Greetings from Africa! I’m alive and doing well. (Although, I did accidentally swallow about a liter of a muddy African river a few days ago, but more on that later). Starting out on this trip, I honestly thought I’d find wi-fi hotspots in the hostels we would be staying at and maybe even at the bush camps, which are pretty substantial. But guess what I discovered? Africa, is not like midtown Manhattan! Who knew? If you’ve written to me and I haven’t responded, I’m trying, I promise. I am currently in Durban, South Africa, which is a real city where getting
Full Text Entry: South Africa / Mozambique
Somebody is excitedWe came around a bend and were suddenly surrounded by elephants. We turned the engine off and just let them do their thing. After a couple of minutes we were in the middle of a group of over 20 of the
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Photo 27One of the mammals in this picture is closely related to the ass.
The RhinoWe were quite lucky with a number of rhino spottings. Of all the animals, I think the rhino was the most exciting. They almost look fake. They are enormous. On our bush walk we encountered a few, whic
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Photo 31I'm still not sure why Dave decided to pull his socks up that day. Dave, care to comment?
BaboonThese baboons are often found near the road. Every once in a while he'll up look at you like, "What the hell is your problem?"
Baobab TreeIn African lore, after creation, all the animals were given a tree to plant and the hyena planted the Baobab upside down.
Photo 35"As long as you're back there, you mind scratching my back?"
HipposI do believe, these are the "hungry hungry" variety.
Morning Bush WalkOne morning, we took a bush walk with two armed guides. Everyone was decked out in their safari gear, with boots, and pants, and supplies, but notice the two guys in stripes. They were from Amsterdam
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Safari DrivingOne night we barbecued, or "braid," as they say in South Africa, with a local guide named Peter. He asked if we had been drinking as we drove around the park.
Ed: Wait a minute? You can drink and d
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LionThis is my sweet photo of one of the lions we saw. Ok, you will just have to believe me. I was too busy watching him to take any good photos.
For You BenThis photo is dedicated to Ben Wines. Ben, this is actually a sunrise, not a sunset, but I thought you would still appreciate it.
Young HyenaDon't let that cute face fool you, those things are vicious.
VusiVusi was our guide on a few drives. He knew every fact on every animal and plant, every call, every behavior pattern, and he could spot animals like no other. He was the man.
GiraffesOf the herbivores, there are grazers and browsers. Grazers eat grass, browsers eat leaves. Giraffes are browsers. Bet you didn't know that.
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Send Private MessageFantastic photos... Loved the comment from Tazia.. "how do you manage such a lifestyle"...I'm jealous as we're stuck here in our little cubicles. Good for you to take life by the horns. Enjoy, keep the blogs coming.
wow, ed. you seem to have inherited your father's talent for writing, and for that we are all grateful! i look forward to reading more accounts of your travels. stay safe!
-sarah
Sounds amazing, glad you are having a great time. Can't wait to hear about your first day of surfing, oh and by the way don't get discouraged, you will be shredding in no time!!!!!!!!!!
Ed-
Looks great. i've heard rumors of Merrill offering packages. Maybe I should take it and meet up with you.
In the African rest-stops, does tapping your foot into someone else's hole mean the same thing there as it does here? i know you must've found out.
Keep these blogs coming whenever you can, I'm off to San Fran tomorrow and will send you some pictures myself.
-Mitch
1. Tell Thomas (or the next person that mentions it) that Africa is already ruled by a woman. Her name is Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia.
2. Vegetarians are overweight if they eat a lot of cheese, pasta or anything high in carbohydrates.
3. Photo 27 reminds me of Lattarulo. Doesn't it look like him?
ed - great stories..... africa is pretty spectacular, i want to see some surf photos from durban next blog. your climb to table mountain and out to the southern tip of africa to the cape of good hope in cape town will be spectacular, watch out for the one armed baboons! in the states....?...hillary and obama still getting fired up and the pope visits ny tomorrow. ahh, it's boring over here compared to your adventure, live it up.
I agree with Thomas, Die hard is better than the sequal.
From 1010wins...A-Rod and Johan: Soon to be neighbors? A-Rod and Johan Santana both bought a condo in the same luxury building overlooking Gracie Mansion. John Montone: Will they get along? Yankees Fan: It doesn't matter. As long as the Yankees are on top. John Montone: A-Rod bought the penthouse suite. Yankees Fan: There you go. Santana is probably on the ground level or basement which is where the Mets will finish at the end of the season. [Talking Smack or Talking Trash?]
So you are telling me there aren't any Bob's Big Boys?
It is a good thing to get connected with your inner filth. Enjoy it! We are back in NYC in the obligatory world of clean clothes. Your blog is great- really getting a feel for what you are up to and embracing the locals. Any chance you'll be headed to Liberia at any point? I have a good friend there from NYC if you want a connection. Cheers! Keep 'em coming. Sarah
doctor, so are you telling me it would be a bad idea to go for a run after work through Joburg??? gotta love Maputo, "things don't get done on time, they get done when they get done..." love it....
Thanks for such a colorful and thorough description of what you are doing. I felt like I was there with you while reading it. Be safe and Have fun They only sound mutually exclusive.
It sounds like you had a magic time in this neck of the woods. That's why we stay here. Yes you can take a run through Joburg - its not THAT bad. Durban is better - more laid back and we have the sun and the beaches. Everyone should experience it.
It seems that this Tazia is very mature and sophisticated for her age. What was your maturity level when you were at that age...throwing temper tantrums at your parents for not taking you to Disney World?
