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Published: September 11th 2008
Smile!
Posing at the Blyde River Canyon on the way to Krueger National Park"A man without culture is like a zebra without stripes"
Days 5, 6 and 7 (September 7 - 9)
Sunday morning we had free time in Soweto. The parading musicians rounding the neighborhood since before dawn led some students to attend church services, others relaxed at Lebo's, and I joined 7 others on a bicycle tour given by Lebo himself. We learned a bit more about Soweto and had a good time darting through traffic (at least I did-- others weren't so sure.) Lebo is a celebrity in town, so everyone was smiling and waving at us. When the tour was over, it was time to load up the bus and leave Soweto. We gave Lebo and Maria a "Seattle Then & Now" book that we all signed as a thank you and as we pulled away, a crowd of kids were standing around him as he shwoed them Seattle. Some of the kids ran along side the bus waving as we drove down the street.
On our way to Pretoria we stopped for lunch at MonteCasino, a huge Vegas-like complex with a casino, tons of restaurants and shops and various entertainment options. After walking around in a glitz-filled
Bike Tour
Seriously... I wore a skirt. I am NOT a cyclist. daze, I realized that the slight depression I felt was all about culture shock. After being in Soweto surrounded by povery, it felt almost glutonous to be shopping, choosing between 10 or so restaurants and being served water in wine classes. In fact, I couldn't even justify playing in the casino when I'd rather donate the money I would most likely loose (after I won $50 on a scratch-off card at Safeway last year, I figure my gambling luck has met its quota) Two of our students were excited about the casino, and after spending most of their time there, reported back that they had lost 2400 Rand between the two of them (about $325). A silent moment passed, and then one of them stated, "Wow-- for what we lost, someone could have paid rent in Kliptown for more than 10 years." That sums it up better than I ever could.
We had four more business visits the next day, and a heat wave at the same time-- business suits and nylons are no fun in 100 degree weather! I was able to catch up on blog-writing at the internet cafe, and then it was time to start my
Lebo's
The hostel most of our group stayed at, and the bikes out front before our tour. malaria medication and go to bed early in order to be up early for the drive to Kruger National Park.
We checked out of the hotel and were on the road by 7am. Including breaks and a lunch stop, we should have arrived around 4:30pm. Should have. Instead, on our second break over-looking the Blyde River Canyon, our coach bus decided to break down in 100 degree heat with little shelter. While we waited for a mechanic, or another bus (whichever arrived first was fine by me), we took pictures and admired the scenery. After the first hour of that, we went into "stay cool mode" with half of us hudled under the sade of one of the very few trees, and the other half in the sade of the bus. Sitting on the bus itself was like a sauna, and we were at the point of rationing water and granola bars when the new bus showed up. That was a close one! =)
We arrived at
Sefapane Lodge an hour or so later, and it was like heaven. Cool drinks to greet us, mosquito-netted beds (which by the way, are much more romantic when not used as malaria
Let's see Seattle!
Lebo and Maria show the kids our town. prevention), and a 5am wake up call the next morning for our first drive into "the Kruger"! It was SO easy to sleep after that long day.
I hope Court has no problems with her flight! See you soon! And happy retirement, Karen! Next blog coming soon...
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CJ
non-member comment
Bus breakdown equels more adventure!
Nothing like a trip with transportation issues! Love your phots!!! I'm in Cape Town. And will see you tonight!