Serenity

( Nan Hua Buddhist temple, Bronkhorstspruit JULY 2007)

It's been a few days since I've posted anything reason for that is that I haven't been taking any pictures and that I've been busy. Busy spending time with the fam, catching up with friends and lazying about the house just enjoying my time in the motherland (love this term so over used by our african american counterparts when referring to Africa). I am feeling so relaxed, composed, being here just feels so right that I'm thinking of moving back next year. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love France, the way of life, the culture everything is just so amazing yet something is missing.

Any whoooooo, here is a pic of a Buddhist Temple in South Africa about an hour east of Pretoria (in Bronkhostspruit), I've been there a couple of times always enjoyed the calm and serenity of the place (just thought it reflected my current mood).

SPICING THINGS UP

I went completely crazy in Durban and bought as many different spices as I could. I love spicy food unfortunately in France I have great trouble finding them and that's the reason why I decided to purchase them here. From mother in law masala, mixed masala, garum masala to biryani mix and various others. Enough to last me a year...I guess I'll be feasting on every type of curry possible and imaginable!!

(Just some of the spices I purchased)

ON THE WAY BACK

(Valley of a thousand hills)

(Howick Falls)

All good things come to an end and hence so did our trip; the time came to head back. We left Durban quite early and what set out to be a short ride (since we took a shorter route) took for ever. The reason for this is that we stopped more often, had a flat and the roads were being retared forcing us to stop for a twenty minute wait every 400m! Quite annoying! But we still managed to see some stunning landscapes and had some great laughs.
We drove by the valley of a thousand hills and several historical sites such as the anglo boer battle fields, Howick falls and Pietermarizburg.

Ocean safari

(Sunrise over the Indian Ocean)

(The dinghy boat st our service)

(The previous boat)

(The intrepid surfer)

(A bottlenose dolphin)

(A humpback whale of the KZN coast)

Today we set off for an ocean safari. An amazing experience where we cruised the sea in search for whales and dolphins. During the South African winter, the whales migrate from Antartica and head towards the Mozambican coast in search of warmer waters where they come to mate. What's more at this time of year there is a huge influx of marine life because of the sardine run (millions of sardines swimming up north), attracting dolphins and sharks that feed off them.

Hardly 20mns at sea we spotted a humpback whale not too far off the coast. We followed it slowly and were able to approach it a little and take some snaps. We were quite surprised to see a surfer carelessly swimming hardly 20m from the whale. I guess he wasn't afraid! After spending several hours cruising on our little dinghy boat we spotted 3 bottlenose dolphins, swimming graciously along our course.

I recommend this to anyone out there, it is a fun, fulfilling and enriching experience. However,word of caution it is not for the faint hearted so be sure to take your motion sickness tablets. Trust me I know what I'm talking about, my muesli breakfast is probably fish food by now.

(Umlhanga Rocks, 23th July 2008)

ODE TO SPONGEBOB

(sharks)

(Sea urchin)

(Star fish)

(Jellyfish)

(more sharks)

Those who know me, know I am a hardcore spongebob Squarepants fan. Imagine my excitement as I came accross some of Spongebob's friends. There was Patrick, his Starfish, slighlty challenged friend, Mr Crabs (his penny saving boss), Squidwid (the grumpy neighbour) and all the jellyfish....sadly, no Spongebob!

I've added some of the stars from shark tale as well (lol)!!


(Ushaka Marine World, Durban 21st July 2008)

Wonders of the sea

Yesterday we spent the afternoon at Ushaka Marine world, an amusement park with a vast array of activies. From dolphin and seal shows, to snorkling and ocean walking as well as various slides for the children. Our time was spent at the aquarium, observing the different species from the sea. At one point listening to our tummies, we treated ourselves to a scumptious lobster meal at a fine dining restaurant that I think would have gotten Ramsay's stamp of approval (lol). The rest of the day was spent lazying about on the beach, just relaxing and basking in the warmth of the sun.

Today was filled with more sun bathing, just taking advantage of the beach, meeting and talking to the fishermen.

On our way to Durban

Bye bye Richards Bay! I will dearly miss it, it is the ideal place for me. Not highly populated, quite small but so intensely beautiful. But it was time to move on and continue our journey. That said, we set off to Durban. Along the way we halted at crocodile creek, a crocodile farm 43km north of Durban. After a long bumpy road between the hills and sugar cane fields we finally came face to face (manner of speaking) with huge Nile crocodiles and gigantique alligators. Once more a very educatif and interesting stop where I had the opportunity to taste crocodile biltong. I must admit that I was a little wary at times since our guide informed us that a few days earlier he had caught a green mamba and he suspected another one was still lurking somewhere in the trees! Holy Shmoly (this is my new favourite expression, Ive been saying it at least 10000 times daily)! You can only understand my nervousness as black and green mambas are the fastest and most poisonous snakes in the world, with enough venom to kill two elephants...Speed and venom, a leathal combination!

Cape Vidal

After a stunning morning spent on the estuary we worked our way further north to Cape Vidal. A breathtaking nature reserve situated between lake St Lucia and the Indian Ocean. Populated with wild antelopes, kudus, rhinos, zebras, warthogs, buffalos, monkeys as well as dolphins along the shore (unfortunately by the time I saw one it had already disappeared back into the depths of the ocean). Cape Vidal reunites different ecosystems, after a long drive through the wild, we finally arrived on the beach and watched the tide come in. (Cape Vidal, 19th July 2008).

St Lucia Wetlands

St Lucia is approximately 88km north of Richard Bay. A small estuary that survives solely on tourism, it is ideally situated, and it's fascinating fauna and flora make it a must see. We spent the day in the area, enjoying a trip inward on St Lucia Lake where we encountered countless hyppos and crocodiles as well as various birds species (fish eagles, goliath herons etc...).

(St Lucia estuary, 19th July 2008)

Interesting signs

"WRONG WAY, GO BACK", we absolutely loved this sign. It often appeared along the way, proof that people in the area get lost quite often or simply that they have a sense of humour. (Richards Bay, 18th July 2008)

The Indien Ocean

(Crabs catching some sun, Richards Bay 18 July 2008)

We are currently in Richards Bay, a quiet town north of Durban. The highlight of the day was the time spent at the beach, relaxing and enjoying the soothing sounds of the ocean. After visiting the surroundings, long walks on the beach, we ended the day with a perfect meal made up of almost all of the sea's creature...heavenly! (Richars Bay, 18th July 2008)

ROAD TRIPPING

My dad, bro and I left BHS early this morning heading east. We passed the low veld leaving it's arid, dry sceneries behind us and headed towards the coast towards the Indian Ocean where we will be spending a few days. On our journey we discovered rural South Africa and it's various sceneries. From dry land to coal mines, to forests and sugar cane fields, not forgeting Swaziland's mountanous backdrop. It was quite a peaceful trip that left us thrilled by the different landscapes we encountered. We finally reached Richards Bay determined to have as much fun as possible during our stay in the Zulu kingdom.
(Near the Swazi border: Pongolapoortdam, and Swazy sceneries)

Stranded

A few days ago we were out in the middle of nowhere with some car problems. Help finally arrived and we were towed back to civilization. We were being towed on the highway and the car towing us was driving at 12Okm/h, overtaking everyone left, right and centre. I was shit scared trying not to panic when all of a sudden the tow bar got loose and I could see the car pulling us drive away, leaving us in the middle of the highway. I can honestly admit that I came close to wetting my pants (came close meaning I did not)! Lucky enough the freeway was empty and we all got out of the situation without a scratch...quite shaken but unharmed!! We reached our destination safely but what a memorable trip! Remember folks: "life's a journey, enjoy the ride" (whatever you do though make sure you have strong bowel & bladder control).

(My chevy spark in the middle of nowhere, July 15th 2008)

African sunset

Dusk and dawn are my favourite moments of the day (so brace yourselves for more pictures). A sunrise or sunset is such a magical moment, a moment so full of promise, yet we often seem to take it for granted. Take a step back, breathe deep, and enjoy!