South Africa 2015 - Take Aways

South Africa 2015 - Take Aways

This is a bulleted list of some revelations we had during our trip to the country on the right.

In no particular order but divided by locale… a recap. Enjoy!

Johannesburg, South Africa

• Due to my err in carefully looking at the itinerary, we did not stay as planned in this town
• The OR Tambo International Airport, and process of taking care of guests definitely needed some attention.  
• Plenty of options for eating and shopping.
• Seriously, bused to and from the planes?
• Seriously, we walked 5k steps from one terminal to the other (I counted via my Fitbit).
• Airport Craft Brewers (ACB) beer was pretty dang tasty, each of the three four times we landed there.
• Airport security was just that, people making money to make you take stuff out your pockets.
• I didn't feel safe, but I didn't feel in danger either.
• I didn't have to take my shoes or belt off, and still felt safe.
• We had to go through security each time we went from terminal to terminal.
• People watching at this airport was pretty excellent.

Zulu Nyala, South Africa (aka Hluhluwe, KwaZulu Natal)

• Renting a car is easy, even if you reserve it in a different town, like Durban (a mere hour plus away).
• Hertz took good care of us by changing the reservation, which made me thank them very much.
• GPS devices are very nice, since our US phones couldn't do data over there without charging us a mortgage payment in fees.
• They drive on the wrong (left) side of the road.
• Cows and goats are free range (no fences).
• The Big 5 and Magnificent 7 are fenced in with electric fences.
• NO such thing as free range wildlife, as we know it.
• They are called ‘preserves’ - as in preserving the wild from poachers (aka reserves).
• Or so they say…
• Impalas and Nyalas still roam free (nobody wants them as target practice).
• The game drives were fun, no matter the size of the pre/reserve. 
• Its all about the guide and his/her radio on what game you got to see.
• Tips were only supposed to be 10%, but we tipped 20%.
• We were LOVED at Zulu due to tipping practice!
• Zulu felt like home, mostly due to all the Americans that were there.
• This made for a nice break in period in a different country.
• Nyala is pronounced “In-Yeah-La” not “Nie-Al-Ah” as previously thought.
• We never, ever, never had a bad meal at this lodge.
• We never, ever, saw a male lion or a leopard in these parts, which saddened us.

Richards Bay, South Africa

• Beer in the bay at Jacks was R11.50, which at the time equated to $0.80US each for a 500ml.
• 500ml = 16.907oz.
• I liked Richards Bay.
• Massages were R400 for 60 minutes, which at the time, equated to $30US.
• I loved Richards Bay.
• WiFi was plentiful by just asking the bar lady what the password was.
• The Protea Waterfront hotel was quite nice.
• I want a bathroom in my house just like we had in this hotel.
• The Protea Waterfront hotel only passed out 500mb chits for WiFi use per day.
• I got three or four said chits each day because the front desk liked us.
• They loved what we call classic rock.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

• The leaders changed the currency in 2009 from the Zimbabwean dollar to the US dollar.
• http://www.rhinoafrica.com/victoria-falls/currency
• They charged for things like beer, food, and attractions like we were in New York City.
• Sorry NYC, but you gouge too, at least in Midwest terms.
• One of the seven wonders of the world, Victoria Falls, was ominous, fantastic, mysterious, and just plain freakin awesome.
• Zambia River splits Zimbabwe and Zambia and while on a cruise, you can see the difference (not really, but you could feel it).
• I never got tired of seeing hippos in the water, birds on the trees, or crocs sunbathing on the shore.
• After eating in the bush, I gained a new respect for animals - the ones that eat you as well as feed you.
• We still never, ever, saw a male lion or a leopard in these parts, which saddened us, again.
• Even after canceling our Boma dinner for another game drive just to see one of each.
• We still saw some elephants where one got pissed and acted like it wanted to charge our jeep.
• The locals are high pressure sales people once outside of the confines of the hotel.
• They are like clickers in Las Vegas (yes, that bad).

Cape Town, South Africa

• This was the most pleasant surprise of the trip.
• We had no expectations of this town, but absolutely loved it.
• So much, we could see ourselves living here (at least Rob could).
• I felt like I was in San Francisco on steroids and visa versa (I heard it both ways).
• We weren't big on the wine thing, but we still did the tours due to the beauty of the country.
• Whilst in Rome… (do as the Romans do).
• Sonoma and Napa took second place, in our opinions.
• People are extremely nice here.
• The Cape of Good Hope was a great experience.
• Shark diving rocked better than expected.
• We felt very safe, but cold in the ocean.
• I know why they call them wetsuits now.
• Apartheid ended over 30 years ago in South Africa, but it was still felt there.
• Townships aren't slums, as I was corrected many times.
• I felt sick to my stomach while touring the townships.
• I felt welcome while touring the townships.


Overall

• NYC to Jberg flight better-than Jberg to DC flight (note to self).
• We checked out of work pretty much right after we boarded the first plane.
• We watched very little TV while overseas.
• We listened to very little radio while overseas.
• We didn't miss either very much.
• We didn't track the Royals or Chiefs like normal while overseas.
• We still loved the Royals and Chiefs, but didn't care if they won or lost nearly as much.
• We quickly cared once we returned home.
• We learned - A LOT about African countries, not just South Africa or Zimbabwe. A LOT!
• South Africa is freakin huge, not to mention the other 53 countries that make up Africa in total.
• We missed our family, friends, neighbors, and home while gone - very much.
• We still haven't checked in to work on the day prior to be going back.
• I saw some things that I could only imagine, both good and bad.
• I still love the USA, more than any country.
• South Africa comes in a nice second, so far.
• I have a new found respect for my country and the freedom it has provided me.
• I have a new found hatred to the capitalistic bastards that make this country one of the most selfish in the world (not the worst, but how can I buy a beer for $0.80 in SA but not in US?).
• Ok, bastards was a little tough, but jesus, it doesn't really cost that much for beer, right?
• Poverty in US has nothing on poverty in SA.
• This was a trip of a lifetime.
• We will go back to South Africa, because nobody does something so nice just one time.
• Because we didn't see, do, or experience quite enough of this wonderful part of the world.

South Africa 2015 - September, 18 - 2015 - Travel Day - CPT-JNB-ACR-IAD-MCI

South Africa 2015 - September, 18 - 2015 - Travel Day - CPT-JNB-ACR-IAD-MCI

We woke up without an alarm, much like any other day we had in Cape Town.  The sea breeze was making its way in to our opened up room and the sounds of the waves were pounding the rocks on the shore.  We each took our time on the patio before we packed all our belongings in to suitcases, carryons, and such.  Thing was, we had way more stuff to pack than what we took over.  A set of three hand carved chairs for the grand girls (one each in each suitcase and one as a carry on), a hand carved Noah’s Ark for Scott and Victoria, some shirts for Kathy's mom, Marie as well as Tonya, material for my mom, Jan, and some art for our soon to be themed South African half bathroom.

The plan was to be back to the Cape Town airport by around 1115 AM SAST / 4:15 AM CST so we could drop off the car and get checked in to South African Air for our day plus voyage.  The trip was to be Cape Town to Johannesburg (more on that drama later) to Accra Ghana (more on that drama later), to Washington DC Dulles (more on that great experience later), and finally to Kansas City International (home sweet home).  The CPT-JNB-ACR-IAD-MCI first flight began at 1330 SAST / 6:30 AM CST and only took a couple of hours to get to Jberg, where we waited for the next flight.  Security at Cape Town International was pretty straight forwards. Matter of fact, that happened to be our favorite airport in Africa during our visit due to the ease of use and up-datedness (is that a word?).

We landed in Jberg without any incident and were bused in off the tarmac…  But realize and imagine 300+ airplane passengers being lined up cattle style to board the busses as they came to the area. It was what it was, but I was pretty glad that was the last time that we had to do that type of transfer.  The “fun” didn't start for a bit, but we were able to navigate through (the first) security line without issue.  We were able to find the bar from our first and second visits to JNB, so we partook again, as a celebration somewhat. 

Our next stop was gate A15, which was the gate that was to take us to Accra Ghana.  However, prior to being allowed in our gate area, we were asked to line up again for another security line. This time, they lined us up in male and female lines.  As we proceeded through the lines, we were asked to remover our shoes (which we didn't have to do in the initial security line), receive a pat down (which we didn't have to do in the initial security line), and have a thorough carry on inspection (which we didn't have to do in the initial security line).  They blamed it on the US and the TSA, but we feel a little different about it - I digress, for now. 

We entered the now-secure-gate area only to learn that there was a “mechanical issue” with the plane.  Great.  As we waited for around thirty minutes past our original boarding time, they began pre boarding of around us 300+ passengers.  What a hoot so far. We got on the plane and did what cattle people do once in their place and proceeded on our now 18+ hour ride to the US of A, via Accra Ghana, which was another hoot.  Once we got on and settled, the flight attendants shot some kind of cloudy disinfectant in to the air to ensure we didn't have cooties or something (it was for airborne diseases really, I think).

A few movies and some free dinner and drinks later (US is so money hungry compared to SAA), we arrived in Accra Ghana somewhere in the night time (it was dark out).  We had around an hour to be there to disembark some passengers and embark some others, as well as gas up and get the cabin clean.  The (more) fun came when they had security get on the plane and ask us to all stay seated.  After a bit, they then asked us to clean out the overhead bins of our carryons and still remain in our seats.  I asked, “How in the **** do we do this?”  So I got my stuff, put it in my seat and laughed a little, thinking - there is no ******* way we could sit in the seats with our stuff.  No way.  So, I stood as the gestapo security came through the cabin while the cleaners were cleaning and the pilots were hiding and the microphone was telling us to do one thing for a second then one different thing the next.  We rolled our eyes and just waited for the handcuffs because we weren't doing what we were supposed to.

After about an hour, we were back on our way with Ghana folks and others out and new people in - bound for the DC, baby!  This was the leg where not much happened other than a little sleep and some more movies.  Breakfast was served with around two hours prior to landing at DC, which worked out pretty nicely. However, the french toast was more like german sour kraut on warm soggy bread and bacon.  Well, at least the bacon was good.  We then tossed down a couple of coffees each, which was very strong (and good). 

Great landings were a plenty on this trip and DC was no exception.  The landing was near perfect, or at least I thought.  It was likely due to being back in the states, but you know what I’m saying… We then disembarked (I don't know why, but that sounds cool when saying it out loud) and moved over to the shuttle tram thingy where we were transported over to USA Customs and TSA security (again).  Reminder, we have now been checked for security once in CPT, twice in JHB, another time in ACR, and now twice-ish in IAD.  This **** is fun, eh!?!?  However, the customs line was actually pleasant due to the new and improved customs custom.  TSA wasn't too bad either. Once we passed through each, which was around 30 minutes in total, we headed to the next gate which was for home sweet home.  But first, we had to get a beer. Surprised?  Bonus session, I found a bar in the airport that had Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, which is some sweet nectar from the gods in the great state of KY that contains around 8.2% alcohol by volume per serving.  Salute!  After a couple of those for me and a Sam Adams Octoberfest for Kathy (they didn't have Bud Light, Mich Ultra, or any other domestic worth drinking), we headed to the gate to get to the 816.

A small plane was ok, as we were headed back home.  We had an uneventful flight and were greeted at the curb by my mother, Jan.  She also had more beer in a cooler, which is how we roll, which you should know by now.  The plan was to go home and catch up for a bit then head to Rancho Grande for a welcome back, where a bunch of KC friends joined us for some Mexican and half price margaritas.  Lots of margaritas!

After safely arriving at home via a designated driver (or so they said) around 3:30 PM CST, we perched in our recliners and started watching some college football.  I think we woke up around 9 PM to head to bed and then I got up around 5 AM and Kathy around 6 AM.  Yeah, we needed the catch up sleep, after a mere 30ish hour airport and plane ride journey (sans time change).

As I sat and wrote the catch up blogs (Sharks, wine tour, and our fearsome trip home), we were visited by many loved ones.  Scott and Victoria with Olivia and Clair came over.  Kathy mom Marie stopped by with her new (to her) Nissan Rouge to say hi.  My mother, Jan, came over to bring a test pillow case dress to size with the girls.  Tonya came over to eat leftover breakfast.  My aunt Bridget came over to deliver a couple steaks and twice bakers with a case of domestic beer and we sat in the driveway enjoying the 70* f weather.

Life is good.  Life is good.

South Africa 2015 - September, 11 - Victoria Falls to Cape Town

South Africa 2015 - September, 11 - Victoria Falls to Cape Town

A few days ago, we were told that our 10:30 AM SAST flight from Zimbabwe to Johannesburg was changed to 9:30 AM.  No reason why, but we soon found out that Zimbabwe does what they want to do…  That meant a 7:30 AM SAST pick up, 15 minute drive to the airport, and around an hour wait in line in order for the 1) gate agents to show up, 2) gate agents to get the systems up (they were down for a bit), and 3) pay another fee of $50US each to the records dude for an airport fee or something or another.  One thing I have learned about this country, they like the US dollar.  $30US to get in the country and $50US to get out, and they only take cash.  The other thing - nobody is in a hurry and they couldn't understand the word efficiency.  I digress (about that anyway).

We finally sat down at 9:00 AM to await our boarding to the plane to notice that the plane had not even arrived yet.  It finally got there around 9:10 AM, which meant a 9:30 AM flight was nearly impossible.  Fast forward 30 minutes, we were taxiing on the runway about to take off.

Another surprise was taking a detour to JM Nkomo airport in Zimbabwe, I thought to make us pay more fees or something like that. But turned out, it was to pick up more passengers to go to J’berg.  Fun times once they sprayed the obnoxious spray all the way down the aisle to disinfect the plane.  I guess that was due to the passengers that just got on?!?!  Pee-ewwwww!

The next escapade was circled around going to get our bags after clearing customs (no fee in SA) and attempting to get our boarding passes with South African Airlines, which trip case clearly stated it was ticketed through.  However, once we got to their check in desk, they assured me that I needed to find Mango Airlines, since that is who they contracted to do the ride.  Oh boy!  Off to find another where’s waldo in the J’berg mess of an airport.  After asking two different porters (that wanted tips), we finally found Mango and got our orange colored boarding passes.  With around an hour to spare, we sought out beer for a handsome reward for all the (not real big) issues we had.

Mango Airlines reminded me a lot about Southwest Airlines in the states.  737 plane, 3 seats on each side of the aisle, and filled to the brim.  Issues were, we were issues exact seats, which didn't happen to be together, but just one row apart and nothing was free - not even pop or water (or beer, like on SAA).  I was stuck between a 20-something girl that coughed, sneezed, and blew her nose a few times and a business man that outweighed me by around 75 lbs.  Neither of which would let me have any armrest time…  Kathy had a window seat.  The guy next to me read the paper the whole way, so encroaching on my territory for a bit.  I fought back by arming myself with a laptop doing some blog updating and file verification for my photos so that he could tell that he wasn't the most important dick on the plane.  After I got finished with what I needed to, I put my stuff away, bumping in to him as much as I could. A little bit later, Miss Sick blew her nose again and disposed of the tissue in the puke bag. I guess she thought it was a trash bag.  Anyway, she did at least get out her hand sanitizer.  When she opened it, it was pressurized by the cabin pressure and it spewed out all over her hand as well as shot a goober on my upper lip.  She didn't really apologize, but did say it was good for me.  I commented that it didn't taste very good.  She offered me more, but I declined since I had enough on my lip to get both hands nicely covered.  Fun times!

Once we arrived to Cape Town, we didn't have a plan for transportation.  I knew that we had a few days to ourselves, but wasn't sure about renting a car vs getting a cab back and forth.  I flipped a coin (in my head) and proceeded to Hertz to inquire about cars.  The rates weren't too bad for the week, so I pulled the trigger on what I thought was a Toyota Corolla. Much to my surprise, it was a Kia something or another. After checking the paperwork, it turned out that my agent tricked me, but no big deal.  I went over the car to make sure no extra scratches or dents were on the car with the guy that does that stuff with you.  Found a couple new ones and made him document it, since it appears to be a pretty big deal over here.  I got the stuff in the car as well as myself and tried to start it.  Nothing.  Kathy said, it looks like a manual, push in the clutch.  Dammit man, I meant to ask for an automatic like up in Richards Bay.  Oh well, we set the GPS to our condo for the week and headed down the road - only missing a couple of gears.

About the time I got the hang of driving this Kia stick shift-on-the-wrong-side and blinker-stick-on-the-wrong-side, we arrived at our destination.  We were greeted warmly by the GM and owner of the Bantry Bay International in the driveway and attempted to negotiate an off street parking spot.  Everything was reserved, so we parked on the street. No biggie.  We got our bags and headed to the room, which was on the 3rd floor of 6.  Nice studio with a kitchen, fridge, and a kick butt view of the Atlantic Ocean.  It had been quite a day for travel with going from Zimbabwe to whatever that town was to J’berg to Cape Town and driving in rush hour Friday night traffic, so we decided the next stop was a pub we saw close to the condo, called Brians Pub.

We walked down the street to Brians, which was a small dimly lit pub, that had a lot of locals in it around the bar.  We bellied up, ordered a Castle Draught, and just relaxed.  A few regulars were assessing us Americans and we struck up a conversation with them.  Small talk around where we were from, what we are doing in South Africa and other places, what we did, etc, etc.  One of the guys, Mark, helped us out with where to go, what to do, based on our current itinerary.  He suggested a few spots, especially dinner, which we took him up on after  few beers.

We ended up eating at this italian spot, called Goloso, that served mostly pasta dishes.  They had another place across the street where one can get pizza.  Kind of odd if you ask me, but hey, whatever works.  We each ordered, ate, and decided it was a long enough day.  We headed home and crashed, since the next day was to be a long one driving the peninsula with a driver/tour guide.