My, my, my. Its been ages hasn't it. Been meaning to blog for a while now, but i just seem to find a million other better things to do. During the days of employment, that seem lightyears ago now in retrospect, when i actually had a million other things to do, i found the time to blog conscientiously. Now... tsk. Disgraceful aye.
I'm having the best days of my life. Just how i imagined bumming to be. I shan't go on too much, i don't really wanna make anyone jealous ;)
My holiday to South Africa was amazing with a capital A! From the breath taking scenery to the once in a lifetime experiences with the wildest of animals, the whole trip had me shaking my head in awe from start to end. Imagine driving by a regular road in Capetown and seeing a looming mountain on your left, and a vast blue green ocean on your right- both at the same time. Rich in wildlife, culture and all things beautiful, South Africa is really a dream holiday destination.
The Game reserves (safaris) were my absolute favourite, i got up close and personal with animals i never dreamt i'd see out of the zoo or discovery channel! 8 lioness, eyeing us in our open jeep, while they roamed the wild, walking right past us- i'd have reached out and given it a pat had my hands not been shivering with fear. A buffalo, with horns that looked every bit as strong and mean as the owner himself, looked at us menacingly before retreating into the thick bushes. Rhinos, grazing the grass so close, oblivous to our presence. One walked right past our jeep, i even managed a close up of its massive bum :) I fell in love with the lanky yet graceful giraffes- who adoringly peeked out of the tree they were eating out of, just to say hello to us curious onlookers. The wildebeest, also known as the gnu, wandered the safari in abundance together with the impalas, kudus and other members of the deer family- the lions' McDonald's as they're fondly referred to. And those were just to name a few. It was animal paradise, up close and dangerous, just how i like it. We stayed over at the safari for a night, and our room was literally in the wild. There was a little balcony and we realised in the morning that it overlooked the thick jungle that was beneath us. Of course we were given strict instructions to stay indoors at night, coz you never know what might greet you at the door otherwise, not that i'd have minded, but i didnt wanna take chances ;). Our morning ride started at 6am so i even caught sunrise- the one thing that is consistently stunning no matter which part of the world you might be in.
Horse Riding- an activity i've loved ever since i can remember was also something i indulged in while in Africa. Riding in the middle of nowhere, but which felt like i was everywhere all at the same time; through the vineyard, crossing streams, venturing dangerous terrain- up and down slopes, looking up to see the clear blue sky cradled by the mountains. I was brought closer to nature than i'd bargained for, on horseback. What more could i ask for. I chanced upon the riding stable and as luck would have it there was a group setting out just about the time i came in. So just like that, i went off with a group of 4 others and a guide, all of us on our own horses. I'd consider myself an amateur, so i was a little nervous coz you never know when the horse might decide it was tired of you, and throw you off or something whacked like that. But all went well, my horse was the sweetest thing and we all had fun trotting, cantering and just soaking in as much of the beautiful atmosphere as we possible could. My idea of the perfect hour.
Other experiences of a lifetime include visiting a cheetah and lion ranch where i actually got to pat the cubs! Well the cubs were about 7 months old in both ranches, so they were already quite big but they were as docile as house cats. The cheetah purred away while i stroked her, and the lion cub sat silently while i looked into his eyes and patted his head. Truly every bit as amazing as it sounds. We also took a boat out to seal island- a huge rock about 15 mins from shore which housed about 500 seals! We watched them, as some basked in the sun while others showed off their latest stunts in the water. They were totally unbothered by us, although some looked like they were putting on a show just for our viewing pleasure!
