ConnHockey22

We arrived in Jo-burg early on Wednesday hoping that things would go smoothly so we could get to Pretoria and the third game versus Algeria on time. For once... They did. We picked up our third Chevy Aveo of the trip (this one was silver and named the Silver Bullet unlike the White Bullet and the Blue Bullet, the names I gave the first two Aveos) and headed North to the capital. I will say while not having any power at all (it felt like a 600 cc dirtbike engine when you hit the gas) the Aveos treated us well and will be remembered. Having boycotted GPS altogether and frankly, from being exhausted from traveling non-stop for over 3 weeks - the trip to our hotel in Pretoria was an adventure. I have no clue how, ... read more

Sorry for the short delay in posts, my BB was unable to send or receive emails for a few days. Well, we are nearly three weeks into the trip which is crazy. As with every trip, there are moments when you do start to get exhausted and miss your normal life in some way. This has already ranked up there as one of the best trips ever. Africa is more unique and far different than I couldve even imagined. You have seen and heard from me all of the little things that have been interesting and unique, and they continue to grow by the day. But on the same token, I am starting to feel the end of the trip and in some strange ways... I am ready for my own space, not living out of ... read more

First thing in the morning we headed to the airport to pick up our car around 830 AM. Little did we know we wouldn't be leaving the airport until nearly 11 AM. Friday was the opening day of the World Cup so the airport was PACKED with cheers and vuvuzellas (the horns you hear on TV) everywhere. We ran some errands, buying a converter and a road map because we don't trust GPS. We attempted to deal with the issues with my phone, but that was an epic fail. I went to two phone companies and waited for a total of 2 hours. Both of the piece of crap companies told me I would need their service and that my phone was locked and wouldn't work in SA. I tried to explain that it had been ... read more

The fourth day of our safari and its definitely everything I expected and more. I mean... I'm not even phased by seeing zebras and giraffes anymore because I have already seen so many. Its a really sad thing to think about - but its true. Today's plan was to visit the Rehab center and do another bush drive in the afternoon. The rehab center serves two purposes: to treat injured animals and to educate the public. Let me be clear, the point was made abundantly clear to us that it is not conservation. They save single animals, not entire species. But through those animals and education, they try to save species and promote awareness. Whether its with the locals (and telling them not to kill the animals) or through tourists (by raising awareness). The fact highlighted ... read more

Just to put it in perspective how incredible this place is, while I was typing this blog from the patio of our lodge, I had to take a break because I saw a giraffe walk by the deck I was sitting on (10 feet from me), and had to run to get some pictures. Now back to the details of the day... We were up for coffee and out into the bush by 545 for our morning 4-hour walk. Seriously? I thought this was vacation. We are not following the rules as it relates to staying away from certain foods or drinks. Everyone here does it, and they all seem healthy. Its all part of the experience and the reason Cipro was invented. I have religiously been taking my meds relating to the disease that matters ... read more