I’m sitting here trying to write this blog when I know I’ve committed the unpardonable crime of blog writing. I’ve left my updates for too long and have felt overwhelmed by how much I need to write which scared me away from writing this blog. And it was only getting worse… So to try and correct my mistake I’m going to have to quickly cover some amazing times.
Giants Playground
Can’t believe I stopped writing here and I’m now in France having to think back. Oops. The playground is actually a massive area of rocks littered around in some fantastic shapes. Unfortunately we didn’t have long to explore (even though some people got ‘lost’ on their way back) but had some rushed fun taking photos.
(playing in the playground)
Fish River Canyon
We left the invisible giants to their games and headed to one of the largest canyons in the world. Again depending on what you were measuring this canyon could compete with the Grand Canyon. Arrived in time for sunset which was very difficult to photograph since the sun set right into our eyes and camera lenses.
(facebook profile photo?)
After another ‘fun’ PFT (Plan for Tomorrow) Meeting it was decided we’d return there for some more sunset photos since it was so impressive. Was nice to see the light hitting from another angle but (and probably going to start a trend for this blog) the photos just didn’t do it justice. Certainly worth a visit if you’re in the area and the 5 day hike would have been incredible. Even had some hot springs at the end of the hike.
As our tour leader said that was our last highlight. We spent two days in a smaller truck since ours couldn’t go into South Africa. Very glad we weren’t cooped up in there for the whole 60 days. It was torture enough for that short time. Had a final meal with the group and was dropped off in an amazing city.
Cape Town
It’s not often my list of ‘Things Still To Do’ in a city is still way longer than my ‘Things I’ve Done’ but Cape Town is definitely a city that can’t be covered in 3 days. Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve been too. It’s definitely a place I want to return to. The food was amazing (not that I had a high requirement after the somewhat monotonous meals we’d been having) and sitting on the waterfront was fantastic.
(view from Waterfront – Table Mountain and Signal Hill on right)
The first full day I got to spend in Cape Town actually corresponded to the 1st day of a Cricket Test Match between Australia and South Africa. It was held at Newlands Cricket Ground which is one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the world. Saw a pretty good days’ worth of cricket with Clarke getting a century. However I missed the history making 2nd day which saw 23 wickets fall in one day and Australia being fairly humiliated…
(cricket ground)
Next day had one of my ‘Top 5’ experiences for the whole trip in Africa. Some of the group were going Great White Shark Diving and thought it would be incredible. Words can’t describe how amazing it was to be so close to these massive animals. It’s difficult to explain how the shark diving works but you don’t need scuba gear and they get incredibly close. After a bit of a mix-up getting picked up we spent the day there. I didn’t get any good photos but I couldn’t implore you enough if you are visiting this area to give this a go. Just take some anti-sea sickness precautions because you are wallowing in the sea for over 3 hours.
The final day was spent in Cape Town just wandering around. Wanted to get up Table Mountain but the cable-car wasn’t working due to the wind. Spent the day doing a bit of sightseeing before returning to the hotel for a shower. Headed off to the airport (where my lounge access failed me due to a code-share with Swiss’ cheaper cousin) and boarded the night flight back to London.
London
Arrived in London City Airport after a quick stop over in Zurich to find the DLR not working… Finally got to my old London flat to catch up with friends (after a quick and much appreciated afternoon nap). The two days in London turned out to be a gastronomic delight with all my favourite restaurants being visited including nitrogen ice-cream.
Had a relaxing weekend which disappeared way too quickly and on Monday was on the Eurostar to join some friends for a European adventure.
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