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(message posted on 28th September 2006)
Hi Everybody!
Heres another update from the two most beige dressed travellers in SA. Since we last spoke we have left St Lucia. En route to the "Wild Coast" region, we had to stop one night in the Blackpool-esque city of Durban. The next day (Alec and Debbies anniversary by chance!) we woke to find that there were only 2 spare seats in the Backpackers Bus leaving to our next stop. Therefore the two gentlemen Alec and Lee let Debbie and Gemma ride in comfort (guess whos writing this update) and found alternative means for themselves. After some discussions with the locals and a short taxi ride into the center of Durban, we found ourselves at a dusty patch on the side of the motorway where a load of "combis" were parked. These are essentially Rascal vans with 15 seats nailed inside. We found the one going to Port St Johns and boarded along with 13 other locals. Lee got the window seat and alec got a rather comfy large lady who ate chicken for the first 2 hours. 4 hours later, we arrived at Port St Johns ahead of the girls whos only complaint was that the on board dvd wasnt very good!
Upon arrival at Pt St J, the owner of the hostel invited us to go for a boat trip around the estuary which we accepted as a good idea for seeing the nearby river and coast. We arrived at a wooden pier and stood on it awaiting our host's boat. This was when he fired up the engines on the back and the "pier" took off from the shores. It seemed that this was the boat he was talking about all along! The scenery arount PSJ was amazing and even though we felt that we had crashed the birthday party which was happening on the boat at the same time, it was lots of fun.
Later that night, to celebrate our one year anniversary, we had a bubble bath (our first in SA, much to Debbies enjoyment) and spag bol at the local restaurant, very romantic! Unfortunately, a tropical storm hit PSJ the next day and so we were forced to stay indoors and watch DVDs all day. The troops were slightly downtrodden until Alec found the Sly Stallone classic "Copland" in the collection and (he felt) everyone perked up a bit
After a long night of rain, no electricity and trying to stop the bar blowing away, we decided it was time to move on (though PSJ was very beautiful and highly recommended, pictures will follow as soon as we find a computer which doesnt outdate Debbie - even she has a USB port!) Our next stop was the very picturesque Cintsa. We stayed in what is reputedly SA's finest hostel called Buchaneers. Based on a hill, it offers dorms, double bedrooms and safari tents. Since it was fully booked Debbie and alec had to have a tent but when it came with a double bed and the most amazing view of the ocean, we didnt mind too much.
Today we have partaken in a 3 hour surfing school where I (Alec) made the mistake of stating that I had surfed before and so was given the only semi-professional board in the group. After an hour of bailing, I persuaded a German chap to swap with me and found it much easier (poor guy!). Debbie had her first experience of surfing and has shown the signs of becoming a future pro (Australia - bring it on!)
Were currently waiting for the bus to pick us up for our next stop, Port Elizabeth. Were only staying there for one night and then we hit the Garden Route which is supposedly the most beautiful area of coastline (and vinyards!) in SA.
We hope that everyone is well and are both very grateful for all of your messages.
Love to you all, Alec and Debbie
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