The End

Better late than never...The blog...she is finished.  Only 8 days after ending the trip.  That's not so bad.

The trip was amazing...a once in a life time experience.  Will  we ever go back...doubtful.  Not that it wasn't enjoyable and worthy of another visit but there are so many cool places in the world that we have yet to see. And of course Bob wants to visit some of the places that I've been and he hasn't.  What's next?  Stay tuned until the next time.

Cape Town

Jeffries Bay

Another day...Another Game Drive.

This is day 26 of the trip and we're heading off on yet another game drive.  After 9 drives and 2 river cruises, you'd think we had our fill.  Well frankly we had, but going to Chobe was an opportunity to go to another country, Botswana.  And more, we had been told by some Aussies we ran into that Chobe was the best of the best.  They didn't exaggerate.

Our day didn't start as early as many of the other drives had but then we didn't have to cross an international border to get there before. 

Their version of Home Depot

Just like home.

The vehicle checks were a
bit disconcerting but they
weren't really checking on
buses full of old people.

We boarded our Safari vehicle at the border and headed for the park. Chobe National Park, in northern Botswana, has one of the largest concentrations of game in Africa.  It is the third largest park of the country and is the most diverse.  

Getting ready for the bumps.

Beautifully dry scenery

Our VERY bumpy drive took us through and around the now dry shore of the Zambezi River. Give it just 2 more months and this whole area will be underwater.  In all of our drives this is really the first time that we observed the 'watering hole'  Because of the dryness the animals do head to the water for their mid-day drink.  It is simply amazing to see how many different animals do commingle and come together here.

As it got to late in the morning, we came across huge herds of elephants heading to the water.  Their traverse crossed our path more than once and it was quite amazing to see the little ones, some of which were estimated to be only 3 months old. While we would have loved to sit and watch them, we were promised that we would be even more amazed on our afternoon boat ride when they were actually IN the water. 

Marabou Stork - reported to be one of
the 13 ugliest animals on the planet.

Our only hyena sighting.

Sable Antelope, an uncommon sighting.

Again, my fav.

Heading to the beach.

Just a few of the thousands of elephants here.  It is
estimated that there are over 100K here and the
preserve has definitely reached its carrying capacity.

After a scrumptious lunch that included a taste of Nile crocodile, we headed out to the water for a totally different view.  In the heat of the afternoon we saw more of the same and a few new critters as well.

Nile Crocodile

Cape Buffalo

Hippos and Spoonbill 

Monitor Lizard

A Day of Rest

Our second day in Zimbabwe was a day of options that we chose to ignore.  We could have taken a cab to the market...more shopping...no.  Gone on the optional Elephant Ride...no.  Or taken a helicopter flight over the falls.  While we had planned on that, it just didn't seem as appealing when it came right down to it.

Spend most of the day being lazy, and basking at the pool as this was the only time we had been in warm enough weather to warrant it.

Just one of the pools.  There were 4 of them
with pool service and monkeys.

The entire length of the hotel hallways
had these beautiful rock structures and
waterfalls.  Noisy!!! Luckily they turned them
off at night.

Late afternoon we embarked on the Zambezi River Sundowner Cruise.  This was a wonderful 2 hour cruise which proved to be very relaxing.  Lots of drinks and some great appetizers were served.  No need for another dinner...so off to bed for another big and our last game drive.

And yet another border

Our early morning departure from the hotel started us off on another very long day of travel.  Only 20 minutes to the airport, eating a boxed breakfast on the bus was just one of the many LOW points of the day.  Have I mentioned before what the Johannesburg airport is like?  Not only that it is very large but also that the customs and immigration lines are long and complicated.

Almost life size model of
Nelson Mandela all done in
beads...tiny beads.

Without going into long boring detail, suffice it to say...2 hour wait at Cape Town airport for a 2 hour flight from to Johannesburg...followed by C and I and a 2 hour wait in the airport for another 2 hour flight to Zimbabwe, does not make for a very happy camper.

They do have rhythm.

BUT...arrived in Zimbabwe for yet another C and I check.  The cute young dancers outside of the airport did help to add a little relief and entertainment. Note...it is HOT in Zimbabwe.  Temperature 95 and rising over the next couple                                            of days.

Short trip to our hotel...drop off luggage...off to Victoria Falls.  Time 4pm.  Why go there now? Because the late afternoon sun peeks through the watery mist making the most beautiful rainbows.

Arriving there only 10 minutes away on the short bus, we were assaulted by the many vendors.  There tactics put the vendors at the China Dollar Market to shame.  Prices for carved stone animals that started at $50 Us quickly came down to only $8 US.  Wonder where these jewels were made.  Of special note...Zimbabwe doesn't have it's own currency. They will use the SA Rand but much prefer the American Dollar and everything is typically quoted in that.

Our first view.  Twice as tall at Niagara and wider as well.

Once again we lucked out.  This time of year when the
water is low you can actually see the falls.  Other times,
there was just too much mist in the air for clear viewing.

We walked along the shore viewing the falls from the many lookouts that were provided.  The path is more than 3 miles and with the high temperatures which we were not accustomed to and the long day of boring travel, we just didn't feel like walking the whole way.  We made a valiant effort, walking most of it then heading back to the coffee shop for a cold drink and feeding a few Vervet monkeys.

Returned to hotel for dinner with the Krahmers.  Not finding the food prices here much to our liking after the very cheap food in SA.  Hamburger and fries...$13.50 and not very good.  I asked for a vodka martini and the drink I got was about an ounce of vodka and an ounce of vermouth served in a Tom Collins glass.  Yuck...Think I'll go to bed.

This little mama loved peanuts.  But she never took her eyes
away her surroundings as she blindly grabbed for peanuts.

Don't know what these were but you know I
love my flowers.

Our final REGULAR Day - September 15

So today is the final day in Cape Town before our group splits up...half going home and half going off to Zimbabwe.  So how better to spend the day than...Road Trip.

South Africa is growing in notoriety for it's wine growing  Much like the coast of California the climate is perfect for many varietals.  We learned that every varietal is grown here, including a Pinotage that is a cultivar developed just for SA.  Our trip through the wine-producing region was interrupted by a brief stop at the quaint historical town of Stellenbosch.

Somewhere along the line it occurred to me
that we hadn't been visiting many churches.

Stellenbosch dates back to 1770's, having been developed by the Dutch East India Company.  Varied architecture is viewed walking around the city but it all reflects the Anglican, Dutch past.  As a touristy stop, the town abounds with quaint hand-craft shops, galleries and museums.

Stunning altar truly doesn't show
 in the pix.

Many stunning stained
glass windows. 

The juxtaposition of art and life.

Chicago could adopt this.  

The offer of free shipping was mighty tempting.
But where would be put a 2 foot elephant?

Not grapes yet.

Onward to SpierWine Estate for a quick walk on the grounds and some tasting.  Not a very dynamic stop, the wine-tasting was still interesting and we picked up a few new details while tasting the crisp whites and hearty reds.  The pinotage was an interesting varietal but will nee more 'at-home' research to determine it's true value.

Learning and Discovery.
Oak barrels need to be imported from the US
or France. SA Oak is too soft so the wine leaks out.

A 'sit 'n'sip experience.

Arriving back in Cape Town, we elected to do a little street research on our own.  We had heard of the Green Point Market and the Pan African Market that just cried to be explored.  Taking leave from the group and bus we toured the area for a bit before hailing a cab with a few other travelers back to the hotel.

This 3 story building was a shoppers paradise.

That is IF you like this style.  One floor was enough for us.

This one's for you, Erin.  See I recognize a Djembe
 when I see one.

This is Cape Town?  You could almost pass this off
as a European street scene.

 As our final night together, we had a farewell dinner at the top of the Ritz Hotel.  This lovely rotating dining room on the 22nd floor provided us with 360 degree sunset views over Cape Town.  This beautiful city is even more engaging when the lights come on.

On the menu...Kudu.  Nope it doesn't taste like chicken but rather a very fine, lean cut of beef.

Add caption

No stalling on the trip tonight as we leave for the airport at 4am to fly to Johannesburg and then Victoria Falls.  Have to say good-byes tonight as it is doubtful that that not going on the extension will be rising to say send us off.

Cape Town - Day 2 -September 14

Our first stop was a private home in Hout Bay.
John, our program director invited us in to meet
his cat, Mr Festus.  This is the view from his front lawn.

Ready..set...go and another long day on the bus. This time off along the Cape Peninsula, heading to the Cape of Good Hope. We have been very lucky to have exceptionally good weather...no rain...nice temperatures and plenty of sunny days.  It all makes for a good trip and great pix.

And facing back, this castle, a replica of one
in Lichtenstein, greets us.

High on a cliff  above the Cape Peninsula

Train transportation is very important as almost
no one lives, only works in Cape Town.
What a beautiful ride along the ocean from Simon's Point 

Didn't see any of these critters very often.

Our reception committee was a group
of young girls entertaining while
we took advantage of some more
retail therapy.

These adorable little critters were there by the hundreds.
Mama birds could be spotted sitting on nests too.

Heading along the way we stopped at Mariner's Wharf for a delicious lunch. This former fish market is now tucked away and overlooks the water.  A unique serving of hake, wrapped with bacon and skewered was enjoyed by Bob.

Yummmmm.

While it is usually difficult to stay awake after lunch the area that we were driving through was too spectacular to miss and we were wide awake.

The plaque says it all

This is the NEW lighthouse atop the mountain.
Too many long steps for these tired knees.

Beautiful flowers and birds graced the mountain top.

The funicular is about a 5 minute ride. 

And finally we arrived.  Lines of folks just waiting to take
the 'once in a life time' picture.

Beautiful blue water everywhere.