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!