The Last Day with African Trails

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June 20th

The last day in the truck. The last day on the tour with African Trails. What a long journey and amazing journey it has been. I can’t believe it’s already been 7 weeks, it seems like yesterday I was at Karen Camp in Nairobi meeting Farron and Nico, Xuxa and Rachael. I guess the saying is true, time flies when you’re having a blast!

My day started as most did with African Trails, a cup of hot tea while wiping the sleep from my eyes. We all jumped on the truck, albeit a bit behind schedule, and headed for Cape Town. Most of the drive I avoided thinking about it being my last time driving in our mobile home, I sat with Mitch in my lap and a beanie that Nicio had given me to sew into Mitch’s head. The final product was finished as we were pulling into the South African World Cup city. In front of us was Table Mountain in all it’s glory, the sun shining it in a scene that looked like a post card.

We arrived at Ashanti Lodge an hour or two before lunch and unloaded our things from the truck. Stunned and realizing the tour was over and trying to figure out our next moves was somewhat a challenge and new feeling. After figuring things out and making our plans we said our goodbyes to David and Kelly, who were heading to a family member’s place. The rest of us got together and headed for a lunch at Nando’s, a very popular South African semi-fast food place.

After the group ate we walked down the famous Long Street of Cape Town. We headed for the world cup ticket centre so that Nicio and Farron could pick up their tickets for the next day’s match. With tickets in hand we headed for the V and A Waterfront, a popular place with tourists. The gang had a bit to eat at Spurs and afterwards we headed to a small but packed amphitheatre to watch Paraguay play Slovakia. While we were there I found a few England fans were putting up a huge flag for all to see. I was impressed to see the Villa also getting some attention!

Paraguay ended up winning easily and after the match Wendy, Luke, Hayley, Nicio, Farron and I headed back to Long Street in a taxi. The final destination was the FIFA Fan Fest to watch Italy play New Zealand before heading back to the hostel and getting ready for the big match, Brasil versus Ivory Coast. Upon arriving back to the hostel I met my old friend Kieron who I hadn’t seen since Nicaragua in 2008. We caught up for a bit before heading back down to the FIFA Fan Fest. Goals were scored and beers were drank and many good memories were made.

After the match the eleven of us split up, a few of us heading to the hostel and others continuing their night on the town. Kieron and I had to get back to the hostel to get the rest of my things and then head to his place. It turned out to be a great night and it was awesome to meet back up with a friend I hadn’t seen in years.

Hope you like the photos and post! Until next time…Pura Vida!
-Brendan

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