Traveller

Amsterdam Departure

I know it has been awhile.
Been stuck on a ship with very little internet access
and been working WAY too hard.

I have been on the Vision of the Seas
for what was supposed to be 4 weeks ....
turned into 7 ....
I was duped
and I am so glad to be off that ship
Don't get me wrong, most of the crew were great
and I prefer the smaller size ship than the monster I am going to.
It just wasnt for me and I miss Martin so much
and I know he misses me.

and Oslo ..
wow VERY expensive
at TGIF resturant it cost $50 US for a burger and a beer

Hamburg was nice
and Amsterdam is amazing, would love to go back there
and not just for the coffee shops ....

I have a few hundred photos that I will upload soon

I sit at the airport in Amsterdam now, waiting for my 9 hour flight
and enjoying a heineken

Looking forward to the warm caribbean
and hugs :D

Be in touch soon.

Not looking forward to shoes !

It was the moment I packed my flip flops away
That sadness kicked in.
It is going to take some time getting used to wearing shoes again.
Most people wear flip flops around town
or even bare feet.
It's such a laid back vibe, going to miss it

During my third visit to South Africa
I met some great new friends
And enjoyed the company of old friends and family.
A shame that it happens on an annual event
looking forward to the newest addition !!

It was not a trip for exploring and adventure
Just to spend some time off relaxing.
I could still use another 2 weeks for that !!

It would be nice to return and enjoy it all over again

I hope that the social and economic climate brightens
For those who live and work here
The World Cup in 2010 will showcase the country and cities.
Looking forward to seeing some of it on TV.

Thanks to everyone who made this trip wonderful.
Your hospitality and kindness was amazing.

Cheers

Another Year, Another Cape Argus

Okay, so I am not a big bike person
but I do enjoy a pedal experience through
towns and parks and wherever nature shines brightly

Here in Cape Town they held the annual Cape Argus
a VERY long bike ride started by over 35,000 people
Matt Damon even tried it today
In town shooting a movie

Cheers to all who finished
and to those who attempted the feat

The wind was brutal the night before
and the day of the race
you could see the camera people trying to
keep a steady shot for TV
never mind the people on the bikes trying to stay upright

A few of us took the road out of town
into the wine country
and even though only one estate was visited
it was a nice day out
Rickety Bridge was an estate worth the return trip

Franschhoek is a beautiful town that is  a focal point of the area
full of shops, art gallery's and restaurants
A must see when visiting Cape Town

Dinner tonight was in the Cape Quarter again
and another visit to 'Fiesta' for tapas and great company

It was also a reminder of how time is slipping away
and how short our visit has become

Time to sleep though
and hope for another day to enjoy

Outta here Outdsthoorn, C' Ya Again

The time has come to bid adiue to Oudsthoorn.
It was a very nice visit and always good to make new friends
and revisit old ones.
Always good to see family and hope to see them again
Thanks again to Roxanne and Robin
for looking after us and taking such good care.
The Celtic Bushman will always be a home away from home.

A bit of a treasure find was a place called "Upper Deck"
Nice open space with big comfy chairs and sofas
with a large outside deck.
Great bar service and music.

Hot
is now a word I know first hand and very well
38 celsius is way too much.
This town and area reminds me allot of
the Okanogan area of BC, Canada

The road now takes us to Kynsna, just for a night
then back into Capetown.

Outdoor in Oudtshoorn

Oudtshoorn is still a small town
but offers plenty to do.
Restaurants, curio shops and outdoor adventures.
Cango ( or Kango ) Caves, ostrich & balloon rides
wine estates are also nearby, mmmmmmm
De Krans is a favourite.

This visit we decided to see some animals.
Its not a zoo but a rehabilitation park.
The Cango Wildlife Ranch.
Hurt animals are brought there and some
are exchanged from other parks for propagation.

There were 3 lion cubs about 8 weeks old visiting.
Flopping about the grass getting used to their paws.
So cute
Under supervision you could enter their enclosure
and meet them.
I've had the pleasure of playing with much older cubs
on my last visit to South Africa
and it is an experience not to be passed up.
It was Ingrid's time to enjoy
and by the size of the smile, she did.
Eddie got to experience the purr up close
of a couple cheetahs.

The raised walkway through several enclosures
allowed a birds eye views of lions, tigers and cheetahs.
Wasn't sure who was looking at who at times.

Pygmy hippos, meerkats, lemurs and crocodiles
rounded out a pleasant visit.
If you wanted to
you could also cage dive with some crocodiles
no takers on our tour for that thrill.

I can see why anyone would want to experience
these animals in their own backyard everyday

Maybe one day when we stop killing them
for sport and wallets
they will stop eating us and we can all live in peace.