Blogs from Western Cape, South Africa, Africa

Once Durban had me nice and relaxed, it was time to move onto my final destination, Cape Town. Cape Town was the first city discovered by Europeans in search for a passage to India, and what a city it is. Immediately as I was picked up and taken to my hostel, I was captured by it's amazing landscape. I was introduced to Table Mountain and we continued into the city, the vibe had me feeling like I was in a dryer Vancouver with a more Afro-European twist. The cities Dutch and English heritage was definitely felt while driving down some of the streets. I checked into my hostel, The Backpack, and was impressed with the facilities. My mind was blown when I stepped out on the veranda out back and immediately slammed in the face with ... read more

Our holiday has finally started! Well it may seem strange hearing that after several months already in Africa but the fact that we have now hired a car from our final leg of the journey through South Africa is making it a breeze. Not having to get up at dawn with our thumb sticking out towards the road is something that we are not really going to miss at all and it has been a tiring experience but when we look back is will be something we appreciate that. Our last hitching experience was to get to Cape Town from the Namibian border. The moment we have crossed Namibia/RSA border we felt quite unsafe to stand on the road without to have a shelter. But we don’t know if the horror stories about this country we ... read more

Clean up from yesterday. After lunch we went back to the hotel and all got changed ready for the video debriefing session. We first gathered in the Keymaster's room but IT problems with one of Choir's dodgy cables (oh and thanks for charging the camera, mate) meant we all moved to the penthouse. Missile kept bleating that his giant TV didn't work; Rocket showed him how to turn it on! The session pulled no punches and showed how lateral we had become, how often we were cutting out team mates by trying to run across them. The need to select the right time to pick and drive and the need to use your support once a break had been made. There was an awesome fight on the pitch.....between 3 six year old supporters that was finished ... read more

Saturday afternoon was the ideal day to wander down the dirt road behind Rooiberg Winery to find Saggy Stone micro-brewery in 'the middle of nowhere'! Well, it's pretty close to the Nuy Valley which is a beautiful corner of the Breede River Valley under the Langeberg. Saggy Stone produces it's own beers and offers tastings and lovely lunches on the weekends. Perfect, 'cos my neighbourhood back home was getting pretty noisy with kids, motorbikes and an electric bandsaw!!! (Can you believe!?) It was wonderful to get out and sit in a beautiful rustic environment and enjoy a tasty serving of prawns, delicious home-made chips and fresh salad! I chose an 'Irish Red' to wash it down with - all very reasonably priced. The menu is varied and the servings generous - they've got a play area ... read more

So the third match day commences. The Manager sees the Photographer and Surgeon off as the meet their taxi at 6.30am before nipping out for a jog (yep, starting to feel horribly unfit). All talk of a training sessions seems to have evaporated for the Key and Choir masters due to a dodgy prawn. Ears' Grandma Jenny was at the hotel bright and early with freshly laundered kit waiting for Kingsley to ride shotgun into the township. What weighty subjects would be discussed at breakfast? Einstein's theory of relativity? World politics? No none of the above, the debate focused on whether Captain was having Cornflakes or Frosties for breakfast. How could you tell? Sox got to the nub of the matter when he espoused that to know for sure there was a need to try them ... read more