South Africa to Ocala

Gene was definitely antsy. He had been in South Africa since Nov. 18 and was longing for home. I lost track of how many times he packed, repacked, rearranged, etc, but it kept him busy. We had two small carry on suitcases, my canvas bag to sling over my shoulder, his Jansport backpack and a small plastic bag with snacks.

Louis drove us to the airport at 11:30 - plenty of time for our 2:30 flight. Our Kulula flight was delayed 30 minutes, but not a problem for connecting flight in Johannesburg. Gene paced, I bought "Faith Like Potatoes" and read.

The suitcases fit into the overhead bins, for which we breathed a sigh of relief. Our seatmate, Pam, enjoyed the pictures Gene had taken of Capetown and surrounding areas. She said it inspired her to make a trip there and reacquaint herself with the town.

At one point, the fluffy, white clouds looked like white islands on a sea of blue. They then changed to look like large mountains. It was like being in a fairy land.

We arrived in Johannesburg a few minutes after 5:00 and made our way to the Delta check in area. We were flying on "stand-by" basis, so waited to see if there would be seats for us. We had already heard from Penny that she & Emma had had difficulty getting home because of spring break. We later learned it took them 6 days and a circuitous route from Johannesburg to Amsterdam to Detroit to Washington DC (also Cherry Blossom Festival there) to Atlanta. We spoke with one group who had been coming to the airport since Tues. evening to wait for seats.
There is only one direct flight from Johannesburg to Atlanta daily. They also take on cargo, so if the weight limit has been reached, any more cargo & stand by passengers have to wait for the next flight. Only a couple of people made it onto the flight. The rest of us went to the ticket counter to get our stand by "tickets" for Saturday. Now, what do we do for 24 hours?

We saw a sign with arrow that said "hotel", so we followed the signs. Unknown to us at the time, a new hotel had been built on top of the parking garage and had opened only three weeks before. When we inquired about the rates, they told us there was a special that weekend. Instead of R1370 (approx $190) per night, it was only R1090 (approx. $150). Ok, my lightening fast mind calculated comfortable bed & shower vs trying to sleep on a bench in the airport and decided it was well worth the money. We settled in and Gene soon discovered the AC/heating unit would only give out cool air (we wanted warm). The door also had to be slammed to close properly. He went to the front desk to mention these items, and the night clerk returned with him to check it out. Although nothing could be fixed at that moment, the clerk said we would receive a complimentary breakfast the next morning "for our inconvenience". What a treat we had in store!

We had a great night's sleep. About 9:00am we sauntered to the restaurant where we had our "English" breakfast. A continental breakfast was fruit only. The "English", on the other hand, was eggs - cooked to one's specifications, bacon, sausage, ham, toast, a wide variety of fruits, nuts, seeds, coffee or tea, juice, yogurt, and cereals, if you desired. The atmosphere was serene and the servers were very attentive, clearing away used dishes and offering more coffee, etc. A most delightful experience.

Gene found an internet cafe where we could alert family to our delay. We decided to take advantage of the extended stay, paying a little extra to stay in the room until 6:00pm instead of checking out at 11:00am. I was able to relax and be in comfortable surroundings for the rest of the day.

We gathered our belongings, checked out and went back down to the Delta counter. Gene had been down earlier to check in with the "stand-by" clerk. What I didn't know was that he had told him if there was only one seat available, he wanted me to have it. He would wait for another flight. We saw some of the same folks we had spoken to the evening before. We were becoming a small family - listening to each others stories and reasons for going to the States. As several were given boarding passes, we would rejoice with them that they had made the flight. Then the young bearded man behind the counter called "Watson". I eagerly responded. There was only one seat. I knew I had to take it even though I didn't want to leave Gene. Gene wheeled the "trolley" down to security where he had to leave me. I got my suitcase, canvas bag, etc on the conveyor belt and passed through with no problem. This was not the time for a panic attack.
I repeated, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13) several times as I got into the queue to wait to present my passport for stamping. I was just about to the desk when the young bearded man came up to me and said "Your husband". I replied, "He didn't make this flight." He turned and pointed back to security and there was Gene coming through!!!!! I was estatic!!!! I jumped up and down several times (didn't know I could clear the ground like that) and said "Thank you" about a dozen times. He said, "We need to hurry." I thought to myself, "Hurry is not my best speed." He took my canvas bag and I started off pulling my little suitcase behind me. It wasn't long before he and Gene caught up with me. Gene took the canvas bag and the young man took my suitcase. I now was free to trot along behind them as fast as my little legs could go. I am sure the sight would have qualified for "America's Funniest Home Videos." It seemed like a very long way before we came to the next checkpoint.
The bags were checked quickly and then we went though the "pat down". I'm glad they check everyone thoroughly, but we were a bit pressed for time. The young man escorted us all the way to the last point where our boarding passes were taken. I again thanked him profusely and we boarded the plane. We took our seats (in business class) at 8:10pm. The plane was to leave at 8:20 - it lifted off at 8:30. We were both thanking Jesus that we were on the same plane.

It wasn't until later that Gene shared the "rest of the story". He went back to the ticket counter to get his next "stand by" ticket for Sunday. The young man had raced past him, gone behind the counter and was typing away at the computer while talking to someone on his cell phone. He looked up at Gene and said, "Go!" As they were racing down the corridor, he said, "The plane is full, but I'm going to try to get you on." And that he did! God bless him!

The flight was anticlimatic after the race through the airport. We landed in Atlanta at 7:05am on Sunday - Easter. We had set our watches back 6 hours, so it's actually a 15 - 16 hour flight. Once in Atlanta, we had more security & passport showing to go through, then to the next gate to catch our flight to Orlando. The gate number had changed from B5 on our ticket to B21. When I asked where it was changed to, the lady said "B21 - at the other end and they are boarding now." "Of course it is and of course they are", I said. Gene put the luggage in a wheelchair and headed towards B21. I came along at my own semi-fast pace. When everyone with tickets had boarded, we approached the desk and explained we were "stand-by". There were 2 seats up front and they assigned us to them. Praise the Lord!

The hour flight seemed to be over almost as soon as it began. We were almost home. At the Orlando airport we rented a car and made the last leg of our journey. We arrived at our home at 1:30pm. Glad to be back, weary, but happy.

It was an exciting and wonderful trip. I am so glad we had the opportunity to go. It has whet my appetite for more travel, but I think I want to stick with our Roadtrek camper van for awhile.

Thanks for reading along.

God's blessings to all.

City Sightseeing Bus

Wednesday dawned a gorgeous day. Perfect for our trip on the City Bus Tour also known as "Hop on Hop off" tour. We rode past places we had visited previously - Castle of Good Hope and lower cable car to Table Mountain and then out to Camp's Bay. We rode on the upper deck and had a great perspective for taking pictures. At Camp's Bay we got off to eat lunch at Nando's. I didn't read the menu properly, so ordered "mild" chicken. It was actually mild peri-peri sauce on the chicken, which is anything but mild. It was delicious though. We took several pictures of the Bay, pretty white beach, etc and then boarded the next bus that came by. The buses run every 20 minutes, so it's never a very long wait. We traveled past Sea Point, the Waterfront, St. George's Cathedral, the Company Gardens (where we had taken pictures on Tues.) and then got off close to Cat & Moose. My legs were very happy with me.

The weather has been in the high 70's with very little rain. It gets quite windy sometimes, but it's very much like Florida weather without the humidity. As their seasons are opposite ours, it is just now starting into autumn. It's hard for me to think of Christmas in summer and Easter in the fall.

They drive on the left hand side of the road and I had to be careful to look both ways several times to make sure I was crossing the street at the right time. To quote the "Best of Capetown Central City" - "The driving is notoriously appalling. Changing lanes without indicating, unexpectedly veering across lanes upon missing turnoffs..that sort of thing." Just because the indicator light said it was safe to cross did not mean it was so. And they love their horns. For the least reason (or none at all), they give a loud toot or continuous blast. One has to develop nerves of steel.

Thursday was our wind down, do laundry, go to internet cafe, pack it up day. Gene packed & repacked several times. We weren't sure if the new suitcase would fit into the overhead when full, so wanted to make sure we had essentials with us if we had to check it instead of carry on.

I'll end here. Next segment will be our trip home - quite eventful.

God's blessings to all.

More Adventures from South Africa

We took a trip by train (Metro Rail) from Capetown to Fish Hoek on False Bay. The water was beautiful shades of blue and aqua. We saw a small fishing boat come into shore dragging the net and then closing it up into a circle. Several people on the beach, including small children, helped drag the main line into shore. We ate delicious calamari, hake and chips (french fries) there. The calamari is deep fat fried and very tender, unlike the calamari I've tried here.

We then boarded a City to City bus which took us to Simons Town and a taxi took us the rest of the way to Boulders Beach. We saw African penguins in their natural habitat. They are evidently used to people being around them as they didn't run away.

We returned to Fish Hoek, took the train to the next stop, Kalk Bay, where Gene wanted me to try some of the delicious ice cream sold across the street from the station. He was right - it was delicious. We met a lady who was visiting her son in Muizenberg and we chatted while waiting for the next train. She is originally from Boston and now lives in Wisconsin.

Our next "small world encounter" came as we neared our destination of Capetown. Gene took a picture of Table Mountain and I was telling the gentleman sitting across from me that we don't have mountains in Florida. A young student asked where we were from and to our reply of "Ocala", he said "No way - I'm from Melrose." (This is near Gainesville) He and 3 other students are studying at the university in Capetown for a year.

The next day (Tuesday) we walked down to the Castle of Good Hope and took the tour. It was built by the Dutch from 1666 - 1679. The British took it over, then the Dutch again, then the British again until it became the possession of South Africa in 1928.

Gene started the "practice pack" on Tuesday evening. We bought another small carry on suitcase to hold all our treasures we've bought. Gene has an amazing talent for packing twice as much into a space as I can. I gladly leave that task to him.

That's all for now. Will be back later.

God's blessings to all.

Staying in a Hostel

Staying at Long Street Backpackers and then Cat & Moose Backpackers Lodge was a new experience for me. Both of these hostels had dorm rooms and private rooms. At Cat & Moose our room was on ground level and we walked upstairs to the shared kitchen and dining area. The actual building was built in 1791. The owners names are Leo = Lion - hence "Cat" and the other fellow, very large, "Moose". This information was provided by John, one of the young men who manned the receptionist desk. In our room, some of the plaster had been cut away to show the original brick of the building. The floors were large tiles. There were no windows in our room, but with it facing the courtyard, it had an airy, spacious feeling.

I met a couple from the U.K. who had just come from Tanzania. He had worked in the library and she taught Journalism to the students there. Natalie and Leslie, from Belgium, had been volunteering in a day care center in Port Elizabeth and were now on "holiday". Jumpei & Momoe, a young couple from Japan, have been traveling throughout several continents since 2007, including Australia, North & South America. I watched in fascination as another young man from Japan showed them how to make "dumplings". It was a 2 1/2 hour process from cutting up cabbage, spring onions & garlic & mixing with ground beef, making the dough, rolling into small, flat circles, then filling with the mixture and pinching closed and cooking/steaming them. It was certainly a labor intensive project. Gene asked if this was a long time family recipie. No, he saw it on a cooking channel. Cooking is his hobby. We all got a good laugh on that. Momoe later wrote in Gene's journal that she enjoyed having me watch the proceedings "like a Mom".

We met Christian from Germany, John from U.K. and Eric from Colorado & Egypt. His uncle actually lives here in Ocala. Yes, it's a small world.

I only cooked a couple meals in the kitchen as eating out was fairly inexpensive. Besides, I was on "holiday." I'm so used to having my own pots & pans both at home & in the RV, that it stretched me a bit to figure out what I should use for what. I succeeded in serving up a meal of spaghetti (sauce from a jar) and salad. Gene seemed quite happy with it.

The main entrance and doors to many of the rooms had iron gates. One had to punch in a code at the main gate to gain entrance. This is to keep the street beggers, of which there are many, from coming in. There are signs posted not to give the street beggers money. Shelters and food are provided for them (much like the Salvation Army) if they choose, but tourists are approached on a regular & persistant basis asking for food or money. This was the only depressing part of the trip.

In Capetown, one hears Afrikaan and English spoken in a variety of accents. By the time I left, I could understand most of the English spoken to me, but still had to ask things to be repeated. I had to chuckle when the greeter at church said, "I love your accent." Gee, I thought I was talking normal and she had the accent.

All in all, I enjoyed my stay at the hostels, meeting people from around the world, hearing the various languages & dialects. I moved out of my "comfort zone", my perspective has been altered - and that's a good thing.

Until tomorrow - God's blessings to all.

Picture Time

On Table Mtn looking towards ocean & Devil's Peak.

A very persistant flower growing from crevice in the rock.

"Dassie" rock badger

African Penguins

Mural on wall at laundramat.

Table Mtn with "tablecloth" partly covering it.

Group of young people staying at Long Street Backpackers. They had just come from volunteering at a nearby orphanage. We watched the "carnival" (parade) together from balcony.



St. George's Cathedral

I saw several women carrying their toddlers in this shawl arrangement tied around them. The Mom has free hands and the child is safe.

South Africa Part 2

I guess I had better clear up the dates. I actually arrived in Capetown on March 18 and Gene & I will fly out from Capetown tomorrow (Apr 2) and should be back in Ocala on Sat. Apr. 3.

Usually I post my blog on our laptop when we're traveling, but I'm posting from an internet cafe - R5 for an hour - which is very reasonable.
It does put a time restriction on me, thus the hasty departure on last blog.

To pick up where I left off---Last Wed. after we left the internet cafe, we went to Mariam's cafe at Holiday Inn Express for another taste treat (for me). It was Chips Gatsby. French fries and ketchup are put inside the sandwich bun with lettuce, tomato and cucumber. It was delicious. We walked through Trafalgar Street where the flower vendors have the most amazing display of flowers for sale. Unfortunately I did not have my camera with me. It was sensory overload with colors and fragrances of roses, beautiful lilies and many flowers I did not recognize.

We walked over to visit Evelyn at her booth, and she asked me to pick out something I liked. I found two candleholders with intricately carved elephants. I asked her how much and she said she was giving them to me.
What a blessing!

On our way back to our room, we stopped at Mr. Pickwick's for a milkshake. Gene had said they were delicious, but he understated it. It was almost a pint of ice cream in a little liquid. We shared it as neither one would have been able to master it on our own. That was our supper!

We met the girls in the room next to ours. One girl is in the Peace Corp here and her sister had come to visit from Atlanta, GA. She had been on the same flight on the 17th/18th as we were. It was a little strange hearing an American accent after the variety of accents we've been enjoying such as German, Scandanavian, Asian and a wide variety of English.

Thursday we did laundry R10 for the washer & R10 for the dryer. Afterwards we walked down to Green Market Square to give pictures to Evelyn, Sean, Phineas & Gerald. They really enjoy receiving the pictures. I guess not many tourists bring pictures back to them.

We took a minivan taxi ie suicide taxi down to Victoria & Albert Waterfront and took pictures of the harbor, Table Mountain, South Africa fur seals again and then went through the Aquarium. We watched the 2:00 feeding of the African penguins, then feeding of the predator fish. A mama stingray had given birth to 6 "pups" the night before and we were able to see them in a special tank. There were so many species of acquatic life that I had never seen before. I was enthralled with the box jellyfish. They are tiny, translucent creatures that seem too fragile to survive - until you consider the 4 long, trailing tentacles. My other favorite was the seahorses with their little fins propelling them around.
Gene's favorite was the ragged tooth shark (not man eating). We finally dragged ourselves away and walked back to our room. A longer walk than I had anticipated - about an hour, but on top of the walking I had already done, I felt like my little legs were nubs. I slept really well that night.

Friday was another exciting day. We took a taxi to lower cable car and rode it up to the top of Table Mountain. Gene had hiked part of it previously. I knew better than to even attempt it. As our car went up, the cloud cover came down. When the cloud covers the mountain, they say "the tablecloth is on the mountain". Very appropriate because you cannot see a thing. We knew this was my only chance to see the city, harbor, bays, etc below, so we stayed and prayed it would lift. We purchased a heavy scarf for me and cap for Gene in the gift shop. It was breezy, damp and cool. We spent our time walking the paths. I took some interesting pictures of rock formations in the mists, little flowers growing out of rock crevices and "dassies" - a rock badger. We had hot chocolate & oatmeal cookies, (met a delightful young couple from Switzerland who had been to Florida) then pizza later. After 3 1/2 hours of patient waiting, the cloud lifted and we were rewarded with the dazzling sight of the ocean on one side and the city below on the other. We took pictures as fast as our little fingers could press the buttons. Forty minutes later, the mist came rolling in again. We took the cable car down and I set my camera on "movie". The floor of the cable car revolves, so I was able to get a wonderful panorama coming down the mountain. We took a taxi back to our room and since I still had some life in me, we walked to Caramello's for supper. I had Fillet Medalilons (beef) in red wine & mushroom sauce with potato wedges and salad. Gene had Chicken al Furno also with potato wedges and salad. For those of you who know I was restricting my carb intake to shed a few pounds, I'm eating all the carbs I can get to keep my strength up! My dessert was a chocolate eclair - oh was it ever good!

I will bring this segment to a close while I have time to sign off properly.
The remainder of our adventures will be posted from home.

God's blessings to all.