Surprise in the mail

A few days ago 2 packages arrived unexpectedly in the mail. Same day but at different times. The first package was from Avalon Publishing with a Rick Steve’s Best of Europe 2009 guidebook and journal. No note inside. I realized I had won a contest I had entered a week before. Interesting thing was, the … Continue reading »

A video clip- Surviving Joburg

The weather is turning mildly chilly and the overcast and rainy days have arrived. I’ve been reminiscing of my African journey lately! A couchsurfer whom I stayed with in Joburg recently created  “an 8-minute promo called “Surviving Joburg.” http://www.vimeo.com/1666236 (those with patience or fast connections can switch HD on and enjoy) I loved the trailer … Continue reading »

My pocket knife passes security check… twice!

Hello Hello Ok… So now that I’ve been home 7 days I’m sorting most of my belongings and my room is looking worse and worse by the day. Major explosion happened in my room without my consent since I’ve returned. My big rucksack didn’t end up on the baggage carousel when I landed 18 hrs … Continue reading »

DON’T take a minibus taxi in Joburg

Not complete! So… I took a minibus taxi in Joburg and even changed taxi’s at the central joburg taxi rank! Depending on whom you talk to about joburg, you’re bound to get various opinions on the safety and how to navigate the city without a car. Joburg has quite the reputation for crime and it … Continue reading »

Living without a plan…

Decisions are the hardest! After debating if I wanted a big challenge and travel solo through Namibia and try to find people to hire a car with,  I decided to go for the overland arranged option. I take off on june 2 on a 21 day camping trip with Bundu safari’s through Namibia, Botswana and … Continue reading »

Home. But missing something…

I’ve made it to the beloved city, CAPETOWN, which inspired this adventure. Yet my emotions are very mixed and confused.  Dare I say it, I’ve felt a strong sense of homesickness for the first time since Tanzania. I didn’t think it was possible in SA but I think the constant change and the typical backpacker in SA … Continue reading »

Surf’s Up!

But I’m not…(standing on a surf board).  Nor am I trying. I need a surf buddy to learn with. hmmm. Surfing’s about loads of practice and then some more. When the time is right, it will all fall into place : )  Location: Jeffrey’s Bay, aka: J-bay, world renowned surf spot- Supertubes and The point   I … Continue reading »

Living Sustainably… It’s possible!

Location: Bulungula Lodge in the village of Nqineli (nothing else but rondavels-round homes with thatched roofs), hills, ocean and the beautiful Xhosa people) Check out the sustainable lodges website: www.bulungula.com and their NGO- www.bulungulaincubator.org I ended up staying at Coffee Shack in Coffee Bay ( www.coffeeshack.co.za ) for another week after venturing into the town/city … Continue reading »

Get in THERE!

Location: coffee bay at Coffee shack backpackers Headed to: Bulungula- south of coffee bay in a remote area within the Xhosa community. I know I’ve been lacking in the blogging world but computer access and decently priced at that is not always easy to come by when your in rural areas along the coast- wild … Continue reading »

A trek through the rolling hills

Greetings from Coffee bay!   I decided not to stay in the tropical backpackers of Mantis and Moon in Uzumbe and work but rather continue on down the coast to see more of the beautiful wild ocean!  I hoped on the baz bus (what most travelers take in SOuth africa (it’s the easy and safe … Continue reading »