South Africa

Please click here for Return to South Africa Winter of 2016-2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The African land of Milk and Honey

After traveling through some of the craziest parts of Africa over the last five months, South Africa seemed like such a long time away, and finally we got in here.

One of the most developed countries in Africa that has seen its share of struggles, this country pretty much has it all-hospitality, bars, restaurants, nightlife, small villages, beautiful mountains, rolling hills, a lovely coastline etc etc etc.

We first stopped into a Winery stuck in the highlands in the North and stayed here for two nights while we enjoyed the different varieties of wine they had as well as the lush landscape…

The coastline was wonderful as first we went to the Cape Agulhas where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet…

Then it was time for a bucket list activity which was Cage Diving with Great White Sharks in Hermanus…..this was a lovely town that had a small type feel to it with many things to do in the vicinity….

Coming into Capetown we ran across a colony of penguins that were not afraid of humans and even posed for pictures it seemed sometime.

THEN CAPETOWN, this is where many people who I have been with for five months would get off and a few more would get on…..but I walked around this beautiful city and ate some of the best food and sampled some of the best wine I ever have….Will I be back again…..HELL YEA

Angola and Cabinda

One of the most scenic countries I have seen, and just 16 years removed from Civil War…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cabinda

Cabinda is technically apart of Angola, but is separated from the rest of Angola by a narrow strip of land of DRC.(SEE MAP BELOW)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consisting mostly of tropical rain forests, this republic or enclave has some of the largest off field oil reserves in the world.  It accounts for perhaps about 60 percent of Angola’s oil production but is also one of the poorest areas.  After Portuguese rule, it was given to Angola, but many of the people consider it an independent country as a lot of guerrilla activity takes place (although we saw none and people remained very nice).

 

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Angola

This country has had its share of problems since the Portuguese gave it up some years ago.  Most of the Portuguese who lived there after it came under Communist rule with help from Cuba, left the country which accounted for most of its skilled workforce and thus plunging their economy into bankruptcy.

The Land

This is probably some of the most beautiful lands I have seen.  From Tropical Rain Forests in Cabinda, to jungles,to a desert landscape, this country has it all.  The sky was always beautiful and the beauty of the trees and the land will always stay etched in my mind.  The highlight was camping below the Christo Rei statue over looking one of the cities.  The capital of Luanda has a very western feel to it and is also getting very expensive.  But just look at the different landscapes below and you will agree that it is a country of natural beauty!!!  If you don’t believe me, just look for yourself below:

The People

With being able to communicate with a lot of the people and seeing how happy they were, I really enjoyed talking to them and meeting them.  Most of them spoke Portuguese but easily understood by me because of Spanish, helped me communicate and learn about them.  They all loved their pictures being taken and even would do some poses.  The kids were always extremely friendly and loved to chat and know about us. The way the people dressed here was beautiful and always had a lot of color.  A lot of the kids wore colored ribbons in their hair which looked lovely. The gallery below will show you all….

DRC

  People are welcoming and friendly to all outsiders, despite the bad press

 

 

 

A quick four night jaunt through the DRC was something that I was always looking forward too.  We did not hit any major towns and stayed pretty close to the ocean as we made our way on muddy red dirt roads (which is the main road running through the country).  We had to put up several times with rigs stuck in the mud, which delayed our journey sometimes.

It was a country full of friendly people always willing to help you out.  The scenery was beautiful as it was situated right in the tropics.  Humidity and Heat were always at an all time high.  Rain was almost evident pretty much every single afternoon.

It is a shame that DRC gets so much bad press as all the problems they have in the country.  But with many of the people wanting to make a change, I for see a great future for this country.  As we left this country, we were sad that we could not see more, but there is always time for that in the future…..