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, 10 - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

South Africa 2015 - September, 10 - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

So at the Kingdom Hotel, breakfast is complimentary for guests.  Naturally, we had to check out the breakfast bar, since we were 1) hungry, and 2) free!  This breakfast bar had more food on it that I have ever seen.  Well, with the exception of the huge buffets back home that is.  I think my favorite parts of the breakfasts over here is the bacon.  Yeah, it comes from wort hogs, but holly molly, it is good and they serve a lot of it!

We were picked up for the Victoria Falls walking tour by our tour guide, Peace, from Wild Horizons.  Wild Horizons appeared to be one of the biggest names in Zimbabwe for tours, attractions, and even challenging adventures.  Peace was very knowledgeable of the falls and provided a great experience.  Zimbabwe happened to be in a drought while we were visiting the falls, so the water only came over around 25% of the total area from Zambia via the river Zambezi.  It didn't matter, since we could see the raw power of the water coming over the spots that we stopped.  Each of the 16 stops had its own name, which provided spectacular but very different views of the same areas we walked past.  During the walk, we experienced dryness as well as mist.  What was interesting was when we walked through the treed area next to the biggest part of the falls only to get rained on - from the mist collecting on the tree leaves and dripping down persistently. 

The walking tour lasted about 2 hours in total.  But on the trip, we decided to skip the Boma dinner that was previously reserved by our travel agent and instead go on another safari.  This safari was to be a night drive and a dinner in the bush.  We stopped by the Wild Horizons main office in Zimbabwe and made our purchase.  They said that they would refund the Boma dinner back to my travel agent, but we shall see.  More on the game drive and inner a little later…

Once we were back to the hotel, we went back to the room for a minute to refresh and headed down the path near the back of the hotel to check out the gorge near the falls as well as the swing and zip line area.  There is a restaurant / bar there called Overlook.  On the way there, there are locals trying to sell you all kinds of things like wooden bowls, figurines, and even old currency that is not in circulation any longer (Zimbabwe went US currency years ago).

The gorge reminded me quite a bit of the Grand Canyon back in the states.  We sipped on a couple of beers and ordered the crocodile kabobs to share while taking in the awesome scenery.  We debated going on the swing, but we didn’t.  Instead, we watched a young couple come over and pay their $95US to take the plunge.  Once they got over to the swing area, the latched up and off they went, screaming all the way.  They were swinging in the gorge area for a bit until the workers lifted them back up with a tether tied into a winch.  I guess it was worth it for them.

After trekking back up to the hotel, we had a bit before we were to meet our guide for the safari, so we walked to town to do some souvenir shopping.  And again, we had tourist written all over our face, so the sales guys were out in force.  We ignored and went in to the shops looking things over.  We did find some things for loved ones back home, but I cant say what they are on here because it wouldn't be a surprise for them once we get back.  :)

Earlier in the day, we were surprised by our travel agent getting us a bottle of sparkling wine in celebration of Kathy's birthday.  Since we knew we were going to be tired once we got home from the game drive, we decided to imbibe the lovely gift in our room while cooling down.  You may have read on Facebook that we were only in our underwear and it scared the monkeys off. Only one part of that story is true, you get to decide on that one!  We capped that bottle off and just chilled for a bit, then got ready to hit the road again and look out for the ever elusive male lion.

Once we were greeted by our guide, he took us to the Stanley Livingston Safari Reserve, where we picked up a couple from the chalets and headed out on our drive.  The sun was still shining and the heat was up to around 92*f, so anytime sitting wasn’t very fun, but when driving, the breeze was very nice.  We came across most of the animals we had seen on past safaris, including cape buffalo, impalas, zebras, mongoose, giraffes, monkeys, and elephants.  This park stood at 6 hectares, which is quite big.  The guide said that they had over 60 head of elephant, which we ended up seeing quite a few.  We happened across one group that had a couple of babies with them.  The mom was quite anxious at us being so close, so we moved on.  We drove around for a while until the sun was getting ready to set and then stopped for a beer and a snack right out there int he bush.  I helped an elder dutchman fix his point and shoot, since he could not figure out what he had done.  Just minutes earlier, I helped his wife with letting her know the video recorder that she was shooting with still had the lens cap on it…  oh well, Rob to the rescue!

We got back in to the safari jeep and headed for the area where we were to have dinner.  And yes, it was in the bush too.  We were greeted by the cook and the assistant, who gave us more beer, water, and other drinks before we sat for dinner.  Once seated, we were greeted again with how this deal was going to go down.  First up, soup.  One thing about we've experienced in South Africa and Zimbabwe is that the soup was delicious. This soup was butternut and superb tasting.  Once that was over, we were asked to stand up and go through the make shift buffet line, which had salad, grilled vegetables, potatoes, rice, grilled chicken, and a stew like concoction that had buffalo steak in it.  Of course, we tried everything and again, it was delicious.  after dinner, the hosts suggested we have the dessert, which was a mini apple pie with custard dripped over it.  It wasn't like grandmas apple pie, but wow, it was great.

After being stuffed to the gills, we headed back on the short game drive attempting to spot what we could in the darkness with the guides spotlight.  Not much to be seen, but it was still a calm and peaceful experience - and much cooler.  We were taken back to town in the minivan instead of the jeep due to security reasons.  They dropped us off at the gated Kingdom hotel and we went back to the room to shower and get ready to head out to Cape Town in the morning.  We packed most of our stuff and headed to bed.  Overall, a fantastic day in Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls.  I think next time we visit, the stay will be quite longer with some down time for the awesome pool they have!  Until tomorrow, ta ta!

South Africa 2015 - September 6, Zulu Nyala to Richards Bay

South Africa 2015 - September 6, Zulu Nyala to Richards Bay

All good things must come to an end, or something along those lines.  This day was no exception.  Since we had to check out prior to 1000 AM SAST, we pretty much just woke up, got breakfast, packed up, said some more goodbyes, and tabbed out. After looking at the bill, I had a couple of tip outs to do for the kitchen staff and housekeeper.  Then, I noticed that the suggested tip amounts for all the staff and realized that our guide, Welcome, didn't receive what he should have from us.  So, I had the front desk contact him over at the Game Lodge and they handed me the phone so I could set up a meeting time to throw him another bone!

Once we loaded the bags in to the rental car, we headed over to the Zulu Nyala Game lodge, which is about a 10 minute drive.  We met Welcome right after we arrived, gave him some more cash, some more hugs, and exchanged more thank you’s.  After he left, we toured the game lodge, which is much bigger than the Heritage Lodge with an expansive view over the property. We picked a few rooms out for our next stay and walked around for a bit before heading to Richards Bay.

The drive was uneventful, with the exception of watching Kathy slow-mo record the Eucalyptus trees as we sped past them.  The videos turned out pretty good, but some of the most entertaining points were the people that were walking along side of the road - doing what they do.  We had to set the GPS to our destination hotel, which I am glad we did.  Like any other city that is new, the roads can seem intimidating.

We arrived in Richards Bay around noon.  That is around 2 hours prior to check in, so naturally, we did what we know how to do best - find the bar!   Once we were half done with our first beer, our room became available.  We grabbed another beer for the room and headed up with luggage in tow.  I took a minute to catch up the blog from the day before as well as editing some photos, did my posting, and then we took off to get some lunch.  We landed at Porky’s, which is a bay front restaurant with a fantastic view.


After some grub, we headed to the far side of the bay by foot.  We took in all the sites, but since it was a Sunday, most everything that wasn't a place to eat or drink was closed.  Once we walked most of the area close to the hotel, we headed over to Gimbals, since they had an uncovered patio and some music.  Turns out, the one-man band was playing some very familiar tunes.  The funny part of most of the music that we heard in the bay was classic rock, like Eagles, Tom Petty, Bad Company, and much much more.  The guy wasn't the best, but he was a welcome sound for sore ears, since most of the radio here is talk or slow.

It was getting a bit chilly outside, so we headed back to the room to get some jeans on and then headed to Jack’s, where beers were R 11.50, which equates to about $0.80 US for a 500ml draught beer (about 20ozs).  Their pizzas were even less (see photo below of options and prices).  If nothing else we have learned, beer and food is very reasonable over here.  Bad part is that it takes some pretty good jack to fly over…  After a few beers at Jacks, we headed over to the restaurant next door called Mariners Seafood and Sushi Bar, where Kathy had some California rolls and I had prawns, which were both delicious and satisfying.

As tourists do, we asked questions about different things to do around where we were at.  We asked the barlady about getting out on the ocean and low and behold, she recommended Sandy, who just happened to be sitting at the bar. We talked to Sandy for a bit about arrangements for either Monday or Tuesday sunset cruise.  Kathy also asked about getting her nails filled and we both inquired about massages.  Sandy hooked us up with information needed to obtain each.

Overall, we were trying to figure out the plan for this visit, since we didn't have any plans.  It looks like a St Lucia hippo and gator boat cruise and a dip in the Indian Ocean on Monday, and a sunset cruise on Tuesday.  The massages, Kathy's nails, and whatever else will get mixed in.  Not a shabby day for being a travel day.