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Home again, for a while...
i keep looking at the pictures from Africa, and i really miss being there and I miss some people...
Some memories of South Africa and CApe Town, after a period of 2 month that I spent in Romania, not much that I remember, but the time there had to be lived intensively so I didn't hav eto much time to write the blog...happens !:) After "a few drops of wine" with the new friend sI have made...:)
A huge variety of landscapes, climates and cultures are crammed into Africa's southern tip - 11 official languages, for a start. It's a truly spectacular, friendly place in my opininon: sipping some wine from the Cape winelands, hiking up Table Mountain in the midday sun.
After Megs, Becks and Gaz's departure on the road trip i was alone in Cape Town, met Tim from time to time, and I explored a bit of RSA's tragic history, visiting the District Six Museum, The Slavery and National Museum. There is no denying that poverty, violence and AIDSare all part of the past and future of South AFrica, but the overwhelming friendliness of the people is probably the most vivid memory that I took home with me. :)
The major part of Cape Town's allure is the 1073 m -high mountain slap bang in the centre of the City Bowl: Table Mountain, the city's most induring image.
After a drive of 70 km south me and Alex found the Cape of Good Hope, the south-western most point of AFrica, with the rented VWm, which I crashed against a police car....uppppsy....and scratched the street pillars with the mirrors, because I am not used to drive on the "other" side.
Other "happy moments" from CApe Town: try to sneak in at Boulders Beach to view the pengiuns, drink Hunter's Cider out of a big bottle from the bottle store next to the hostel and go to concerts in the small pubs on Long Street.
THe last day i grabbed one last big bottle of Cider and jumed in a taxi to go to the airport, and got to London in "no time"....18 hours, but in good company i met in the plane. :)
And now, I am home. thinking back of the good sunny days and happy, sometimes messy :) nights: How do I capture the essence of Africa on paper without using every clichee?
No other continent comes close to it for scale, variety and pure raw impact.
Where else in the world could I fall asleep to the sound of lions roaring (Antelope Park)? Some parts of Africa were so spectacular that they had damn near blown my mind, but the essence of the Continent isn't in any desert, mountain or lake. It's in the spirit of the people - pushing, sweating, dancing, singing and laughing - that's what makes me want to come back , against all sense and reason.
All in all, Africa is not an easy place to travel in. It can be frustrating at times to be out there alone or with some people you just don't seem to ride the same wave even if you would absolutely love to, but that's what makes it challenging for me at times. Hardships and logistical disaster can happen, an eternal run after Wi-Fi, which we can find anywhere at home, but it's worth missing all the technology to experience Africa the way the locals do, live it their way and the most important of it all (especially for parents): DON't believe everything that you see on Tv! Africa is not a hell hole full of civil war, plague, famine and violent crime.
It's a fantastic, enlightening, surprising and intriguing continent, which I was dreaming about since a was a little girl, I've been there, tried it on my own skin and the "marks" are so deep that I am just dreaming of going back there as soon as possible, although the world is so big and enchanting and i am sure that there are other stunning places to go to.
So then, end of Chapter: Africa.
Looking forward to more Happy travels!
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