ever been to. This town has truly impressed us with its gorgeous beaches, clean streets and strong World Cup 'vibe' we felt buzzing in the air. We then headed to the nearest McDonalds for some long awaited hashbrowns followed by a trip to the local casino where we picked up our tickets to the matches. While getting the tickets, a friendly lady in the parking lot offered to wash our car which we gladly welcomed noticing the battle scars Didier had taken during our Safari leg. Kenny contacted our Bed and Breakfast and reception was more than willing and ready to receive us. We drove to what is known as the 'Beverly Hills' of Durban and pulled into a neighborhood located on top of a bluff overlooking the Indian Ocean. As I walked into the small home turned B&B, I slowly began to realize that the interior of the home was not only beautiful, but it had an amazing balcony as well. We walked out not knowing or expecting what we saw next. Only pictures can really explain the awe inspiring view of the vastness of the Indian Ocean. For some time, I was not able to process that we were in this place. This was paradise.
The Palm Breeze:
Tonight, we head to our first match [Australia vs. Germany] and hope to update all quite soon on that experience.
Our plan was to drive to Swaziland on the way to Durban, but Didier Dusty [our Honda Civic] had taken quite a beating driving the potholed highways and unpaved roads of the African wilderness. Instead, we chose to skip Swaziland and head straight to Durban, South Africa. Our drive started at 11am on Friday as we dreamed of our first shower in 4 days. We all switched off driving in shifts of several hours and traffic and border crossings went surprisingly smooth as we passed into South Africa at around 830pm that night. The drive to Durban continued into the morning...
Exhausted from 24 hours of driving, immune to the smell our ourselves which must have been quite apparent to any others, and expecting another third world nation's beach town, we arrived on the Durban beach at 7:30am Saturday morning. The drive was the equivalent in driving time as that of Washington, DC to Denver, Colorado.
Durban was and is the golden oasis we had not even hoped for or expected. As we drove into the World Cup host city, we headed straight for the beach not knowing if we could check in early to our Bed and Breakfast. The sun was rising on the most pristine city beach with clean wide boardwalks with many locals jogging and running, and long stretches of white immaculate sand before the clear blue/green water welcomed many surfers and swimmers. We were truly in awe and felt instantly our all-nighter was well worth it.
We walked the beach for 30 minutes which immediately surpassed any city beach I/we have ever been to. This town has truly impressed us with its gorgeous beaches, clean streets and strong World Cup 'vibe' we felt buzzing in the air. We then headed to the nearest McDonalds for some long awaited hashbrowns followed by a trip to the local casino where we picked up our tickets to the matches. While getting the tickets, a friendly lady in the parking lot offered to wash our car which we gladly welcomed noticing the battle scars Didier had taken during our Safari leg. Kenny contacted our Bed and Breakfast and reception was more than willing and ready to receive us. We drove to what is known as the 'Beverly Hills' of Durban and pulled into a neighborhood located on top of a bluff overlooking the Indian Ocean. As I walked into the small home turned B&B, I slowly began to realize that the interior of the home was not only beautiful, but it had an amazing balcony as well. We walked out not knowing or expecting what we saw next. Only pictures can really explain the awe inspiring view of the vastness of the Indian Ocean. For some time, I was not able to process that we were in this place. This was paradise.
The Palm Breeze:
Tonight, we head to our first match [Australia vs. Germany] and hope to update all quite soon on that experience.
Safari
First, the story of the epic drive to the Safari:
Our Safari started off with a potentially disastrous situation. First of all, half of the 6 hour drive to the Limpopo National Park was spent on roads packed with massive potholes. It was actually comical, we would weave back and forth through lanes trying to avoid popping a tire. Then, when we got to the gate of the park, we were to drive anouther 50km on unpaved road. Keep in mind we are rocking a Honda Civic (affectionately referred to as Didier Dusty). We should have known when the Rangers started laughing at us that we were attempting to drive the roads in such a car. However they eventually told us it would be ok, we just needed to "drive slowly." Two hours of rocky, sandy, bumpy roads later we made it to our meeting point. Only no one was there to meet us. With no cell phone service, and dusk approaching we assessed our options and decided to drive back to the main gate. At this point we didnt know if we'd be missing the first night, missing the safari all together, or what. Tensions were high amongst the Afrikaan Americans, as we all were picturing getting stranded in the middle of big 5 country. Just when it thought all hope was lost (right about after the second time we literally had to part a sea of cattle on the road while driving through sand) we got cell service and called the Safari Organizers. There was a miscommunication about the meeting point. They ended up sending someone to pick us up in a 4x4 truck at the main gate, and let us stay in the "Luxery Campground" the first night. It meant Didier would live to see another day, and we would have a proper toilet for one more night. Disaster avoided.
The Safari
The first night we went to bed to the sounds of crocodiles clamping their jaws in the river right next to our tents. I thought I heard a lion, but it turned out to be Fuge's snoring. We took off the next morning for the safari. We were guided by our fearless leaders: Greg - an American who has lived all over Africa, and Julius, a native Mozambican, and the man with the rifle. We had been informed that lions were in the vicinity, so we set off to find them. We did not find them, but did see poop from some of the scariest jungle animals you can imagine. Day two was my favorite. The highlight of the safari came when we spotted an elephant in a river valley. It was amazing seeing an elephant in the wild. Later that day we saw a group of zebras, and the next morning a crocodile, about 20 meters from where we slept that first night. On the safari we also saw impalas, water buck, several varieties of birds, scary looking insects, and tracks from giraffe, water buffalo and lions.
We were so happy we decided to do a walking safari, it made us really feel like part of the jungle. We walked about 40km total. What started as a potential disaster ended up being an unforgettable experience.
Our Safari started off with a potentially disastrous situation. First of all, half of the 6 hour drive to the Limpopo National Park was spent on roads packed with massive potholes. It was actually comical, we would weave back and forth through lanes trying to avoid popping a tire. Then, when we got to the gate of the park, we were to drive anouther 50km on unpaved road. Keep in mind we are rocking a Honda Civic (affectionately referred to as Didier Dusty). We should have known when the Rangers started laughing at us that we were attempting to drive the roads in such a car. However they eventually told us it would be ok, we just needed to "drive slowly." Two hours of rocky, sandy, bumpy roads later we made it to our meeting point. Only no one was there to meet us. With no cell phone service, and dusk approaching we assessed our options and decided to drive back to the main gate. At this point we didnt know if we'd be missing the first night, missing the safari all together, or what. Tensions were high amongst the Afrikaan Americans, as we all were picturing getting stranded in the middle of big 5 country. Just when it thought all hope was lost (right about after the second time we literally had to part a sea of cattle on the road while driving through sand) we got cell service and called the Safari Organizers. There was a miscommunication about the meeting point. They ended up sending someone to pick us up in a 4x4 truck at the main gate, and let us stay in the "Luxery Campground" the first night. It meant Didier would live to see another day, and we would have a proper toilet for one more night. Disaster avoided.
The Safari
The first night we went to bed to the sounds of crocodiles clamping their jaws in the river right next to our tents. I thought I heard a lion, but it turned out to be Fuge's snoring. We took off the next morning for the safari. We were guided by our fearless leaders: Greg - an American who has lived all over Africa, and Julius, a native Mozambican, and the man with the rifle. We had been informed that lions were in the vicinity, so we set off to find them. We did not find them, but did see poop from some of the scariest jungle animals you can imagine. Day two was my favorite. The highlight of the safari came when we spotted an elephant in a river valley. It was amazing seeing an elephant in the wild. Later that day we saw a group of zebras, and the next morning a crocodile, about 20 meters from where we slept that first night. On the safari we also saw impalas, water buck, several varieties of birds, scary looking insects, and tracks from giraffe, water buffalo and lions.
We were so happy we decided to do a walking safari, it made us really feel like part of the jungle. We walked about 40km total. What started as a potential disaster ended up being an unforgettable experience.
Monday, June 7, 2010
First Impressions...
The mohawk is real, for those doubting.
Tomorrow we begin the second leg of our trip in Limpopo, Mozambique. Although some find the thought of me camping laughable, it is nonetheless a reality that we will all be 'roughing it' in a Mozambican wildlife preserve for 3 nights starting tomorrow. Animals we hope to see include, Lions, Rhinos, Leopards, Elephants and Giraffes.
So far, Kenny claims to have seen 3 monkeys, but none of us can verify this information. What we have surely seen is a lot of annoying street vendors, too much seafood, poverty, old cars, beautiful landscapes and troublesome border crossing activities.
Being in some of the most remote regions of the planet, we have seen beautiful, untouched beaches, mountainsides and dry plains. One drawback however, is the exorbitant amount of seafood which my 3 other companions swear is quality. Today, I spent most of the day watching them tear away at shelled, stank creatures which have marinated in the polluted coasts of this impoverished nation. Chicken is my best friend.
As of today, no one has experienced any real sickness, injury or pain. We hope to continue this trend through the end of our trip but with Kenny and I still getting comfortable with driving on the left side of the road with a right side steering wheel, one can only hope for the best.
Congratulations to my little brother and Matt for taking the plunge and satisfying their significant others' long term angst and frustration!
Random Thoughts and Safari Predictions
- This evening I brought some zebra cakes from the supermarcado. Here they are called Blanquitos. I'm very much looking forward to seeing what Little Debbie's African cousin has in store for us on the road to the Limpopo.
- Yesterday we were on a small island in the Indian Ocean. The small vendors had hand-make wood trinkets that I must admit I found impressive. Today I found out that those same wood trinkets were all over the city of Maputo. Apparently, Maputo has a mass-distribution system of commodities to street vendors. They say Che Guevera is a hero but Capitalism is the dominant force.
- Tomorrow we head out for 4 days for the hiking safari. Kenny informed us that he is going to take Immodium-AD for the four days.... but seriously, what kind of wussy man isn't willing to take a crap in the woods? I don't expect in any real danger from the safari. Since it is the winter here we do not expect the bugs to be bad, or to see any cobras, black mambas, etc. Even though I think it would be awesome to see a black mamba, I have been told that is extremely unlikely. Other than that we might see a few of the big 5, but overally I think the safari will be a nice walk through the Mozambique hills.
- See yall in Swaziland for the World Cup.
Blogger out.
- Yesterday we were on a small island in the Indian Ocean. The small vendors had hand-make wood trinkets that I must admit I found impressive. Today I found out that those same wood trinkets were all over the city of Maputo. Apparently, Maputo has a mass-distribution system of commodities to street vendors. They say Che Guevera is a hero but Capitalism is the dominant force.
- Tomorrow we head out for 4 days for the hiking safari. Kenny informed us that he is going to take Immodium-AD for the four days.... but seriously, what kind of wussy man isn't willing to take a crap in the woods? I don't expect in any real danger from the safari. Since it is the winter here we do not expect the bugs to be bad, or to see any cobras, black mambas, etc. Even though I think it would be awesome to see a black mamba, I have been told that is extremely unlikely. Other than that we might see a few of the big 5, but overally I think the safari will be a nice walk through the Mozambique hills.
- See yall in Swaziland for the World Cup.
Blogger out.
Part 1
First of all, somehow a rumor got started that I flew first class over here. I vehemetly deny these claims. I spent the night on a bench in JFK and flew 15 hours economy from New York to Johannesburg. Its a backpacking trip, Im keeping it real!
Ok, now that I dispelled that rumor, let's get to what's been going on here. I was the first one to arrive on Friday, and was graciously picked up at the airport by Bonnie, a friend from JMU. Little did she know that I would ruin her afternoon when I left my phone in her car, causing a scare that I wouldn't be able to make it from the part of the city I was dropped off on to the airport. Naturally, I hitched a ride from an American that I met in a Fish N Chips shop and everything worked out. Meanwhile in her concern for my wellbeing she was off driving around Newtown, Johannesburg asking cops and locals to be on the lookout for a white guy in a red hat. Sorry Bonnie, I appreciate everything!!!
So at the airport I met up with Sid. Due to a delay, the other two didn't get in until 230am. So Sid and I caught 4 hours of sleep at Bonnie's, met the other two at the airport, and set off on a 7 hour journey to Mozambique. It was a beautiful ride, and didnt take too long adjusting to the left-side driving. The border crossing was unnecessarily stressful, but went fine.
For the past 3 days we've been based in Maputo, capital city of Mozambique. The highlight of the trip thus far has been spending the day on Portuguese and Inhaca islands in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Mozambique. I don't think I've ever been to such a remote location. Portuguese island was beautiful. We were 4 of 6 people on the entire island. We've had lots of good seafood thus far, topped off with some delicious lobster and prawns made to order at the seafood market.
Tomorrow we head off to the safari. While some will question my strategies going in, Im confident that my techniques will prevail. We will let you know...
Ok, now that I dispelled that rumor, let's get to what's been going on here. I was the first one to arrive on Friday, and was graciously picked up at the airport by Bonnie, a friend from JMU. Little did she know that I would ruin her afternoon when I left my phone in her car, causing a scare that I wouldn't be able to make it from the part of the city I was dropped off on to the airport. Naturally, I hitched a ride from an American that I met in a Fish N Chips shop and everything worked out. Meanwhile in her concern for my wellbeing she was off driving around Newtown, Johannesburg asking cops and locals to be on the lookout for a white guy in a red hat. Sorry Bonnie, I appreciate everything!!!
So at the airport I met up with Sid. Due to a delay, the other two didn't get in until 230am. So Sid and I caught 4 hours of sleep at Bonnie's, met the other two at the airport, and set off on a 7 hour journey to Mozambique. It was a beautiful ride, and didnt take too long adjusting to the left-side driving. The border crossing was unnecessarily stressful, but went fine.
For the past 3 days we've been based in Maputo, capital city of Mozambique. The highlight of the trip thus far has been spending the day on Portuguese and Inhaca islands in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Mozambique. I don't think I've ever been to such a remote location. Portuguese island was beautiful. We were 4 of 6 people on the entire island. We've had lots of good seafood thus far, topped off with some delicious lobster and prawns made to order at the seafood market.
Tomorrow we head off to the safari. While some will question my strategies going in, Im confident that my techniques will prevail. We will let you know...
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