“Stumped by Africa”
2 months have flown by and we have about 3 weeks left. The months have been filled with amazing experiences, we have re-connected with many of my family and met many lovely people.
What became totally clear very soon was that my thought of sharing our time with everyone who is interested in following along was not going to happen !!!
I particularly wanted to provide a lot of information about the Zulu Nyala Safari Lodge for people who have purchased it as they are starting to plan their trips. BUT…….I have a lot to say and again just do not have the opportunity to get that done.
So……I am not going to keep hoping for some time etc to write and will spend days at my desk back home on September 2nd after I get over jet lag!!!! and will start with Zulu Nyala,
I had posted a quick post on my Facebook explaining no stories, “Stumped by Africa”
Some of my South African friends who live there were concerned people would get the wrong idea about South Africa and added these thoughts which are totally correct.
Those thoughts.
You are making us sound idiotic. Our country is quite progressive and still holds so many attributes. We have Exemplary Education, Art, Culture, Amazing History, unbelievable beaches, wild game that blows your mind, plus live a pretty fine lifestyle. Africa is GREAT!!!! Seriously takes your heart…and always will.
Another friend says
I second that!
One more friend says
Well said! There is only one Africa
So As you read what I write my stumped was all the reasons I couldn't get to adding stories !!!
In South Africa, I am doing the driving and having to concentrate on the wrong side of the road !!! with Ron navigating, so brain dead by evening!!
The roads in Joburg and Cape Town are very good but out in Northern Transvaal now called Mapulalanga, avoiding the hundreds of potholes is the game.
I am visiting with many, many family and friends ( about 45 in total), and by evening brain dead again or just running on.
I can't believe I am actually admitting that I do run on empty as everyone always wonders where I get all my energy!!! Well……….
We are going on tours and to museums and exploring places South Africa has to offer as I remember what was and now is. Everywhere we are reading and absorbing everything like a sponge.
Then Kenya and Tanzania
Amazing countries with magnificent animals, scenery, camps, awesome people, experiences and roads in the game parks that provide what is called “The African Massage “ as you are bounced around all over your seat !!! That is why every safari company has a Land Cruiser that deals with the abuse it gets !!!
There are long drives from Park to Park and the main road in Kenya is crazy with bumper to bumper transport trucks all traveling from Mombasa to African countries with their goods. It was crazy. Thank goodness we were not driving but it was quite something watching Daniel, our guide manage to pass by the skin of his teeth, biting our nails even though we were assured he was on it !!
When we were doing long drives on the roads in South Africa, we were also faced with endless transport trucks with lumber, sugar cane and coal. I learned to drive like a race car driver to get past them!!!
Then in general everywhere, other “reasons/ excuses for being “stumped”
WiFi is very spotty if at all and usually only in reception or the restaurant. There are often just buffers or drops a lot. I regularly started trying to get in the writing and being booted all the time was a challenge !!!
In South Africa, there is Load Shedding, no power for 2-3 hours a day but at least scheduled. Usually in the evenings when I would be home and ready to log on so…..no WiFi.!!
I have also attempted writing notes but stumped again. Carsick or scribbles with all the bumping and weaving.!!
So in answer to my friends, South Africa is an incredible country, has the most magnificent beaches, scenery, vegetation and wild game and so much more. It is now a country for all, so yes, there is a lifestyle that works for everyone in every way in whatever way it does.
So, that's it from me for now, I am giving up trying to share from the road and will share endlessly from the desk back home. Stories, photos and videos of incredible experiences will follow. I personally want to write them all so I can remember what we did. When I am 100 I can look back and “remember when”!!!
KEEP LOOKING !!!