Mozambique Swaziland and back to South Africa!

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HeyheyheyyyY!!!
I'm back in South Africa after traveling through Mozambique and Swaziland. I loved both countries but they were so different. Mozambique was beautiful tropical beaches with clear aqua blue water.We spent 3 days on the beach staying in dorms. While there I met 4 people from Buffalo! One of them went to Casey Middle School where I went to school. Such a small world. I went on a Ocean Safari with the people from Buffalo and a few people from my tour. I've never gotten sea sick before but within 15 minutes of sitting on the small motor boat with 3 meter waves I was soo sick. By the end of the trip 5 out of the 10 people on the boat were sick. To not feel sea sick we were told to look at the clouds so everyone had their heads up, then we stopped because there was a sea turtle and everyone looked down to see it and was getting sick immediately. Looking back on it I think it was pretty funny.
Once in Swaziland the scenery completely changed. It looked like some places in Europe with rolling farm hills and mountains in the distance. We stayed in beehive huts that were so beautiful. They even had beds and a bathroom which is luxury for me now. While staying there I went horseback riding through the mountains with two of my Aussie friends. After our ride our whole group went ton a village tour and we met the oldest female chief in Swaziland! She told us about their daily life, the roles of men and women and taught us traditional songs and dances. At one point I was dancing with the children a little girl that was about 8 years old took my hand, looked up at me and said "you are my friend". SO CUTE.
Now I am in St. Lucia in South Africa. Last night we all went out to a club (the first one I've seen in Africa) and danced all night. While I was there my friend from home, Chanel, called me. I went outside to speak to her and there were hippos crossing the road right outside the club. So crazy.
Part 3 of the trip ends in 2 days in Durban and then its only 2 weeks until the 52 day trip from Nairobi to Capetown is over. Time is flying by just as expected. I can't believe its been almost 2 months since I left. I miss my family and friends at home but I have really been living in the moment. I don't think about wanting to see people from home but when things remind me of someone or I think someone would enjoy what I was doing, I wish they could be doing it with me.
All in all I'm loving my year off and am so happy that I made this decision. I have been learning so much about history, other cultures and myself.
The times up at the Internet cafe so I'm off to explore the small village that reminds me of Skan. But instead of the lake, theres the Ocean!
xoxoxo
P.S. my cell number is posted on facebook. Its and English number but while I'm in South Africa it is free for me so I can talk for longer times... CALL ME!!!

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Comments

[vSQUARED]

IMAGINE
Imagine the gossip-fest we'll have one day when you finally return! I am SO proud of you caroline. You've got balls bitch. xv2

[Travel South Africa]

Fantastic countries
It sounds like you are having an amazing time! It is a pleasure that you can travel easily between so many different countries - all from the rainbow nation of South Africa. Namibia with its dessert and dunes, Botswana with the amazing Okavanga delta and its famed elephants, Zambia the adrenalin capital with its white water rafting, national parks and mighty Zambezi River, Zimbabwe, with Victoria Falls and Maun and Mana Pools, Swaziland, the tiny kingdom with a big heart, Mozambique, a tropical paradise .... it is a brilliant place to visit

[David Winthrop]

Southern Africa
Hi I too went through southern Africa in 2001 and loved it. Camping out in Botswana, Kenya was an experience to be cherished. And the sights ! Seeing herds of elephants, lions, hippos was amazing. South Africa has so much potential just a shame that as yet doesnt appear to have realised it. J'burg was a frightening place. Only big city I've been too (admittedly near hotels) where there was no one out on the street and the main means of travel between the hotels & shops that were there in the building blocks was via pedestrian bridges overlooking the street. By comparison Cape Town was a great place to visit and no underlying threats to casual passerbys. I've got no idea how many white south african professionals have left SA but think it is a significant number. I know Australia has benefitted immensely from this getting a high calibre of worker coming to Oz. Its just a shame the reason why and perhaps most importantly the loss to SA of their elite workers. I just hope that they have covered their human losses and that the rumours of corruption, unethical behavior, backhand deals are just that - unfounded rumours with no substance or factual backing Dave