South Africa

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Today was only a short drive over the border into South Africa. I liked South Africa straight away as we didn't have to fill out any immigration forms and it was sunny! :) We got to our camp and then a few of us went kayaking down Orange River. Once Sarah and I were in the rhythm it was really great fun. The only downside were the annoying flies that kept biting us! That evening the camp cooked dinner for us - roast lamb on a spit!
The next morning was the long drive to our final destination: Cape Town! The scenery was spectacular on the way and we arrived around 5pm. Then we checked into our lovely hotel. We had been upgraded! Woohoo! There was TV, showers and baths! There was even a minibar! Then we all met for our last dinner as a group! :( We went to a place called Mama Africa and I had a traditional South African dish called Bobote. It was Ostrich and Beef mince covered with egg custard. A bit like cottage pie but with a twist! It was good. Then we said goodbye to everyone! :( It was sad times. After we went out to an Irish pub! They get everywhere!
The next morning we said goodbye again to people that were leaving. A few had plans to climb Table mountain but when we woke up, you couldn't even see the mountain! Peter, Sarah and I, instead headed to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. It was a bumpy boat journey there but well worth it. The guides were excellent and we were shown round the prison itself by an ex political inmate. We then met the other Sarah at the waterfront and went for lunch before deciding to check out Table Mountain. The weather had cleared up so we took the chance. There had been plans to hike up but we soon changed our minds and took the cable car! The views were awesome and we even had a coffee at the cafe at the top. That evening we met up with a few people remaining in Cape Town and sampled some Ethiopian cuisine! We had to eat with our hands and it was really good fun. Plus the food was delicious.
The next day, Sarah, Peter and I had booked onto a Cape and Peninsula tour. It took us all around the coast surrounding Cape Town and to the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. It was beautiful. We also when to Hout's Bay, where we got to see African penguins, on a seal cruise and to Cape Town's botanical gardens. It was a great day. That evening was my last in Cape Town so we met up for a final meal together. Peter decided to go to the football game: Ajax Cape Town vs Kaizer Chiefs. It was a semi final of some cup. The atmosphere in Cape Town was amazing. I was tempted, but in the end decided to stick with the girls and we went for the best Indian in town! It was fab!
So it is my last day in Cape Town and Africa. I was on my own today as Sarah F had gone to the Peninsula, Sarah and Peter had gone shark cage diving and Brigit and Julia were climbing Table Mountain. I had a long breakfast then checked out of the hotel. Then I headed to the market for some souvenirs and presents to take home. Got some great deals! Then headed to the castle of good hope and then to the waterfront for more shopping! It was a hot day and was just about to buy an icecream when Brigit text me. They had done table mountain and were heading my way. So we met for lunch. I had fish and chips! :) Seafood by the sea. Then it was time to say goodbye again and I walked back to the hotel. Finally found a short, direct route on the day I was leaving! Typical! Spent my last hour sitting by the pool on the terrace writing my journal. I have loved Africa and Cape Town. It's been awesome and I have met some great friends. I am sad it's over but will look forward to my next adventure! :)

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